Overview
The Primary Care Provider's Guide to Women's Health and Down Syndrome was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society to help physicians and other health care providers understand unique considerations when providing care for women with Down syndrome. The lead author was Hannah Graham, MD, a physician at our clinic.
Primary Care Provider's Guide to Women's Health and Down Syndrome .png "opens in new window")
Description
According to the National Down Syndrome Society website:
The Primary Care Provider’s (PCPs) Guide to Women’s Health and Down Syndrome is a comprehensive resource designed to educate PCPs about the nuanced healthcare needs of women with Down syndrome and provide strategies to care for this patient population. Through patient case studies, this resource discusses gynecological care, period hygiene, reproductive health, menstruation management, menopause, osteoporosis, and more. PCPs can access this information through a traditional guidebook or eLearning course.
This resource is designed for PCPs however we strongly encourage families and caregivers to share this guide with their loved one's provider. While families and caregivers may benefit from reading through this resource, the information is not intended to replace medical care.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Importance of Learning about Women's Health and Down Syndrome
How Women with Down Syndrome Learn
Case 1 - Menarche, Period Hygiene, HPV Vaccination
Case 2 - Menorrhagia, Dysmenorrhea, Birth Control, Period Suppression
Case 3 - Oligomenorrhea and Amenorrhea, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Case 4 - PMS and PMDD
Case 5 - Cervical Cancer, Pelvic Exams, Bacterial Vaginitis and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Infections, STI Testing
Case 6 - Sexual Exploitation, Disclosure
Case 7 - Guardianship and Sexual Activity, Assessing for Consent
Case 8 - Pregnancy, Sterilization
Case 9 - Menopause, Osteoporosis, Breast Cancer
Case 10 - Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Fibroids, Ovarian Cancer and Endometrial Cancer
Conclusion
Resources
Appendix
References
Additional resources are available in the Women's Health section of our Resource Library.