Dyspareunia after childbirth: Does psychosocial context play a role?

Abstract

IntroductionDyspareunia is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. Dyspareunia after childbirth is quite common and have a range of repercussions to women's lives, including their sexual functioning. It could be affected by different risk factors. While role of obstetric factors including mode of delivery has been largely investigated, the influence of psychosocial factors remains unclear.AimsOur purpose was to determine frequency of postpartum dyspareunia and identify related psychosocial factors.MethodsThirty women between 2 and 6 months postpartum were recruited in consultation of maternity and neonatology center of Tunis. Data were taken from medical file and questionnaire designed to record psychosocial data and postpartum sexual function.ResultsThe mean age of women was 28.74 ± 8.4 years. Dyspareunia was reported by 43.33% of women. Dyspareunia was not associated to professional status. On the other hand, dyspareunia was significantly associated to fatigue (P = 0.024), lack of familial support (P = 0.03), conjugal conflicts (P = 0.01).ConclusionWe have found an association between dyspareunia after childbirth and several psychosocial factors, pointing out the influence of social and psychological aspects in the sexual function in women. Thus, management of sexual disorders should take in consideration psychological dimension and involve an appropriate psychological care.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.