ISSN: 2474-9230
Authors: Szymanska E*, Kisielewski R, Kisielewska L and Tomaszewski J
Introduction: Numerous physical, psychological and sociocultural factors affect both the sexual function and the quality of woman’s life during postpartum period. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate female sexual functioning during the first year after childbirth. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective survey study on women in postpartum period using an anonymous questionnaire including 73 inquiries concerning intimate relationship and sexual functioning during the first year after childbirth. The following statistical test were used: chi-square test of independence, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Wilcoxon and U Mann-Whitneya tests. The significance level of p = 0.05 was assumed. Results: The study included 150 women, majority of them (60%) were at the age between 31-40 years old and were married (87%). During the postpartum period, most women had a low need for intercourse (65%), which was lower than before pregnancy (in 72% of participants) and statistically significant (p < 0.001). In 68% of cases, a decreased satisfaction with sex was declared during the first year after the childbirth, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In the first year after giving birth, 74% of respondents decreased the average number of intercourses, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Also, after giving birth, the number of women who did not experience genital disorders decreased (75%). The most common time to return to intercourse after childbirth was 6-12 weeks (67%), and it was either a joint decision (46%), or a male partner choice (44%) in majority of cases. Conclusion: Postpartum period has significant negative impact on woman’s sexuality. After the childbirth most women declare less need for sexual intercourses, decreased number of intercourses with less satisfaction.
Keywords: Postpartum Period; Sexual Functions; Female Sexual Dysfunction; Women
