Mediolateral Episiotomy in Nulliparous Women Increases the Risk of Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective:Postpartum sexual functions may be affected in women who have had a vaginal delivery by performing an episiotomy. The aim of this study is to compare the frequency of sexual dysfunction between women who were delivered with a mediolateral episiotomy and those who were delivered without an episiotomy.Method:A total of 179 women who gave birth in a tertiary center were included in the prospective study. The patients were divided into two groups as women with and without mediolateral episiotomy. The groups were compared in terms of age, body mass index, educational status, duration of active phase of labor and Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX). Mediolateral episiotomy increases the risk of sexual dysfunction.Results:Labor and duration of active phase of labor are associated with sexual dysfunction in patients undergoing mediolateral episiotomy (p<0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). But the duration of delivery is not an independent factor. However, performing an episiotomy increases the risk of sexual dysfunction 2.5 times (odds ratio: 2.35, confidence interval: 1.45-3.83, p=0.001). In evalutaion of ASEX subscores according to the presence of episitomy; patients with episiotomy had significantly higher scores in sex drive, ability to reach orgasm and satisfaction from the orgasm (p<0.001 for all). Besides arousal and lubrication was not affected by presence of episiotomy.Conclusion:According to the results of our study, performing mediolateral episiotomy during vaginal delivery increases the frequency of sexual dysfunction in postpartum women.

Keywords

• arizona sexual experiences scale
• episiotomy
• mediolateral episiotomy
• sexual dysfunction