The effect of a sexual abuse history on symptoms and anorectal physiology findings in patients presenting to a colorectal pelvic floor service.

BACKGROUND

Studies report that 12%-23% of patients with functional anorectal disorders have a history of sexual abuse (SA). This article aims to assess whether there is a difference in symptom severity, quality of life or anorectal physiology findings in female patients presenting to a colorectal pelvic floor service with and without a history of sexual abuse.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all female patients attending a single tertiary pelvic floor unit for faecal incontinence or constipation between 2017 and 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of a volunteered history of sexual abuse. Validated quality of life and symptom severity scores, along with anorectal physiology studies were analysed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 148 patients included in the study period and 17% reported a history of SA. There was no statistically significant difference in symptom severity, quality of life scores or anorectal physiology studies between those with and without a history of SA.

CONCLUSION

In female patients seeking management for defaecatory symptoms, those who have reported a history of SA did not demonstrate any significant difference in symptom severity, quality of life or physiological measures when compared to those without a history of SA.