Sexual behavior during the first eight weeks after legal termination of pregnancy

Abstract

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.