Since 1988, the University of Michigan has offered a dedicated gynecology clinic for adolescents and women with disabilities. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to providing family-centered care with compassion and respect. We are committed to developing a plan of care that meets the needs of each patient and her family.
We evaluate and treat patients from childhood through later adulthood, giving special consideration to the needs of our patient population. For example, our exam tables are electronic, able to raise and lower, to accommodate patients with mobility concerns. Trained staff are also available to assist in positioning for the physical exam.
We commonly see patients in the gynecology clinic for adolescents and women with disabilities with a wide range of underlying diagnoses, including but not limited to:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Trisomy 21
- Genetic Disorders - Rett Syndrome, Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, and many more
- Cognitive Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Seizure Disorders
Our clinic evaluates and treats various gynecological issues in adolescents and women with disabilities, including:
- Difficulty with menstrual hygiene
- Perimenstrual behavioral problems
- Heavy or painful menses
- Precocious or delayed puberty
- Sexual education and teaching appropriate boundaries
- Contraception
- Ovarian cysts
- Vaginitis
- Vulvar skin disorders
- Breast masses
In addition to comprehensive diagnostics and the latest therapeutic services for conditions affecting adolescents and women with disabilities, we also offer routine gynecologic examination and Pap smear consultation.
Patients benefit from access to our social worker/certified sex therapist and may receive counseling and resources regarding sexual education and sexual assault prevention. We also have specialized nursing staff trained to work with those who have disabilities.