Women with intellectual disability: their sexual lives in the 21st Century

Background The aim of this paper was to give an overview of, and a commentary on, research demonstrating what women with intellectual disability are saying about their intimate relationships and sexual lives in the 21st century.

Method A literature search was undertaken for qualitative studies, published in English since 2011, in which the authors spoke directly and at length to women with intellectual disability. The method was based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (http://www.casp-uk.net).

Results Five studies, from the UK, USA, and Australia, were found to fit the criteria. The numbers of participants in the studies ranged from 9 to 17. All involved women with mild to moderate intellectual disability.

Discussion Though not universal, it is negative perceptions, negative experiences, thwarted ambitions, and abuse that dominate the narratives of the women with intellectual disability when they are asked about their sexual lives.

Conclusion Women with intellectual disability need help in developing their self-esteem, sex education that emphasises female sexual pleasure and assessing risk, as well as peer support. Wider structural, social, and service-level changes are also needed, and these are discussed, along with suggestions for enhancing women's ability to exercise a greater degree of control over their sexual lives.