Biopsychosocial predictors of trajectories of postpartum sexual function in first-time mothers

The postpartum period is a vulnerable time for sexual health, yet the relationship between biopsychosocial factors and sexual function over time remains unclear. Our aim was to identify trajectories of postpartum sexual function in first-time mothers (N = 646) and examine associations with biopsychosocial factors.

Biopsychosocial factors were assessed at delivery and 3 months postpartum. Sexual function was assessed during pregnancy, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum using the Female Sexual Function Index. Latent class growth analysis was conducted to identify distinct sexual function trajectories. Multinomial logistic regressions examined associations between biopsychosocial factors and membership in the trajectories.

Three trajectories were identified: 52% of women reported minimal sexual function problems at 3 months postpartum and improved the least over time, 35% of women reported moderate sexual function problems at 3 months and improved the most over time, and 13% of women reported marked sexual function problems at 3 months and improved somewhat over time. Biomedical factors were not significantly related to trajectory membership. Higher sexual distress at 3 months postpartum was associated with increased odds of being in the moderate and marked sexual function problems subgroups, whereas higher sexual function in pregnancy was associated with decreased odds of being in these subgroups. Lower depressive symptoms and higher relationship satisfaction was associated with reduced odds of being in the marked problems subgroup.

Improvement in sexual function postpartum is heterogeneous. Psychosocial, but not biomedical factors were significantly associated with the trajectories. This information may be integrated into psychoeducation, and for informing earlier assessment and intervention practices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).