Sexual life and dysfunction after maternal morbidity: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Sexual Health Research
• Systematic Review Methodology

Background:

• Limited understanding of long-term sexual consequences following maternal morbidity or near-miss events.
• Pregnancy and childbirth complications can significantly affect women's sexual well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing evidence on sexual impairment after maternal morbidity or near-miss episodes.
• To identify specific sexual outcomes associated with pregnancy and childbirth complications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies published between 1995 and 2015.
• Inclusion of studies on maternal morbidity and near-miss events, assessing sexual outcomes like dyspareunia, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores, and time to resume sexual activity.
• Qualitative synthesis of findings due to study heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• Fourteen studies were included, with most focusing on major perineal injuries.
• Women with maternal morbidity reported more dyspareunia and a later return to sexual activity compared to controls.
• No significant differences in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests maternal morbidity negatively affects women's sexual health long-term.
• Standardized evaluations are crucial for understanding and managing sexual health in maternal morbidity survivors.
• Findings can inform clinical follow-up and reproductive planning for affected women.