Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

09:59
Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph
Published on: August 13, 2019
Pregnancy, childbirth, and sexual function: perceptions and facts.
1Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifsweld, Ferdinand-Sauerbuch-Strasse, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.
International Urogynecology Journal
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Pregnancy negatively impacts sexual function, with improvements noted within six months postpartum. The mode of delivery does not appear to significantly affect postpartum sexual health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Postpartum sexual function data is inconsistent.
- Pregnancy and delivery significantly impact women's sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on pregnancy and delivery's effect on postpartum sexual function.
- To identify reliable data on sexual health changes and dysfunctions.
Main Methods:
- Medline search conducted for relevant sexual function and pregnancy/delivery terms.
- Evaluated randomized, prospective, and retrospective English-language studies from 1960-2012.
Main Results:
- Sexual function declines during pregnancy, worsening with progression.
- Postpartum sexual dysfunction gradually improves within six months.
- Factors like breastfeeding, depression, and body image influence sexual function recovery.
Conclusions:
- No clear link between mode of delivery and sexual function changes.
- Postpartum sexual quality should be routinely assessed.
- Further research is needed to clarify remaining questions.
Related Concept Videos
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
