Sexuality, partner relations and contraceptive practice after termination of pregnancy

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of termination of pregnancy (TOP) on women's sexual well-being, the couple and contraceptive practice. in a prospective qualitative and quantitative study 103 women undergoing induced abortion by vacuum aspiration were interviewed before the abortion and 6 months later The interview was performed by means of a questionnaire including open and closed questions, and two psychological tests (Locke-Wallace and Horowitz). After TOP, the majority of women did not report changes in their sexual behavior and satisfaction. Eighteen per cent of women reported a decrease in sexual desire and 17% reported orgasmic disorders. About one-third of women described psychosomatic symptoms, but a minority were traumatized by the event. Ninety-eight per cent of the women were informed about, and had practiced, contraception in the past; 69% had actually used some kind of contraception during the menstrual cycle that had resulted in pregnancy (31% had had unprotected intercourse). Six months later, 83% practiced contraception, and only 17% did not. Fourteen out of 84 couples separated after TOP (one in six). Six months after TOP, the large majority of women interviewed seemed able to cope with TOP A minority presented some persisting sexual dysfunction and/or some psychosomatic symptoms.