women s health issues
Sexual Assault and Rape
Symptoms and Effects of Rape and Sexual Assault
Symptoms and complications of rape and sexual assault can include Physical injuries Psychologic trauma Overview of Hepatitis None Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection None Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) Other sexually transmitted infections Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) None Pregnancy Physical injuries resulting from a rape may include injuries of the anus or genitals (such as tears in the upper part of the vagina), and injuries to other parts of the body (such as bruises, black eyes, cuts, and scratches). Rape can also have long-term effects on physical health. The psychologic effects of a sexual assault or rape are often more devastating than the physical. Immediately after a sexual assault, the victim's behavior can range from talkativeness, tenseness, crying, and trembling to shock and disbelief to lack of emotion and stillness. Lack of emotion rarely indicates lack of concern. Rather it is probably a way to avoid thinking about what has happened or to keep emotions under control. Or the victim may show little or no emotion because of physical exhaustion or emotional numbness. Sexual assault victims typically also feel fearful, anxious, and irritable. They may feel angry, depressed, embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty (wondering whether they may have done something to provoke the rape or could have done something to avoid it). Their anger may be directed at themselves or misdirected at hospital staff or family members. Difficulty sleeping and nightmares are common. Victims may develop symptoms of stress (called Acute Stress Disorder ). Acute stress disorder may be diagnosed when symptoms are present for 3 days to 1 month after the rape. Victims may be unable to remember important parts of the event. This type of memory loss ( For most victims, symptoms lessen substantially over a period of months. Some victims develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (PTSD). It is diagnosed when symptoms of PTSD do the following: Continue for more than a month Significantly interfere with a victim's social activities and work Are not caused by another medical problem or drug use Symptoms of PTSD include Re-experiencing the trauma (for example, as flashbacks or intrusive and upsetting thoughts or images) Avoiding situations, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma Having problems with thinking and mood (such as feeling responsible for the assault or not being able to have any positive feelings) Being unable to remember significant parts of the event Being excessively alert for signs of danger and being easily startled Feeling extremely tense, agitated, or irritable and unable to relax Having problems concentrating and sleeping Many victims who develop PTSD also develop depression and/or other mental health disorders, such as a Substance Use Disorders . After a rape, there is a risk of infections such as sexually transmitted infections (such as Gonorrhea , A woman may also become pregnant. 