A report on the reproductive health of women after the massive 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

ObjectiveTo evaluate the reproductive health of women in the aftermath of the 2008 Richter scale 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake in China.MethodsGynecologists surveyed 170 women using a questionnaire inquiring about symptoms of reproductive tract infection, menstruation disorders, satisfaction with sexual life, and desire for fertility.ResultsThe rates of symptoms of lower genital tract infection were higher after than before the earthquake (50.0% vs 26.5%), as were the rates for pelvic inflammatory disease (35.9% vs 19.4%) and menstruation disorders (51.8% vs 22.4%) (P < 0.05 for all). At the same time, the women's satisfaction with their sexual life was markedly decreased; 89.4% of them said they would not pursue a plan to become pregnant; and 67.1% said they would request pregnancy termination if they became pregnant.ConclusionThe findings of this first population-based assessment of reproductive health following the massive Wenchuan earthquake may help in shaping public health measures benefiting women surviving large-sale disasters.