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

Abstract

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 Info TM 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.