Prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Dyspareunia is one of the most common postpartum sexual dysfunctions. To estimate the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia. Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to July 2019 using keywords including 'perineal pain,' 'dyspareunia,' and 'sexual pain'. Observational studies on the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia were included. Two authors independently reviewed articles and extracted data. Study heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 index; publication bias by Egger and Begg tests. Twenty-two studies enrolling 11457 women were included. Based on meta-analysis, the overall estimated prevalence of dyspareunia was 35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29%-41%). The prevalence was 42% (95% CI, 26%-60%) at 2months, 43% (95% CI, 36%-50%) at 2-6months, and 22% (95% CI, 15%-29%) at 6-12months postpartum. Begg test showed no significant bias in data related to the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia (p=0.466). The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia was 35% and decreased with increasing postpartum duration. Given the high prevalence and its impact on a woman's quality of life, special attention should be paid to this common complaint during the postpartum period.