Gynaecological symptoms associated with physical and sexual violence

Katharina Bitzker · Burghard F. Klapp · Martina Rauchfuß

46 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology

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Intimate Partner and Family Violence Child Abuse and Trauma Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to describe the prevalence of violent physical and sexual experiences in female outpatients and to identify specific gynaecological symptoms that are associated with a history of abuse. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional study among native German women. The confidential self-administered questionnaire included items on physical and sexual abuse and on the patient's medical history. Of a total of 1941 eligible women, 730 (37.6%) participated in the survey. We calculated prevalence rates of physical and sexual abuse and compared victims and non-victims of violence with respect to specific symptoms and complaints. We developed multivariate models for pelvic pain and vaginal infection. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of severe physical violence by any kind of perpetrator was 35.5%. 13.5% of participants reported a completed rape. The lifetime prevalence of physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) was 28.3%. Physical and sexual abuse is significantly associated with irregular menstrual cycle, urinary tract infections and pelvic pain independent of menses. CONCLUSIONS: Physical and sexual violence are associated with many gynecological symptoms. Especially gynecologists and general practitioners have to be aware that their patients might be victims of violence. This is important for adequate diagnosis and therapy and to avoid retraumatization in affected women.

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References

2002The world report on violence and health 1996The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2)2002Health consequences of intimate partner violence 2002Physical and mental health effects of intimate partner violence for men and women 2000Physical Health Consequences of Physical and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence 1995The “Battering Syndrome”: Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Domestic Violence in Primary Care Internal Medicine Practices 2002Identifying domestic violence: cross sectional study in primary care 1996Sexual and Physical Abuse History in Gastroenterology Practice

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2020Sexual assault as a risk factor for gynaecological morbidity: An exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis 2020The Experiences of Persistent Pain Among Women With a History of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review 2011Toward Needs Profiles of Shelter-Based Abused Women 2019Identification and Management of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Primary Care in the #MeToo Era: an Update

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