Hesperian Health Guides
Health Problems of Rape
HealthWiki > Where Women Have No Doctor > Chapter 19: Rape and Sexual Violence > Health Problems of Rape
Contents
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be prevented if you act quickly and use emergency contraception within 5 days after the rape. Emergency contraception works best when used as soon as possible.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs are passed more easily during rape because the vagina, anus, or mouth is often torn. Since you cannot know if your attacker was infected, make sure you get treatment to prevent STIs. Take medicines for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas and watch for signs of other STIs. You may need vaccinations against Hepatitis B, HPV, and tetanus if you have not had them. Check with the health worker.
Getting an HIV test and taking HIV medicines for 28 days can prevent HIV infection after a rape. Medicines must be started within 3 days (72 hours) of the assault.
Tears and cuts
Rape can injure the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat by causing tears and cuts. These can be swollen and painful, but will heal in time. If there is a lot of bleeding, see a health worker trained to stitch tears. For small cuts and tears:
- Soak your genitals 3 times a day in warm water you have boiled and cooled. Putting chamomile in the water helps soothe and heal tears. You can also put gel from an aloe plant on the tears.
- Pour water over your genitals while passing urine so it will burn less. Drinking more liquid also helps—it makes urine weaker.
- Watch for signs of infection: heat, yellow liquid (pus) from the torn area, a bad smell, and pain that gets worse.
- A bladder or kidney infection is common after rape.
Sex after rape
When you are ready, you can have sex again after rape. It is best to wait until any injuries have healed and your genitals no longer hurt. It might also take time for you to feel physically and emotionally ready. For many people, sex brings back memories of the rape. Talk to your partner about how you feel and what you need to feel safe. Use condoms when you have sex for 3 months after the rape to reduce the risk of passing STIs.
Mental health after rape
A self-defense class may help you to feel stronger and to express your anger.
Rape can affect mental health in many ways.
- If you have lasting feelings of sadness, no energy, or not feeling like yourself, you may have depression. Talking to someone about your feelings can help. Do this with someone you trust, a therapist, a support group, or another survivor of rape.
- If you have flashbacks (reliving the rape), taking deep breaths and doing something that makes you feel safe can help.
- For anxiety and panic attacks, lie down and breathe deeply and slowly. Doing that every day for 10 minutes can lessen anxiety.
Everyone has their own way to heal. Whatever you do, be patient and kind with yourself