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Sexual well-being before and after childbirth: a prospective longitudinal study using the Female Sexual Function
Vito Andrea Capozzi1, Giuseppe Maglietta2, Luciano Monfardini1
1Department of Medicine and Surgery (Capozzi, Monfardini, De Finis, Bontempo, Valenti, Scarpelli, Pasquo, Morganelli, Fieni, Berretta, Ghi), University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Female sexual well-being declines postpartum, especially for sexually active women. Mode of delivery and perineal trauma impact sexual function, with arousal being a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Childbirth significantly impacts women's sexual well-being.
- Limited prospective data exist on sexual function changes before and after childbirth using validated instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in female sexual function pre- and post-childbirth.
- To identify obstetric factors associated with postpartum sexual well-being.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study at a tertiary university hospital.
- 197 women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) during pregnancy and 6 months postpartum.
- Multivariable mixed models analyzed changes in FSFI scores, considering sexual activity status.
Main Results:
- Among sexually active women, mean total FSFI scores decreased significantly postpartum (26.98 vs. 23.53).
- Cesarean section was linked to higher postpartum FSFI scores and acted as a protective factor against sexual dysfunction.
- Arousal scores strongly correlated with overall sexual function, both pre- and postpartum.
Conclusions:
- Female sexual well-being declines postpartum, influenced by delivery mode and perineal trauma.
- Arousal is a critical determinant of postpartum sexual function.
- Current assessment tools have limitations, especially for sexually inactive women, necessitating pregnancy-specific instruments.
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