Postpartum adverse effects and sexual satisfaction following cesarean delivery in Beijing

To investigate short- and long-term postpartum complications of different delivery methods in terms of sexual satisfaction, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and pelvic-floor dysfunction in the Beijing region.

A questionnaire-based study was conducted between June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2014. Female residents of Beijing aged 20-65 years, who were attending routine physical examinations, were enrolled and completed a face-to-face survey including questions on short- and long-term complications related to sexual satisfaction, SUI, and pelvic-floor dysfunction postpartum.

In total, 2649 individuals were enrolled. In comparison with patients that underwent vaginal delivery, patients that had undergone cesarean delivery experienced a greater length of time before resuming intercourse (2.70±2.0 9months vs 4.32±4.10 months; P<0.001) and higher incidences of decreased libido (93 [6.1%] vs 234 [20.7%]; P<0.001), vaginal dryness (39 [2.6%] vs 177 [15.7%]; P<0.001), sexual dissatisfaction (117 [7.7%] vs 234 [20.7%]; P<0.001), and painful intercourse (48 [3.2%] vs 252 [22.3%]; P<0.001) after delivery. Cesarean delivery did not demonstrate any long-term protective effects against future SUI in comparison with vaginal delivery.

Cesarean delivery resulted in a greater incidence of adverse effects on postpartum sexual function and cesarean delivery provides no long-term protective effects against postpartum SUI.