Open AccessSexual behavior during the first eight weeks after legal termination of pregnancy
Author(s) -
Boesen Hans Christian,
RØrbye Christina,
NØrgaard Mogens,
Nilas Lisbeth
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/j.0001-6349.2004.00494.x
Subject(s) - medicine , orgasm , abortion , pregnancy , obstetrics , gynecology , family planning , population , research methodology , sexual dysfunction , environmental health , biology , genetics
Background. The aim of the study was to describe sexual symptoms and resumption of sexual activity during the first 8 weeks after unrestricted first‐trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP). Methods. Questionnaires 2 and 8 weeks after legal first‐trimester abortion in 1327 women. Results. The 8‐week questionnaire was returned by 941 (71%). Overall, 51.0% of the women recommenced coitus within 2 weeks after TOP. This figure was significantly higher among women aged 18–24 years (60.6%) than among women in higher age groups (41.7–47.8%). At 8 weeks follow‐up coitus was reported by 86.9%, ranging from 65.8% of women not in a steady relationship to 93.7% of women in a relationship ( p < 0.001), and age‐related differences were insignificant. Long duration of vaginal bleeding, medical abortion and need for reevacuation of the uterus diminished the resumption frequency at 2 weeks follow‐up, but 8 weeks after termination postabortion complications did not affect resumption. At 8 weeks follow‐up 15.3% reported diminished sexual desire and 6.0% reported diminished orgasm ability comparing to prepregnancy level. Of the sexually active women 6.2% did not use sufficient contraception 8 weeks after termination. Conclusion. Coitus is recommenced shortly after termination of pregnancy but not always with sufficient contraception. Legal abortion is associated with few adverse effects on sexual function.