Sexual dysfunction after a first trimester induced abortion in a Chinese population.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the short-term effect of a first trimester induced abortion on sexuality in a Chinese population.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study. One hundred and four women attending the post-abortion clinic 3-4 months after a first trimester induced abortion were recruited. They completed a self-administered questionnaire anonymously. The associations of various factors with sexual behavior after abortion were analyzed by the Chi-square test.


RESULTS
More than 30% of the women reported a reduction in both frequency of vaginal intercourse and sexual desire. Their partners also had a reduction in sexual desire. The reduction of vaginal intercourse is more significant among young, unmarried women and those not having sterilization (P=0.01). In addition, the prevalence of reduction in sexual desire and enjoyment among those women who had repeated abortion was significantly higher (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The sexuality of both women and their partners are affected after abortion. It may be due to both psychological trauma and the worry of another unwanted pregnancy. Proper counseling may relieve their anxiety and improve sexual lives.
Fok
Wing Yee
WY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. angelfok@cuhk.edu.hk
Siu
Shing-Shun Nelson
SS
Lau
Tze Kin
TK
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires