Postpartum adverse effects and sexual satisfaction following cesarean delivery in Beijing

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2016-02, Vol.132 (2), p.200-205
• Main Authors: Qian, Ruiya, Chen, Zhenghong, Tang, Lirong, Zhang, Weiyuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Beijing; Cesarean delivery; Cesarean Section - adverse effects; Cesarean Section - psychology; China; Female; Humans; Libido; Middle Aged; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Pelvic Floor Disorders - epidemiology; Pelvic Floor Disorders - etiology; Personal Satisfaction; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Sexual behavior; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - epidemiology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - etiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urinary incontinence; Urinary Incontinence, Stress - epidemiology; Urinary Incontinence, Stress - etiology; Vaginal delivery; Vaginal Diseases - epidemiology; Vaginal Diseases - etiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.010

Abstract Objective To investigate short- and long-term postpartum complications of different delivery methods in terms of sexual satisfaction, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and pelvic-floor dysfunction in the Beijing region. Methods A questionnaire-based study was conducted between June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2014. Female residents of Beijing aged 20–65 years, who were attending routine physical examinations, were enrolled and completed a face-to-face survey including questions on short- and long-term complications related to sexual satisfaction, SUI, and pelvic-floor dysfunction postpartum. Results In total, 2649 individuals were enrolled. In comparison with patients that underwent vaginal delivery, patients that had undergone cesarean delivery experienced a greater length of time before resuming intercourse (2.70 ± 2.09 months vs 4.32 ± 4.10 months; P < 0.001) and higher incidences of decreased libido (93 [6.1%] vs 234 [20.7%]; P < 0.001), vaginal dryness (39 [2.6%] vs 177 [15.7%]; P < 0.001), sexual dissatisfaction (117 [7.7%] vs 234 [20.7%]; P < 0.001), and painful intercourse (48 [3.2%] vs 252 [22.3%]; P < 0.001) after delivery. Cesarean delivery did not demonstrate any long-term protective effects against future SUI in comparison with vaginal delivery. Conclusion Cesarean delivery resulted in a greater incidence of adverse effects on postpartum sexual function and cesarean delivery provides no long-term protective effects against postpartum SUI.