Contraception and sexuality after termination of pregnancy: a comparison between Lugano and Geneva

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a voluntary termination of pregnancy ( TOP) on contraceptive practice and sexual well-being in women. Study design and methods: Comparative evaluation of a retrospective study c onducted in Lugano in 1995 with 85 women interviewed 3-6 months post-TOP, a nd a prospective study carried out in Geneva in 1998 with 103 women intervi ewed pre-TOP and 6 months post-TOP. In both studies TOP was performed durin g the first 12 weeks of pregnancy by vacuum aspiration and curettage. Results: Oral contraceptive use in the Lugano group increased from 21% pre- TOP to 47% post-TOP, and in the Geneva group from 19% pre-TOP to 69% post-T OP. Condom use decreased in both groups. Those practising unprotected inter ,course also decreased by half (around one in five). No effect on sexual we ll-being was reported by almost two-thirds of both groups. Conclusions: Despite large differences between these two populations, the t wo studies show a similar evolution. The majority of women appeared to The able to cope well with a TOP. About one third presented sexual dysfunction.