“It tingled as if we had gone through an anthill.” Young People with Intellectual Disability and Their Experiences with Relationship, Sexuality and Contraception

Retznik L, Wienholz S, Höltermann A, Conrad I, Riedel-Heller S-G

Abstract

In summary, literature shows that people with intellectual disability tend to have less and later sexual experience than persons without disability. They have limited opportunities to meet potential partners but the same human need for intimate romantic relationships. The sample included 42 people with mild to moderate intellectual disability between 14 and 25years. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in schools and sheltered workshops. The interview guide was translated in easy to read language. The interviews were evaluated with the qualitative content analysis. Most of the respondents have had a relationship and met their partners in professional and school context. Their contacts are reduced to the encounters there. One third have had intercourse experience. Difculty existed in the search for an undisturbed place and partner selection. A large part of women take hormonal long-acting reversible contraception. The sexual lives of young people with intellectual disability are still partly restricted due to a lack of access. More inclusive activities should be ofered and provided with an appropriate retreat for togetherness. Applicable graphic informational material and sex education on sexuality, relationship and contraception is required in easy language.