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Effect of mode of delivery on female sexual function: A cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Saleh Doaa M.,
Hosam Fatma,
Mohamed Taiseer M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/jog.13962
Subject(s) - medicine , vaginal delivery , sexual function , obstetrics , cross sectional study , gynecology , pregnancy , genetics , pathology , biology
Aim A growing body of evidence has suggested a significant impact of mode of delivery on female sexual function. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of mode of delivery on postpartum sexual function. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study on 684 women during their first year after their first delivery. The sexual function of the included women was assessed using the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22 for Microsoft Windows. Results The present study included 684 primiparous women, in which 320 women had a history of vaginal delivery (VD0 and 364 women had a history of Cesarean section (CS). In terms of FSFI items, women with a history of CS had statistically significant higher FSFI total score than women with VD (31.34 ± 3.8 vs 30.23 ± 3.6, respectively; P < 0.001). Moreover, patients with more than 6 months since birth had a statistically significant higher total FSFI score than patients with less than 6 months since birth (30.97 ± 3.5 vs 29.97 ± 3.5, respectively; P < 0.001). However, the difference was clinically subtle. In addition, women who breastfed their babies had statistically significant lower total FSFI score than women who used artificial methods of lactation (29.61 ± 4.2 vs 30.27 ± 3.3, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, the present study showed that the mode of delivery was not clinically associated with clinical impairment in sexual function within 1 year after delivery, despite the statistically significant difference. It is recommended that the decision to perform CS should not rely on the fear of the risk of postpartum sexual dysfunction.