Sexual dysfunction and associated factors reported in the postpartum period

Objective  To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period.

Methods  Cross-sectional study of 200 postpartum women in their resumption to sexual activity. Data were collected in a private place, through interviews and recorded in forms, containing information regarding sexual life of postpartum women.

Results  Among the women studied, it was found that 33.5%, 76.0% and 43.5% had sexual dysfunction before pregnancy, during and after delivery, respectively. The types of dysfunction most frequently identified were dyspareunia, vaginismus, dysfunction of desire, orgasmic and arousal. The significantly associated factors were Catholic or protestant religions, vaginal delivery with suture, dyspareunia during pregnancy, vaginismus before pregnancy and working hours over 8 hours/daily.

Conclusion  The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high and associated factors were religion, working hours, previous history of dysfunction and type of delivery.

Sexual behavior; Obstetrical nursing; Nursing research; Physiological sexual dysfunction; Postpartum period; Questionnaires