Contraception and sexuality after termination of pregnancy: a comparison between Lugano and Geneva

To evaluate the impact of a voluntary termination of pregnancy (TOP) on contraceptive practice and sexual well-being in women.

Comparative evaluation of a retrospective study conducted in Lugano in 1995 with 85 women interviewed 3-6 months post-TOP, and a prospective study carried out in Geneva in 1998 with 103 women interviewed pre-TOP and 6 months post-TOP. In both studies TOP was performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy by vacuum aspiration and curettage.

Oral contraceptive use in the Lugano group increased from 21% pre-TOP to 47% post-TOP, and in the Geneva group from 19% pre-TOP to 69% post-TOP. Condom use decreased in both groups. Those practising unprotected intercourse also decreased by half (around one in five). No effect on sexual well-being was reported by almost two-thirds of both groups.

Despite large differences between these two populations, the two studies show a similar evolution. The majority of women appeared to be able to cope well with a TOP. About one third presented sexual dysfunction.