Recurrent Loss caused by abuse?

stargatemommy · #1 May 10th, 2009, 02:56 PM

So today, Mother's Day, I have been especially self pitying... and it got me thinking. Can being raped as a child (Between the ages of 3 and 7) cause you to miscarry a lot as an adult? I wonder if my cervix is damaged or something.... It's something I have never even considered telling my OB, because I never saw a correlation. What do you ladies think?

#2 May 10th, 2009, 03:10 PM

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I think, though, that if you were getting annual pap smears an OB would be able to see any scarring/damage to your cervix, and any ultrasounds would pick up anything unusual internally. It's definitely something you should ask about if you're comfortable.

..Michelle.. · #3 May 10th, 2009, 03:34 PM

I was in a similar situation. Being raised soley by my father I was subject to sexual abuse. Only 4 people in this world know. My d**k of a father, me, my DH, and my OB/GYN.
My OB said my loss had nothing to do with sexual abuse as a young girl as there was no deep apparent scarring on my tissues of my vagina and uterus.
If you're worried about it (and apparently you are) talk to your OB/GYN and have them do an internal scope exam and maybe a biopsy to chek for scarred tissue.

's honey. I had to think about that to when we were TTC for the first time.

..Penelope.. · #4 May 10th, 2009, 04:07 PM

It sounds like the other ladies have given you great answers...I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry that you went through that. *HUGS*

Trish36 · #5 May 10th, 2009, 05:29 PM

HUGS Erica. I am sorry you went through that as a child.

klt · #6 May 10th, 2009, 08:09 PM

Sending hugs and feeling so horrible you had to go through that...I can't even imagine. I think it's something your OB should discuss with you. That way you can get answers and ease your concerns.
KUP

Kary♥RN · #7 May 10th, 2009, 08:24 PM

Erica and Michelle..

Sorry you both had to go through that as children.

tobynscarlett · #8 May 10th, 2009, 08:46 PM

That must have been difficult for you to share with us. I would talk to your Dr and see what they think. The first thing that comes to mind is that at that young age there would be some physical (not to mention emotional) trauma that would accompany a rape. I think of my daughter that just turned 3 and I realize how small that area is and how much tissue would have been damaged. My concern is that an untreated infection could have occurred and possibly caused some scarring inside your uterus. Excess scarring can lead to miscarriage if the embryo implants too clost to damaged tissue. I know from personal experience that a regular U/S can't pick up a lot of scar tissue, but a hysteroscopy can. I had a 'scope' done in feb and it was completely painless (also it was pretty cool to see the inside of my uterus). Maybe you could get that procedure done and it would ease your mind a little. Either way I would tell your Dr. I know there are times when you are pregnant or delivering where 'strangers' are pretty up close and personal (like nurses, other dr's...) and it may be a good idea for your Dr to know that you may not like certain people touching you in certain ways. But that is a personal choice. Please be sure to let us know what you find out if you do decide to talk to your dr!

*SamF* · #9 May 11th, 2009, 06:37 AM

I don't have much to add as far as advice but wanted to give you

#10 May 11th, 2009, 06:45 AM

Erica and Michelle I am so sorry you had to experience that. It is beyond imaginable. I think that you should speak with your Dr. about it when you're ready and hopefully it didn't do any permanent physical damage. The other ladies had great advice for you. I hope you get some answers.

Augie · #11 May 11th, 2009, 06:55 AM

Erica, I lurk here, and wanted to say I'm sorry you went through that as a child. I agree it is something you should mention to your doctor.

Alpha_allie1010 · #12 May 11th, 2009, 08:20 AM

I was also raped as a young adult....I wants as young as you... I was 13 but it never occured to me that it could affect us ttc......hmm....thank you for sharing your story as it is something that I think I may bring up to my doctor also. The doctor has never mentoned any sort of scaring or anything but better safe than sorry

starrsgirl · #13 May 11th, 2009, 09:44 AM

I just wanted to give a lot of HUGs to all of you who have to courage to ask these valuable questions about your past and your help. You all are an inspiration to me and hopefully others. I hope everyone can find the courage to ask the questions they want to ask of their health care provider and be well on their way to a healthy pregnancy.