Effects of childhood sexual abuse on women's reproductive health

Impacts and mechanisms of child sexual abuse in women's impaired fecundity and pregnancy outcomes

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10986345

This study looks at how childhood sexual abuse can affect women's ability to get pregnant and have healthy pregnancies, focusing on both the physical and emotional challenges they might face.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10986345 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how childhood sexual abuse (CSA) affects women's ability to conceive and their pregnancy outcomes. It aims to understand the biological and psychological mechanisms that may contribute to reproductive health issues in women who have experienced CSA. By examining factors such as chronic inflammation and mental health challenges, the study seeks to provide a clearer picture of how CSA impacts women's reproductive health. The research will analyze data on various types of child abuse and their timing to identify patterns and outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and are facing reproductive health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced childhood sexual abuse or do not have reproductive health concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for women facing reproductive health challenges linked to childhood trauma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant associations between childhood trauma and reproductive health issues, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.