Postpartum Female Sexual Function: Risk Factors for Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Women's sexual health is a vital and important part of life at any age. In particular, pregnancy and childbirth bring biological, psychological, and social changes which may influence sexual health. It has been shown that sexual function declines during pregnancy and does not return to its baseline levels during the postpartum period. Despite the complexity and significance of this subject, health providers often neglect sexual aspects during pregnancy and postpartum. Aim: We believe that clarifying the risk factors will help open conversations and improvements in sexual function. Methods: In this review, we focus on how postpartum sexual function is affected by mode of delivery, perineal trauma during delivery, episiotomy, and lactation. Concclusions: We conclude that the mode of delivery has no significant effect on short- and long-term postpartum sexual function. On the other hand, 3rd and 4th degree tears are strongly associated with postpartum sexual dysfunction. We found that episiotomy does not adversely affect sexual function, and lactation has a slightly negative effect. We believe that shedding light on this topic will lead to a better understanding for pregnant and postpartum women and the obstetrician. Further studies may elucidate more useful treatment approaches.Ola Gutzeit, Gali Levy, Lior Lowenstein. Postpartum Female Sexual Function: Risk Factors for Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction. Sex Med 2019;8:8–13. Key Words: Postpartum, Mode of delivery, Perineal trauma, Episiotomy, Breastfeeding