The effects of mode delivery on postpartum sexual function: a prospective study

To determine the effect of mode of delivery and perineal injury on sexual function at 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Prospective cohort study.

Tertiary women's hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

A cohort of 440 primigravid women.

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was completed at first visit (7-19 weeks of gestation), and at 6 and 12 months postpartum.

A statistically significant difference in total FSFI or domain scores over time according to mode of delivery or perineal injury.

In this cohort 54% of women had a normal vaginal delivery, 21% had an instrumental delivery, and 25% gave birth by caesarean section. No difference was found in total FSFI or domain scores according to mode of delivery over time between antenatal assessment and 12 months postpartum. Pain was decreased in the caesarean group only at 6 months postpartum. All groups showed pain scores at 12 months that were comparable with antenatal levels. For those who gave birth vaginally, 27% had an intact perineum, 50% had an episiotomy, and 6%, 14%, and 3% had first, second, and third-degree tears, respectively. The only differences between groups were found over time according to perineal injury at 6 months in the arousal domain. At 12 months, total FSFI and domain scores were no different to initial scores.

At 12 months postpartum sexual function has returned to early pregnancy levels, irrespective of mode of delivery or perineal injury.