Abstract
To date, there are no studies in the literature addressing whether or not microscopic genital injuries change over time or change in appearance during the 72 h time period following intercourse. In this study, women (n=35) had two evidentiary type pelvic examinations to document injuries after consensual intercourse. At Time 1 (within 48 h of consensual intercourse) a: larger total surface area of injury (p=0.02); larger surface area of injury to the posterior fourchette (p=0.02); larger surface area of abrasions (p=0.04); and larger surface area of redness (p=0.04) were found compared to Time 2 (24 h after Time 1). Since this research is exploratory, larger studies are needed to explore the differences in genital injuries based on the time of examination and in women after non-consensual intercourse.