Gynaecological symptoms associated with physical and sexual violence

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.

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.

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.

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.