Termination of pregnancy and women's sexuality.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of termination of pregnancy (TOP) on women's sexuality.


METHODS
Prospective qualitative and quantitative study.


METHODS
103 women undergoing induced abortion by vacuum aspiration, interviewed 1-3 weeks before surgery and 6 months later.


RESULTS
After TOP, patients described symptoms of fatigue (39%), feelings of guilt (35%), sadness (34%) and anxiety (29%). Thirty-one percent of women presented at least one sexual dysfunction, 18% a decrease in sexual desire, 17% orgasmic disorders, 12% vaginal dryness and 11% dyspareunia. These sexual dysfunctions were correlated with anxiety and symptoms of depression following TOP. Six months after TOP, 57% of the women reported no change in their sexual satisfaction, 17% were 'more satisfied' and 7% 'less satisfied'. Lessening of sexual satisfaction after TOP was correlated with diminished partner satisfaction (p < 0.00001), fatigue (p < 0.0009), feelings of guilt (p < 0.01), low frequency of sexual relations (p < 0.01) and anxiety over sexual relations (p < 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Six months after TOP some women presented persisting sexual dysfunction. This sexual dysfunction may be explained essentially by the appearance of symptoms of anxiety and depression following TOP. When the quality of the relationship was satisfying, women could cope more easily with the appearance of a sexual dysfunction.
Bianchi-Demicheli
Francesco
F
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Perrin
Elaine
E
Lüdicke
Frank
F
Bianchi
Patrizia Grace
PG
Chatton
Dominique
D
Campana
Aldo
A
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*