SEQUELAE OF POSTPARTUM STERILIZATION

This study was designed to investigate the menstrual, psychosexual, ps ychological and somatic sequelae in a group of women who may be more p rone to express regret following postpartum sterilization. The follow- up was conducted by questionnaire at six months and five years followi ng the procedure. Data were available from 242 patient; 76.8% were bel ow the age of 30. Of all patients, 21.9% expressed regrets. About one third had various menstrual disturbances. Patients rated their sex lif e as generally more enjoyable in many aspects. The most common psychol ogical symptoms were irritability, nervousness and depression; while t he common somatic symptoms were pelvic/abdominal pain and backache and tiredness.