The impact of mode of delivery on the sexual function of primiparous women | Impact de la voie d'accouchement sur la sexualité des primipares

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship between mode of delivery and sexual function in primiparous women. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study, witch focused on primiparous women who gave birth in our department, between Junuary 1 and June 30, 2019. Two questionnaires were used three months after childbirth: one to specify the characteristics of the post-partum and the second FSFI to assess sexual function. Results: Our population of 116 women had a mean age of 27.24 years. 63 women had given birth vaginally. The memory of childbirth was better for women who gave birth vaginally compared to cesarean section. 93.1% resumed sexual activity 3 months post-partum. The average time to resumption of sexuality was 7.03 weeks. The major disorders reported during the post-partum were: desire disorders (28.6%), arousal disorder (13.8%), vaginal lubrication problems (29.5%), orgasm (25.8%), dyspareunia (38.7%) and decreased sexual satisfaction and dyspareunia after instrumental delivery by forceps. Damage to the perineum has a negative impact on sexual function, with a significant difference. Conclusion: Our study underlines the negative impact of instrumental delivery and damage to the perineum (episiotomy or tearing) on female sexuality.