Changes in genital injury patterns over time in women after consensual intercourse

Abstract

To date, there are no studies in the literature addressing whether or not microscopic genital injuries change over time or change in appearance during the 72 h time period following intercourse. In this study, women ( n = 35) had two evidentiary type pelvic examinations to document injuries after consensual intercourse. At Time 1 (within 48 h of consensual intercourse) a: larger total surface area of injury ( p = 0.02); larger surface area of injury to the posterior fourchette ( p = 0.02); larger surface area of abrasions ( p = 0.04); and larger surface area of redness ( p = 0.04) were found compared to Time 2 (24 h after Time 1). Since this research is exploratory, larger studies are needed to explore the differences in genital injuries based on the time of examination and in women after non-consensual intercourse.