Postpartum sexual dysfunction: view on the problem

Abstract

A.G. Yaschuk1, I.I. Musin1, I.R. Rakhmatullina1, K.A. Kamalova2, K.N. Yaschuk1 1 Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russian Federation 2 “Women’s health” Clinic, Ufa, Russian Federation Endocrine, anatomical, psychosomatic disorders during pregnancy and after childbirth can cause various manifestations of sexual dysfunction: dyspareunia, loss of sexual desire, loss of lubrication during sexual intercourse, painful orgasm, postcoital bleeding, itching and burning during sexual intercourse. Only 15% of women visit the doctor with these problems. There are practically no studies on postpartum sexual dysfunction in national literature. Nowadays, there are no studies with a relevant evidence level that would reveal any benefits of cesarean delivery in relation to the prevention of sexual dysfunction after childbirth. Cesarean deliverycan be performed only in the presence of strict medical indications and cannot be recommended if vaginal delivery is possible, which is physiological for the woman and the fetus. According to systematic reviews, pelvic floor training has a controversial impact on postpartum sexual function. Uniform methods and sets of exercises to strengthen the muscular apparatus of the pelvic floor are not developed. Further randomized clinical trials with a large sampling and a high evidence level are essential. Keywords: sexual dysfunction, postpartum sexual function, pregnancy, childbirth, cesarean delivery, pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor muscles dysfunction. For citation: Yaschuk A.G., Musin I.I., Rakhmatullina I.R. et al. Postpartum sexual dysfunction: view on the problem. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2019;2(3):254–256.