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Impact of childbirth on women's sexuality in the first year after the delivery
Author(s) -
Zgliczynska Magdalena,
ZasztowtSternicka Monika,
KosinskaKaczynska Katarzyna,
Szymusik Iwona,
Pazdzior Dominika,
Durmaj Aneta,
Szlachta Magdalena,
Bartnik Paweł,
Wielgos Miroslaw
Publication year - 2021
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.14583
Subject(s) - medicine , childbirth , pregnancy , vaginal delivery , odds ratio , obstetrics , human sexuality , confidence interval , female sexual dysfunction , postpartum period , quality of life (healthcare) , sexual dysfunction , sexual function , gynecology , nursing , psychiatry , gender studies , genetics , sociology , biology
Aim The aim was to compare the quality of sexual life before pregnancy and after delivery and to find out whether and how selected factors affect women's sexuality during this period. Methods The study group consisted of 433 women who completed the survey containing basic demographic questions and two Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires: a retrospective one, regarding time before pregnancy and the current period. The inclusion criteria: time between 10 weeks and 1 year after delivery, vaginal intercourses before pregnancy and the resumption of vaginal intercourses after delivery. Results We observed the negative impact of labor on the total FSFI score, regardless of the time that had passed since birth and the delivery mode. The decrease by at least 10% of the initial FSFI score was noticed in 44.3% of the participants. FSD (Female Sexual Dysfunction) occurred statistically more commonly after delivery than before pregnancy (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001). The following factors had an impact on the risk of post‐partum FSD: pre‐pregnancy FSD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.17 [95% confidence interval [CI] 2.38–7.31]) and nulliparity (aOR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.09–2.53]). Conclusion Childbirth has an undeniable impact on women's sexuality. The prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunctions is very important, especially in this crucial period of life.