Physical Aftermath

Written By: Vera (dancinginthedarkness.com)

Donated to VOS with permission

"Numerous physical problems occur with greater frequency among women with sexual assault histories than among women who have not experienced sexual assault.

These problems include: vaginismus, obesity, asthma, recurrent surgeries, chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, back pain, headache, eating disorders, poor reproductive outcomes, digestive problems, and hypertension.

Whether you decide to report the assault or not it is very important that you still seek medical attention.

The best thing to do is to go to a hospital or clinic for a pregnancy test and to see if you contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

If you seek medical attention within seventy-two hours from the assault, you can be treated with antibiotics to prevent these diseases.

What is Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Chronic pelvic pain may be a steady pain or a pain that comes and goes, perhaps with a woman's menstrual cycle. The pain may be bad enough to interfere with normal daily activities. Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse may be a sign of a medical condition like endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome or urethritis, or it may be related to past or present sexual abuse. Pelvic pain that has lasted for at least 6 months is considered chronic.

What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a physical, mental, and emotional disorder in women, it's a condition that causes penetration to be difficult and painful, or even impossible. Vaginismus is a complex condition with several possible causes that may result from past sexual trauma or abuse, other psychological factors, or a history of discomfort with sexual intercourse."