[Sexual life, future of the couple, and contraception after voluntary pregnancy termination. Prospective study in Geneva (Switzerland) with 103 women].
OBJECTIVE
Study the impact of termination of pregnancy on women sexuality, contraceptive behaviour and couple relationship.


METHODS
Prospective qualitative and quantitative study.


METHODS
103 women requiring induced abortion by vacuum aspiration who were interviewed one to three weeks before the operation and again six months later. The interview was performed by a questionnaire including open and closed questions and psychological tests (Locke-Wallace and Horowitz' IES).


RESULTS
A majority of women (n = 101) had already used contraception. During the cycle that had resulted in pregnancy, more than a half (n = 58) had actually used contraception and 1/3 had not use any contraception at all. Six months later, the majority (n = 86) used contraception, while only 16 did not. Condom was only rarely used (n = 11). After termination of pregnancy, 14 couples of 84 separated. The majority of women (n = 72) did not report changes in their sexual behaviour. On the other hand, 1/5 of women presented a decrease in sexual desire and orgasm troubles. About 1/3 described psychosomatic symptoms, but a majority (n = 92) was not traumatised.


CONCLUSIONS
The great majority of women seems to tolerate well the termination of pregnancy. A minority presents sexual dysfunction, psychosomatic symptoms, which persist six months after intervention. As per contraception, the majority of women does protect herself from pregnancy but a percentage still does not protect itself at all or only in a noneffective or less effective way. After termination of pregnancy, the issue of protection from AIDS and sexuality-transmitted diseases seems to be less important.
Perrin
Eliane
E
Division de Psychiatrie de Liaison, Département de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève.
Bianchi-Demicheli
Francesco
F
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012723:Sex; D013557:Switzerland