WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1999: Re: Can a OB/GYN detect sexual child abuse in an adult woman?

Re: Can a OB/GYN detect sexual child abuse in an adult woman?

From: William D. McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 11 Jun 1999 18:00:51 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Anonomous: "Can a OB/GYN detect sexual child abuse in an adult woman?"

At Fri, 11 Jun 1999, Anonomous wrote: >
>This sounds like a bizarre question.
>
>I have reason to believe that I was molested as a small child. I have
>memories of this, but because I was such so young I don't trust them. I
>am in therapy.
>
>Is there a way to tell if I was molested? Would there be scarring that
>would be detected upon exam? I am a sexually active adult, would this
>conceal any results? I've get my yearly exams, and no doctor has ever
>said anything before. I would like to know if examination would show
>something before I ask my OB/GYN. I don't want him to think I'm nuts.

Sexually abuse can be difficult to detect by physical exam, even in the near past. As a sexually active adult, there would be no way whatsoever to detect evidence of abuse as a child by physical exam. What I was looking for when part of my job was to do exams on children for this purpose was evidence of inappropriate sexual experience (disrupted hymen in a 2 year old for example), sexual infections, non-sexual infections that suggest unusual handling, and microscopic healed lacerations around the labia and anus. In a sexually mature and experienced woman, these traces would be lost. I am sorry!

-- William D. McIntosh, MD Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace consultation and examination by your physician or other health care provider.

Next message: Punam: "preterm birth"
Previous message: Lynn D. Montgomery, M.D.: "Re: starting pills one week later"
In reply to: Anonomous: "Can a OB/GYN detect sexual child abuse in an adult woman?"

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