Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive/Urogynecologic Health

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) disproportionately impacts people of reproductive age and has profound implications for sexual and reproductive health, including pregnancy outcomes, unintended pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic disorders, and infertility. These outcomes occur through direct and indirect pathways. Current interventions offer promise for interrupting these pathways. Understanding the mechanisms linking IPV to reproductive and urogynecologic health help develop actionable solutions including prevention and mitigation of harm. This chapter delves into the impact of IPV on reproductive and urogynecologic conditions, examines underlying mechanisms, and discusses strategies for health care providers to identify, support, and intervene effectively in clinical settings. Implementing appropriate inquiry, assessment, and interventions is crucial for interrupting the effects of IPV on reproductive health and mitigating long-term impacts on survivors.