news June 13 2023

In the field of reproductive health, there is growing recognition of the connection between past trauma and infertility. Lucy Lee, Intake & Therapeutic Services Manager for the Centre Against Violence and advocate against sexual assault, sheds light on the profound impact of sexual abuse on a woman's fertility. Lucy shared her insights and recent research findings, uncovering the complex relationship between the mental and emotional distress caused by sexual abuse and its potential consequences on reproductive health, including the startling statistic that victims of child sexual abuse are twice as likely to experience infertility. This connection arises from the intense mental and emotional turmoil endured during sexual abuse, which can have physical manifestations when attempting to conceive. For survivors, pregnancy can be triggering, resurfacing difficult memories. Furthermore, sexual abuse can lead to reproductive disorders, with a heightened risk of endometriosis and accelerated ovarian follicle loss in women who experienced abuse at a young age.

Lucy highlights two notable studies showcasing the connection between childhood abuse and reproductive disorders. The first study, spanning two decades and involving over 70,000 women, found a 13% higher risk of endometriosis among those who reported sexual or physical abuse in childhood. The second study, involving 131 women, discovered a 50% higher likelihood of accelerated ovarian follicle loss in survivors of sexual abuse during midlife.

Dr. Stacey Missmer is the lead researcher of a significant endometriosis study, and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Their study emphasises that stress and trauma can impact the hormonal and central nervous systems, potentially leading to chronic diseases including reproductive disorders. Researchers clarify that these studies do not imply that the majority of women with endometriosis or ovarian failure were abused, nor that all abused children will develop reproductive disorders. However, the evidence highlights the impact of extreme stress on reproductive health, with childhood and adolescence being particularly vulnerable stages for disease development. Lucy reflects on the profound impact of sexual abuse on young girls, violating their trust and shaping their interactions with the world.

Which leads us to the question: does a history of sexual abuse predict challenges with fertility in adulthood? Recent ground-breaking research by Dr. Ayellet Cohen-Vider, a clinical psychologist, reveals that women who experienced sexual abuse were twice as likely to encounter infertility issues. The likelihood increased even further for women exhibiting a personality subtype known as "self-silencing," characterised by reluctance to express desires and emotions.

Dr. Cohen-Vider's follow-up interviews with 24 women shed light on their struggles with infertility after childhood sexual abuse:

• "I carry an overwhelming pain that extends beyond myself, constricting my breath and closing off my vulnerabilities."
• "I felt tainted, believing that I had destroyed my fertility, that something was inherently wrong with my sexuality, that I was a used and discarded woman."
• "I battled depression, and pregnancy represented the opposite—a creative force, a sign of life. Conceiving was an act of trust, affirming the possibility of goodness."

Lucy underscores the importance of healing past trauma and fostering respect for one's body, promoting a sense of connection and empowerment. Each person's pregnancy journey is unique, and divergence from others should not lead to discouragement. The profound impact of sexual abuse on a person's fertility cannot be ignored. Through research, awareness, and empathy, we can support survivors, improve healthcare practices, and develop a compassionate understanding of the intricate interplay between trauma and reproductive health.  

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, please know that there is help available. Call the Centre Against Violence on 035722 2203 during business hours, and for after-hours support, call the State-Wide Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) on 1800 806 292.