Dyspareunia and Sexual Dysfunction during Postpartum Period and Related Factors: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT:

The aim of the study was to investigate dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction during the postpartum period and related factors. This longitudinal study was conducted between June 2014 and June 2015, and included 220 women residing in Manisa, Turkey. Dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction were evaluated at the 3rd, 6th and 9th months postpartum. Sexual problems were assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The prevalence of dyspareunia at the 3rd, 6th and 9th months postpartum were 31.8%, 10.5% and 1.8%, respectively. The total score obtained from the ASEX was ≥ 11 in 87.3%, 66.8% and 48.6% of the women at the 3rd, 6th and 9th months after delivery, respectively. The regression analysis revealed that sexual dysfunction was experienced by the women who thought their knowledge about sexuality was insufficient at three months after delivery, by the women who had an arranged marriage, who had vaginal delivery and who thought their knowledge about sexuality was insufficient at the sixth month and by the multiparous women and women who thought their knowledge about sexuality was insufficient at the ninth month. Providing counseling to women about sexuality after childbirth is important in determining their sexual problems and improving their quality of life.

KEYWORDS Postpartum Dyspareunia; Sexual Problems; Postpartum Period; Arizona Sexual Experience Scale.