Sexual function in primiparous women: a prospective study

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Postpartum sexual function is crucial for women's well-being.
• Understanding factors influencing postpartum sexual health is vital for maternal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of sociodemographic, pregnancy, and obstetric factors on sexual function 12 months postpartum in primiparous women.
• To test the hypothesis that sexual function decreases after childbirth.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 958 nulliparous women in Sweden.
• Sexual function assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) at early pregnancy, 8 weeks, and 12 months postpartum.
• Generalized estimating equations used to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• Sexual activity decreased from 98% in pregnancy to 66.7% at 8 weeks postpartum, recovering to 90% at 12 months.
• Age ≥35, second-degree perineal tears, and breastfeeding were linked to sexual inactivity at 12 months.
• Poor self-reported health in early pregnancy correlated with reduced sexual function at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Most women resume sexual activity by 12 months postpartum.
• A small decrease in sexual function was observed at 12 months postpartum.
• Limited risk factors were identified for decreased sexual function, with age, perineal tears, breastfeeding, and early health status being significant.