Women sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period: concept analysis

To analyze the concept of sexual dysfunction in postpartum women and identify their essential attributes, antecedents, and effects.

Concept analysis based on a framework by Walker and Avant, elaborated in eight stages, which were: concept selection; identification of the use of the concept; determination of essential attributes; construction of the model case; additional case; identification of antecedents and effects; and definition of empirical references. Furthermore, an integrative review was carried out simultaneously, with a view to supporting the analysis of the concept.

The sample consisted of 55 studies included in the integrative review. 3 essential attributes, 38 antecedents and 6 effects were identified. The most prevalent antecedents were: perineal laceration, depression, and breastfeeding. Dyspareunia, decreased sexual desire, and altered sexual satisfaction were the main effects.

The concept indicates that the diagnosis involves multifactorial conditions that affect the sexual response cycle, limiting the woman's ability to perform satisfactory sexual relations in the postpartum period.