Cerebral Palsy & Women's Health | Cerebral Palsy Research Network

Women with cerebral palsy struggle to find access to preventative health care. Despite laws in the US that are intended to ensure access to physical spaces, many doctor’s offices and hospitals still lack accessible patient rooms and equipment (adjustable tables, lifts and accessible mammography machines) that would allow proper examinations of people with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy.

All women need to have access to Pap smears and mammograms! They may need to research nearby hospitals and clinics that provide these services, or, ask for accommodations to ensure regular examinations and testing, especially since early stages often have no noticeable symptoms.

What is a Pap smear or Pap test? A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove sample cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it. In addition to screening for human papillomavirus or HPV, viruses that may cause cervical cancer, a Pap smear may also help find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation. A Pap smear is usually done at the same time as a pelvic exam and may also be done at the same time as a test for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Self-collection cervical cancer screening–an alternative to traditional HPV screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s detected early. Cervical cancer develops when the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, has cells that start to grow abnormally and turn into cancerous cells. Regular screenings are a critical method for the early detection of abnormal cell growth that may lead to cancer over time, particularly because there are often no symptoms of early stages of cervical cancer.

The CDC states that even individuals who have been vaccinated for HPV, should still have regular cervical cancer screening beginning at 21 years of age. If you are 30-65 years of age the CDC recommends speaking with your provider about appropriate testing options for you or your loved one. Once you reach 65 years old speak to your doctor about the need for continuing screening.

In 2024 the FDA approved a self-collection alternative for traditional HPV cervical cancer screening. This is an option that you may wish to discuss with your provider particularly if you or your loved one has been unable to get a traditional screening or Pap smear (Pap test) perhaps because of difficulty with positioning or a lot of pain associated with a regular exam. The patient would be given a swab to collect a sample in the provider’s office. The sample would be self-collected from around the cervix and would be sent to a lab to specifically test for the HPV virus. Discuss the risks/benefits for your unique situation with your medical providers.

If you need a breast or cervical cancer screening the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. They have a search function for you to locate nearby resources. It is still wise to ask about accessibility and accommodations to ensure that you have the access you need. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/about/screenings.html

For more information about cerebral palsy and women’s health, visit https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health

For more information about healthcare access under ADA you may wish to contact the ADA National network: https://adata.org

Disparities in healthcare for people with disabilities, particularly women, is a critical health issue. Below is a comprehensive research brief published by the ADA national network that discusses this issue and the attention it needs.

https://adata.org/research_brief/research-brief-health-care-access-and-ada

References for this section:

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/hpv-human-papillomavirus

Cerebral Palsy and Women’s Health: Pregnancy

Young women with cerebral palsy need to be asked the same questions about sexuality and interest in pregnancy as individuals without disabilities. In fact, most women with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, are medically capable of having children and even having a vaginal delivery (as opposed to a C-section) but often aren’t asked about their interest in having a child.

The answer to whether pregnancy is a consideration impacts access to resources and the individual’s reproductive health. Women with cerebral palsy need to understand the impact of their disability during childbearing and have access to the resources they need.

If the individual has epilepsy or other associated or additional medical conditions, it’s important for the clinician to discuss potential risks and the impact of medication that is being taken to treat these conditions since they may affect conception or the development of the fetus^[1] .

Pregnant women with cerebral palsy can be supported during their pregnancy and post-partum by having access to to physical and occupational therapy professionals. Sometimes during pregnancy, a woman with cerebral palsy may experience a loss in mobility and they could be at increased risk for falling or impaired balance^[2] . Therapists can help with providing strength and balance exercises and may recommend assistive mobility devices during the pregnancy and periods of reduced mobility^[3].

https://adata.org/research_brief/research-brief-health-care-access-and-ada

For more information regarding cerebral palsy and women’s health, visit https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health

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Cerebral Palsy and Women’s Health: Pregnancy

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Cerebral Palsy & Women’s Health

Cerebral Palsy and Women’s Health: Pregnancy

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