Reviewing sexual function after delivery and its association with some of the reproductive factors

BACKGROUND: Desirable sexual function has an important role in strengthening the marital life of the couples. Sexual disorders can cause mental pressure and affect quality of life and marital relationship. METHODS: This was a descriptive analytical study in one group and one phase covering multivariables. The study sample included 384 women after delivery period that had the following inclusion criteria: the age of at least 18 years, delivery in 38-42 pregnancy weeks, primiparous and multiparous women, living in the city, single pregnancy, and six weeks to twelve months elapsed from the delivery. The required data such as reproductive and sexual function index were collected through reporting questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods using software SPSS. RESULTS: The findings of the study indicated that the most prevalent disorder of the sexual relationship in postpartum was dyspareunia and the least prevalent was the sexual desire. The majority of the study sample (77.1%) had marital satisfaction and 58.6% had the desired sexual function. There was no significant association between sexual function and delivery, age, the type of delivery and breastfeeding, but there was a significant association for other factors such as the time elapsed after the delivery and primiparity or multiparity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that sexual problems after delivery be placed on the list of health teaching issues to pass easily this period of time. Women should be assured that these problems gradually would be improved and they should learn using proper techniques to decrease dyspareunia which is a sexual disorder in postpartum period.