A FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS WITH EARLY SEXUAL DEBUT IN COMBINATION WITH GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

This research examined the extent to which women's reproductive experi ences during adolescence have repercussions in adult life with regard to sexuality, self-image and state of gynecological health. The invest igated group comprised 30 females (study group), with a sexual debut a t the age of 15 years or younger and documented gynecological ill-heal th during adolescence. A comparison was made with 30 matched females f rom the same school classes (control group) without documented gynecol ogical ill-health. At the age of 25-30 a semi-structured interview was conducted with both investigated and control participants. The majori ty of the women from the study group experienced their adolescent sexu al experiences as generally negative. In early adulthood these women h ad more recurrent and varied gynecological illnesses than their contro l group counterparts The study group women more often referred to thei r appearance as an indicator of their femininity than did the control women (who defined femininity in terms of to be in a relationship'). T he study group women had a more negative attitude towards their own bo dy than did the control women. Study group women's early sexual experi ence was also linked to an increase in norm-breaking behavior; lower e ducational attainment and a younger age of adult responsibilities comp ared with the control women.