Surgical vs. Medical Abortion on Sexual Function After Early Pregnancy Loss (NCT07646275) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Surgical vs. Medical Abortion on Sexual Function After Early Pregnancy Loss
Turkey (Türkiye)88 participantsStarted 2025-04-01
Plain-language summary
This study compares the medium-term effects of surgical and medical abortion on sexual function in women who have experienced early pregnancy loss (6-12 weeks gestation). A total of 86 women (45 medical abortion, 41 surgical abortion) were followed for 6 months. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before treatment and at 6 months after the procedure. The surgical abortion group showed a significant decline in total FSFI score at 6 months compared to baseline, with decreases observed in all six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. The medical abortion group showed no significant change in total FSFI score. Between-group comparison at 6 months revealed significantly lower total FSFI scores in the surgical group compared to the medical group. These findings suggest that surgical abortion for early pregnancy loss is associated with a significant decline in sexual function that persists up to 6 months after the procedure, whereas medical abortion appears to have a neutral effect during the same period. Due to the non-randomized design, these findings should be considered hypothesis-generating.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* \- Diagnosis of early pregnancy loss (6-12 weeks gestation)
* Planned to undergo either surgical or medical abortion
* Age between 18 and 40 years
* Proficiency in speaking and reading Turkish
* Voluntary participation and provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* A known pre-existing diagnosis of sexual dysfunction (baseline FSFI total score ≤ 26.55)
* A documented history of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
* History of chronic pelvic pain conditions (e.g., endometriosis, vulvodynia) or any other chronic medical condition known to significantly affect sexual function (e.g., unmanaged diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis)
* Current use of medications that can impact sexual function (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, antihypertensives)
* Insufficient communication ability, defined as difficulty understanding and speaking Turkish or having cognitive/communication impairments that would prevent reliable completion of the study questionnaires
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Total Score
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 months post-abortion procedure