The Effect of Mode of Delivery on Postpartum Sexual Function and Sexual Quality of Life in Primiparous Women

Hanan Abd Elwahab El Sayed

doi:10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.19

Abstract

Pregnancy and delivery are one of the most significant periods of women's life that causes hormonal and bodily alterations which could have major effects on sexual function and sexual quality of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of mode of delivery on postpartum sexual function and sexual quality of life in primiparous women. A comparative descriptive design was used. The study was conducted at the family planning outpatient clinic of Benha teaching hospital. A purposive sample of 277 primiparous women were divided in two groups vaginal delivery (n= 140) and cesarean section (n=137). Three tools were used for data collection; 1) Structured interviewing questionnaire to collect data about the women' demographic characteristics, gynecologic and sexual history. 2) Female sexual function index was used to evaluate sexual function of the studied women. 3) Sexual quality of life-female questionnaire. The study results showed that 65% of vaginal delivery group and 57.7% of cesarean section group had poor sexual function level, 76.4% of vaginal delivery group and 75.9% of cesarean section group had average level of sexual quality of life after delivery, which revealed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the two groups as regard to postpartum sexual function and sexual quality of life. Moreover, there was a positive highly statistically significant correlation (P < 0.01) between the women' sexual function scores and their sexual quality of life scores. The study concluded that there were no statistically significant differences between vaginal delivery and cesarean section groups as regard to postpartum sexual function and sexual quality of life. The study recommended that nurses should provide sexual education for women during postpartum period to enhance sexual functioning and sexual quality of life.

Highlights

Sexuality is a phenomenon not to be neglected, as similar to other instinctive desires of mankind, it has existed since birth and has evolved in accordance with human development. [1] Sexual function is an important component of women’s lives and has an essential role in the marriage stability and is recognized as a multidimensional phenomenon, which can be influenced by multi bio psychosocial factors. [2, 3]Women's sexual activity changes at various stages of life and is affected by numerous factors, one of them includes childbirth and maternity that deserves a closer analysis, as it promotes significant changes in women’s, husband's and family lives
Postpartum sexual function is affected by changes in anatomy, hormonal milieu, family structure, and husband relationships that accompany childbirth
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mode of delivery on postpartum sexual function and sexual quality of life in primiparous women through: a

Summary

Introduction

Women's sexual activity changes at various stages of life and is affected by numerous factors, one of them includes childbirth and maternity that deserves a closer analysis, as it promotes significant changes in women’s, husband's and family lives. These factors include fatigue, fear of subsequent pregnancy, concern about pain during intercourse, mode of delivery, parity and tenderness of breasts which can have different results because of different culture. Early diagnosis may be challenged by many factors, where many women will be embarrassed of talking about sexual matters or preoccupied by the newborn after delivery, which makes it very important for the midwifery, medical, or nursing staff to raise the issue at the postnatal care settings. [13]

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Conclusion