[Vaginal injuries during coitus]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Post-coital hemorrhage is a significant gynecological issue.
• Vaginal trauma during intercourse requires epidemiological and prognostic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the epidemiology and prognosis of vaginal injuries resulting from coitus.
• To identify risk factors associated with post-coital hemorrhage.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of women admitted for emergency post-coitus hemorrhage.
• Data collection over 33 months (October 1991-December 1994) at Dakar University Teaching Hospital.
• Analysis of patient demographics, influencing factors, injury characteristics, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 106 cases recorded, with an incidence of 32 cases per year.
• Average patient profile: 26-year-old women, often postpartum (41.5%) or in the luteal phase (32%).
• Key risk factors: chronic vaginal infection (74%), specific sexual positions (56%), prolonged sexual abstinence, and use of "aphrodisiac" products. Injuries averaged 5 cm long and 5 mm deep, often in the posterior vaginal fornix.
• Immediate prognosis was favorable with absorbable sutures, healing in 8-15 days.
• Long-term morbidity (2-5 years) included 3 recurrent cases and 13% experiencing deep dyspareunia.

Conclusions:

• Post-coital vaginal injuries are relatively common, particularly in young women and postpartum individuals.
• Chronic infection, sexual practices, and abstinence are significant contributing factors.
• While immediate outcomes are generally good, long-term sequelae like dyspareunia warrant attention.