Sexual dysfunction predicts depressive symptoms during the first 2 years postpartum

Abstract

BackgroundThe association between sexual function and depression has yet to be examined in a prospective cohort study with prolonged postpartum follow-up. AimWe investigated whether sexual dysfunction predicted depressive symptoms during the 24-month postpartum period and examined the influence of obstetric factors. MethodsThis prospective 2-year cohort study with repeated measures included 196 participants who were recruited in a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan (2010–2011). Data on participants’ personal characteristics, sexual function, and depression symptoms at 4–6 weeks and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum were collected and then assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. ResultsAfter adjusting for time and covariates, women with sexual dysfunction had a 1.62-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–2.50-fold) higher estimated odds ratio (OR) for depressive symptoms during the entire 24 months after childbirth than did women without sexual dysfunction. Risk factors for depressive symptoms were a higher pain score (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.13–1.57), a medical condition (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.00–2.73), and severe perineal laceration (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.37–15.92). Sexual satisfaction during the entire 24 months after childbirth (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70–0.95) and the highest personal income level (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.11–0.99) were factors protecting against higher-scoring depressive symptoms. ConclusionsOur study provides robust evidence that sexual dysfunction and poor satisfaction, together with severe perineal laceration, greater pain, and a medical condition, predict depressive symptoms during the 24-month postpartum period.