Delivery in patients with dyspareunia-A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) is a prevalent condition, yet research specifically addressing its occurrence and impact during childbirth is limited.
• Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of dyspareunia in postpartum women is crucial for improving maternal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of dyspareunia among first-time mothers (primiparae).
• To characterize the features of dyspareunia in this population.
• To investigate the association between dyspareunia and perinatal outcomes, including delivery complications and maternal well-being.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving primiparous women admitted to a labor ward.
• Data collection through interviews using self-report questionnaires for dyspareunia symptoms.
• Obstetrical outcomes and midwife-reported assessments (pain, pelvic floor status, anxiety) were compared between women with and without dyspareunia.

Main Results:

• 41.6% of the 173 surveyed primiparous women reported experiencing dyspareunia.
• No significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics were observed between women with and without dyspareunia.
• Dyspareunia severity correlated with a higher incidence of perineal tears (66.7% in severe cases) and was independently associated with perineal tears (p=0.029).
• Women with severe dyspareunia reported higher rates of anxiety and pelvic floor hypertonicity.

Conclusions:

• Dyspareunia is common in primiparous women, affecting nearly half of those studied.
• Women experiencing dyspareunia are at increased risk for perineal tears during childbirth.
• The study highlights a significant association between dyspareunia, anxiety, and pelvic floor hypertonicity in new mothers.