Short Term Effects...
Sexual Lifestyle
Physical Lifestyle
- Fear of sex. Survivors for whom the assault was their only sexual experience may be afraid that sex will be like the assault. Sexually active victims may have difficulty continuing to have sex with their partner. Other survivors may have difficulty starting new relationships.
- Fear of physical contact, such as hugging
- Lack of desire
Physical Lifestyle
- Vaginal/ rectal problems
- For women, changes in menstrual cycle and functioning
- For women, other gynecological and menstrual problems
- Problems with normal bowel movements after anal assaults
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Genital/urinary difficulties
- Gastrointestinal upset
- General malaise
- Disruptions in eating or sleeping