Complications
Victims of child sexual abuse will often not seek routine medical care (including antenatal care) out of shame or guilt.
Unprotected sexual intercourse with a girl of child-bearing age will expose her to risk of pregnancy. Childhood sexual abuse also increases the risk that a female will become pregnant during adolescence.[70]
Although prophylaxis prevents most STIs following sexual assault, patients should be instructed to follow up with their healthcare provider.
Sexual abuse is associated with a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD.[37] The symptoms of PTSD are varied and include depression, self-injurious behaviours, school or work failures, somatic complaints (headaches, chest pains), and sexualised behaviours.[72] These symptoms occur with varying frequencies.[73]
In some areas, hepatitis B is one of the more common sexually transmitted infections.
Unprotected sexual contact can place the victim at risk of hepatitis B infection.
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