Childhood sexual abuse: Effects on female sexual function and its treatment

For many woman survivors of childhood sexual abuse, there are long-term sexual sequelae, such as hypersexual activity and avoidance, although the trajectory to each type of response remains unclear. Female survivors of childhood sexual abuse have problems with intimate relationships and some survivors may also complain of multiple health problems and use emergency room services at a higher rate than women who were not sexually abused. Although the health care provider is in a position to screen for childhood sexual abuse, care must be taken to maintain trust if referring the survivor for psychotherapy, specifically sex therapy, which can be the treatment of choice. This article reviews the effect of childhood sexual abuse in female sexual function and provides general treatment recommendations.