Issues Of Sexuality Marriage And Family In Down Syndrome

Many children with Down syndrome dream of dating, getting married, and someday having a family of their own. With mental retardation being one of the hallmarks of Down syndrome, it is difficult for these children – when they reach adulthood – to accomplish these dreams. In the past, mental retardation was equated to permanent childhood but as the years have gone by and there is more accurate knowledge regarding Down syndrome it has been discovered that adults with Down syndrome have the same intimacy needs and sexual feelings as that of the general population of adults.

Adolescents who have Down syndrome go through puberty in much the same was as other teens. They have the same sexual, physical, and mental changes and desires that everyone else has although it may be delayed in some. It is important for parents to educate their disabled children about sexuality in the same way they would their other kids except on their cognitive level. The incidence of masturbation in adolescents with Down syndrome is much the same as that of the regular population. It is considered a healthy form of self-gratification that proves the needs and desires of the Down's person.

Dating is a normal part of adolescent social development and should be encouraged among the Down syndrome population. They should be prepared for and taught the social behaviors of dating. There have been incidences of Down syndrome couples marrying but the successful ones live among the support of their families or other support systems.

Contraception is typically a major concern among the family members of Down syndrome people in a relationship. Oral contraceptives are the most widely used birth control among the female Down's population because with methods such as the barrier methods most of the Down's women need supervision using such products. Other popular methods are the Depo Provera injection and the Norplant implant. They are better than the birth control pill in that there is no daily commitment. However, there are more side effects related to irregular bleeding and cycles that cause these methods to be discontinued. Women with Down syndrome as a general rule are fertile and have regular cycles the same way everyone else does. Men with Down syndrome however, are basically infertile. There are only two documented cases of men with Down's fathering children. However, slight the chance of impregnation, it is still important for the woman to use contraception unless the families believe the couple is capable of raising a child. It is important to note that 50% of all conceptions to a Down syndrome woman will result in an infant with Down syndrome or other mental retardation issues or deformities.

Along with the concern of pregnancy is the issue of sexually transmitted diseases. Since condoms are the only prevention of STD's and barrier methods of protection are not feasible for Down syndrome people, more and more people are contracting various diseases. Even though they have mental disabilities, it is important to make certain that people with Down syndrome have adequate instruction on sexuality, dating, marriage, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. These individuals have the ability and the right to develop relationships in this manner and can be successful with guidance from parents and caretakers

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