Postpartum sexual functioning and method of delivery: Summary of the evidence

Short-term postpartum sexual problems are highly prevalent, ranging from 22% to 86%; however, there are few studies that address how mode of delivery affects sexual functioning after childbirth. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on selected postpartum s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of midwifery & women's health 2004-09, Vol.49 (5), p.430-436
Main Authors: Hicks, Tara L., Goodall, Susan Forester, Quattrone, Evelyn M., Lydon-Rochelle, Mona T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude to Health
Coitus - psychology
Delivery, Obstetric - adverse effects
Delivery, Obstetric - psychology
dyspareunia
Dyspareunia - etiology
Dyspareunia - psychology
Female
Humans
Nursing
Postpartum Period - psychology
postpartum sexual functioning
postpartum sexual health
Puerperal Disorders - complications
Puerperal Disorders - psychology
Risk Factors
Sexual Partners - psychology
United States
Women's Health
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Summary:Short-term postpartum sexual problems are highly prevalent, ranging from 22% to 86%; however, there are few studies that address how mode of delivery affects sexual functioning after childbirth. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on selected postpartum sexual function outcomes as affected by cesarean, assisted vaginal, and spontaneous vaginal delivery. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases from January 1990 to September 2003 and focused on mode of delivery and the most commonly reported sexual health outcomes, which included perineal pain, dyspareunia, resumption of intercourse, and self-reported perception of sexual health/sexual problems. The studies all showed increased risks of delay in resumption of intercourse, dyspareunia, sexual problems, or perineal pain associated with assisted vaginal delivery. Some studies showed no differences in sexual functioning between women with cesarean delivery and those with spontaneous vaginal delivery, whereas others reported less dyspareunia for women with cesarean delivery. A systematic review of the literature suggests an association between assisted vaginal delivery and some degree of sexual dysfunction. Reported associations between cesarean delivery and sexual dysfunction were inconsistent. Continued research is necessary to identify modifiable risk factors for sexual problems related to method of delivery.
ISSN:1526-9523
1542-2011
DOI:10.1016/j.jmwh.2004.04.007