Publication:

Coital trauma as seen at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background Though pleasurable, coitus may result in morbidity and even mortality. One of such morbidities is coital trauma, a global occurrence that is grossly under reported. This study aimed to determine the causes and risk factors for coital trauma as well as its clinical presentation.

Methods This was a 4 year retrospective study of patients that presented with coital injuries at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Data were obtained from patients’ clinical notes using a specially designed proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi InfoTM 7.2.1.

Results The majority of women that presented with coital trauma were adolescents (67.9%). Most of them were single (92.9%), nulliparous (89.3%) and had only primary education (57.1%). The commonest cause of coital trauma was rape (75%). The commonest risk factors were inadequate foreplay (57.1%) and coitarche (42.9%). Other risk factors were genital disproportion, pregnancy, puerperium and influence of drugs. The common clinical presentations were vaginal bruises (75%) and vaginal lacerations (64.3%) while the commonest site of injury was the hymen (42.9%) followed by the vulva (35.7%). Other less common sites of injury were the lower vagina and posterior fornix.

Conclusions Coital trauma is relatively common and young girls are mainly affected. Rape is the major cause while inadequate foreplay and coitarche are the major predisposing factors.