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Rezaei N, Behboodi Moghadam Z, Tahmasebi A, Taheri S, Namazi M. Women`s sexual function during the postpartum period: A systematic review on measurement tools. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38975. [PMID: 39058853 PMCID: PMC11272350 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet discussions around sexual function, especially in the context of postpartum recovery, are often taboo or sidelined. The aim was to review measurement tools assessing women's sexual function/health during the postpartum period. METHODS We did a systematic search according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2020 guidelines in different databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest and Open Access Thesis and Dissertations, and Google scholar search engine until June 2023. Also, the reference list of the related reviews has been screened. Eligible studies included observational studies or clinical trials that evaluated women`s sexual function during the postpartum period using existing tools. Data extraction covered study characteristics, measurement tools, and their validity and reliability. RESULTS From 3064 retrieved records, after removing duplicates and excluding ineligible studies, and reviewing the reference list of the related reviews, 41 studies were included in this review. Tools measuring sexual function were developed from 1996 to 2017. Sexual activity questionnaire, female sexual function index (FSFI), sexual function questionnaire, short form of the pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire, sexual health outcomes in women questionnaire, shorter version of FSFI, and sexual function questionnaire's medical impact scale and Carol scale. CONCLUSION Sexual activity questionnaire, FSFI, sexual function questionnaire, short form of the pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire, sexual health outcomes in women questionnaire, shorter version of FSFI, sexual function questionnaire's medical impact scale, and Carol scale are valid and reliable measuring tools to assess sexual function or sexual health during postpartum period, which can be used in primary studies according to the study aim and objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Rezaei
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Zahra Behboodi Moghadam
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atbin Tahmasebi
- School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Safoura Taheri
- Department of Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Namazi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Samiei G, Mehrbakhsh Z, Khosravi H, Moghasemi S. Genital self-image and sexual function in Iranian women from pregnancy to postpartum: a cohort study. J Sex Med 2024; 21:605-613. [PMID: 38501193 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital self-image is among the factors affecting women's sexual function. AIM The present study aimed to determine changes in the genital self-image and its relationship with women's sexual function in the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS The participants of this prospective cohort study included 301 eligible pregnant women chosen through stratified random sampling with proportional allocation from comprehensive health centers in Gorgan, Iran. The Persian version of the 7-item Female Genital Self-Image Scale, the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index, and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 were filled in a self-report manner on 2 occasions: (1) 30 to 37 weeks of pregnancy and (2) 12 to 16 weeks (± 2 weeks) postpartum. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. OUTCOMES Outcomes included Female Genital Self-Image Scale and Female Sexual Function Index changes from pregnancy to postpartum according to the childbirth mode. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 29.66 ± 5.27 years. These values for the genital self-image scores of women during pregnancy (19.18 ± 3.25) and postpartum (19.43 ± 3.57) were not significantly different (P = .30). Also, this difference was not statistically significant regarding the mode of delivery in 2 groups of women with vaginal birth (P = .62) and cesarean section (P = .14). The mean Female Sexual Function Index scores during pregnancy (15.15 ± 6.73) and postpartum (17.52 ± 6.46) were significantly different (P = .001). In addition, this difference was significant in women with vaginal birth (P = .004) and cesarean section (P = .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians should inform women/couples about changes in female sexual function and address genital self-image as a factor involved in female sexual function during pregnancy and postpartum.Strengths and Limitations: Because the participants of this study were women in the third trimester of pregnancy, the obtained results may not be generalized to pregnant women in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy or even to different postpartum periods (ie, midterm and long term). CONCLUSION The results showed that the female genital self-image is not significantly different during pregnancy and postpartum, or with the mode of delivery. However, the female sexual function score in postpartum is higher than in pregnancy, regardless of the mode of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazale Samiei
- Counseling and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan 49341-74522, Iran
| | - Zahra Mehrbakhsh
- Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838687, Iran
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan 4918936316, Iran
| | - Hamideh Khosravi
- Counseling and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan 49341-74522, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Moghasemi
- Counseling and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan 49341-74522, Iran
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Figueiredo PAO, Costa TSLDM, Lima MDDA, Magalhães AG, Bezerra IFD, Driusso P, de Sousa VPS. Self-Perception of Sexual Dysfunction of Adult Brazilian Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:2165-2173. [PMID: 38736543 PMCID: PMC11088390 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s442074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sexual dysfunction (SD) comprises disorders in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and lubrication. The importance of self-perceived SD relies on its relation to personal values, sex education, and partnership. We aimed to analyze the association between self-perceived SD and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in adult women of reproductive age and the correlation between age and sexual function. Material and Methods This analytical cross-sectional study included 285 women aged 18 to 49 years, sexually active for at least four weeks, cisgender and heterosexual, and with Internet access. Women were divided into control (CG, control group; without SD) or study group (SG, study group; with SD) and responded to a self-applicable online survey containing a sociodemographic characterization, an interview about SD knowledge, and the FSFI test. The Chi-square test of independence (χ2) analyzed the association between self-perceived SD and FSFI-assessed SD. Pearson's correlation coefficient investigated the correlation between age and FSFI. Results Included women had a mean age of 29.57 years ± 7.11 years. Self-perceived SD showed a moderate association (Cramer's V = 0.590) with the FSFI score (χ2 [2] = 91.500; p < 0.001). A weak, negative, and significant correlation was observed between age and the FSFI desire domain (r = -0.120; p = 0.030; r2 = 1.440). Conclusion Women with self-perceived SD were 68% more likely to present FSFI-assessed SD. Regarding the FSFI desire domain, sexual function decreased with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mateus Dantas de Azevedo Lima
- Multicampus School of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Adriana Gomes Magalhães
- Multicampus School of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Mullis CE, Goldberg AJ, Avila K, Hall B, Golub SA, Keller MJ. Understanding Attitudes of Postpartum Cisgender Women Toward Integration of HIV Prevention Services into Routine Prenatal and Postpartum Sexual Health Discussions. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024; 38:185-193. [PMID: 38656218 PMCID: PMC11236281 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective, user-controlled method for HIV prevention. However, awareness, uptake, and adherence to PrEP remain low among cisgender women (CGW). The prenatal and postpartum periods present an opportunity for delivery of comprehensive sexual health services that include HIV prevention education and services. However, little is known about postpartum CGW's attitudes toward integration of HIV prevention education and services into obstetric care in the US. We conducted semistructured interviews with 20 postpartum CGW in the Bronx, NY from July to November 2022 to explore their experiences with prenatal and postpartum sexual health care, examine their attitudes toward integration of HIV prevention services into obstetric sexual health care, and identify components of future implementation strategies. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using a framework approach. Among CGW interviewed, fewer than half reported prior knowledge of PrEP. Ten participants preferred long-acting injectable PrEP relative to six who preferred daily oral PrEP. Most participants reported no discussion of sex with their provider during pregnancy, and when discussions occurred, they focused on permission or prohibition of sexual activity. Participants described a reliance on providers to lead prenatal sexual health discussions. Even when not perceived as personally relevant, most respondents valued education on HIV prevention and PrEP services. In the postpartum period, sexual health discussions were similarly limited despite participants describing complex experiential sexual health concerns. This study supports the potential for integration of HIV prevention education and services into routine prenatal and postpartum sexual health discussions in an area of high HIV prevalence in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E. Mullis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Alison J. Goldberg
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karina Avila
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Bianca Hall
- Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarit A. Golub
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- PhD Program in Basic and Applied Social Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marla J. Keller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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Fernández-Carrasco FJ, Batugg-Chaves C, Ruger-Navarrete A, Riesco-González FJ, Palomo-Gómez R, Gómez-Salgado J, Rodriguez Diaz L, Vázquez-Lara MD, Fagundo-Rivera J, Vázquez-Lara JM. Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 44:1606308. [PMID: 38312526 PMCID: PMC10835432 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1606308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Pregnancy is a stage in which different physical and psychological changes take place that can affect the sexuality of the couple. The aim of the study is to identify how the physical and psychological changes derived from pregnancy affect the sexual desire of women and men. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in five databases, from which a total of 16,126 documents were obtained. After applying the PRISMA selection criteria, a total of 19 documents were selected. Results: Levels of sexual desire fluctuate during pregnancy, being the second trimester of gestation the period in which desire is at its highest and in which physical limitations and emotional changes decrease. Women have lower levels of sexual desire in the first trimester, while men have the lowest levels of desire in the third trimester. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a stage marked by physiological and psychological changes that modify several areas, including sexuality. Healthcare professionals should promote a healthy sexuality, avoiding the appearance of fears or sexual dysfunctions caused by the changes that occur during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cirenia Batugg-Chaves
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Azahara Ruger-Navarrete
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Riesco-González
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, La Linea de la Concepción Hospital, Andusian Health Service, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Luciano Rodriguez Diaz
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Kahn M, Barnett N, Gradisar M. Let's Talk about Sleep Baby: Sexual Activity Postpartum and Its Links with Room Sharing, Parent Sleep, and Objectively Measured Infant Sleep and Parent Nighttime Crib Visits. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1247-1258. [PMID: 35763039 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2092050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The postpartum period may pose a considerable challenge for both parent sleep and sexual activity. This study assessed the links between partnered sexual frequency and satisfaction postpartum and parent sleep, infant sleep, parent nighttime caregiving, and parent-infant room sharing. Participants were 897 parents of infants aged 1-18-months (M = 8.8 ± 4.3, 49% girls). Parents completed an online survey about their sexual frequency and satisfaction, sleep, relationship satisfaction, depression, and demographic characteristics. Infant sleep and parent nighttime crib visits were measured objectively using auto-videosomnography during 2-weeks, with 8,460 nights assessed. Results indicated that the frequency of partnered sexual activity was 3.8 ± 4.2 times per month. Frequency of sexual activity increased with infant age, yet increases beyond the first 6 months postpartum were non-significant. Adjusted GEE modeling revealed that more parent nighttime crib visits were significantly associated with lower sexual frequency, regardless of infant age. Other parent and infant sleep-related factors were not significantly linked with sexual frequency in adjusted models. Moreover, sexual satisfaction was not associated with parent nighttime caregiving, parent or infant sleep, or parent-infant sleeping arrangements in adjusted models, suggesting that it may not be susceptible to the effects of disrupted sleep in the postpartum period. These findings suggest that it is not infant or parent sleep disruption per se, but rather parent nighttime engagement with the infant that is associated with parent sexual activity frequency. Longitudinal investigations are warranted to examine the directional pathways of these links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kahn
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University
| | | | - Michael Gradisar
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University
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Smetanina D, Awar SA, Khair H, Alkaabi M, Das KM, Ljubisavljevic M, Statsenko Y, Zaręba KT. Risk of sexual dysfunctions in breastfeeding females: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074630. [PMID: 37527888 PMCID: PMC10394553 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies do not provide accurate statistics on the percentage of breastfeeding women experiencing sexual dysfunctions and restraining from sexual activity. The data vary between 40% and 83% in the first group and 20-50% in the second one. Despite excessive studies on contributors to intimacy changes, breast feeding received little attention from researchers. The relationship between lactation and postpartum sexual dysfunctions remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis will synthesise available data and establish the link between breast feeding and sexuality problems. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A comprehensive literature search will be performed in biomedical databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL. We will extract peer-reviewed original studies written in English, Arabic or Polish from 2000 to June 2023. We will also search for reports from international health organisations and local health authorities. The preliminary search was performed on 04 April 2023. The studies must provide data on dysfunction prevalence/incidence and the strength of the relationship between breast feeding and sexuality in generally healthy women. The Covidence software will be used to perform literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of individual studies. We will use a random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate pooled weighted frequency measures and effect size. Between-study heterogeneity will be assessed with the I2 test. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This meta-analysis does not require ethical approval because it synthesises data from previously published original studies. The final work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023411053.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Smetanina
- Department of Radiology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Medical Imaging Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Shamsa Al Awar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Howaida Khair
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Meera Alkaabi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Karuna M Das
- Department of Radiology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Milos Ljubisavljevic
- Department of Physiology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Neuroscience Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Institute in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Yauhen Statsenko
- Department of Radiology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Medical Imaging Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Kornelia Teresa Zaręba
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, UAE
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Oliveira LND, Silva Marcon S, Cazetta de Lima Vieira V, Ferraz Teston E, Marien Knupp Medeiros R, Cristina Ribeiro Furlan M, Baratieri T, Serafim D. Percepções e vivências de mulheres acerca da sexualidade durante o período de amamentação. REME: REVISTA MINEIRA DE ENFERMAGEM 2023. [DOI: 10.35699/2316-9389.2023.38302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: apreender como as mulheres percebem e vivenciam a sexualidade durante o período da amamentação. Método: estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com mulheres lactantes ou que já haviam amamentado, em seis Unidades Básicas de Saúde de município da região Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados no período de maio a agosto de 2018, mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas, áudio-gravadas, realizadas em local reservado nas unidades de saúde. As informantes foram 18 mulheres com filhos de até 12 meses de vida, que estava sendo ou tivesse sido amamentado ao seio por algum tempo, e que compareceram à Unidade de Saúde para puericultura ou consulta com pediatra durante o período da coleta de dados. Foram excluídas as mulheres que referiram não ter iniciado a prática sexual no período de amamentação. Os dados produzidos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo modalidade temática. Resultados: as mulheres percebem e vivenciam a sexualidade durante a amamentação por meio de mudanças na autoimagem, na autoestima e no relacionamento com o parceiro. As modificações mamárias foram bem percebidas no período gestacional e no início da amamentação, porém, com o decorrer do tempo, algumas mulheres as perceberam de forma negativa, sobretudo aquelas que tiveram mais dificuldade na retomada do peso pré-gravídico. Os resultados mostraram também que as mulheres passaram por um período de incertezas e inseguranças em relação a sexualidade e que mudanças da dinâmica conjugal foram necessárias neste período de transição para o exercício da sexualidade, considerando necessidades do suporte nutricional e afetivo do bebê. Conclusão: as mulheres percebem e vivenciam dificuldades em conciliar a sexualidade com a amamentação, visto que a nova dinâmica familiar decorrente do nascimento de um filho, associada as alterações na estética corporal, podem repercutir de forma negativa na sexualidade.
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"I would never be able to forgive myself if it ended up having consequences for the child": A qualitative study of perceptions of stress and worries among healthy first-time pregnant Danish women. Midwifery 2022; 112:103421. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Wood SN, Pigott A, Thomas HL, Wood C, Zimmerman LA. A scoping review on women’s sexual health in the postpartum period: opportunities for research and practice within low-and middle-income countries. Reprod Health 2022; 19:112. [PMID: 35527298 PMCID: PMC9079206 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01399-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women’s sexual health is generally defined and explored solely in relation to reproductive capacity, and often omits elements of sexual function and/or dysfunction. Concerted focus is given to women’s health during pregnancy; however, women’s sexual health is largely neglected after childbirth. This scoping review explored how the sexual health of postpartum women has been defined, measured, and researched in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods Articles eligible for review were those that investigated women’s sexual health during the first 12 months postpartum and were conducted among women aged 15–49 in LMICs. Eligibility was further restricted to studies that were published within the last 20 years (2001–2021). The initial PubMed search identified 812 articles, but upon further eligibility review, 97 remained. At this time, the decision was made to focus this review only on articles addressing sexual function and/or dysfunction, which yielded 46 articles. Key article characteristics were described and analyzed by outcome. Results Of the final included articles, five studies focused on positive sexual health, 13 on negative sexual health, and the remaining 28 on both positive and negative sexual health or without specified directionality. The most common outcome examined was resumption of sex after childbirth. Most studies occurred within sub-Saharan Africa (n = 27), with geographic spread throughout the Middle East (n = 10), Asia (n = 5), North Africa (n = 3), and cross-geography (n = 1); notably, all five studies on positive sexual health were conducted in Iran. Negative sexual health outcomes included vaginismus, dyspareunia, episiotomy, perineal tears, prolapse, infection, obstetric fistula, female genital cutting, postnatal pain, uterine prolapse, coercion to resume sex, sexual violence, and loss of sexual desire/arousal. Most studies were quantitative, though eight qualitative studies elucidated the difficulties women endured in receiving information specific to sexual health and hesitance in seeking help for sexual morbidities in the postpartum period. Conclusions Overall, the evidence base surrounding women’s sexual health in the postpartum period within LMICs remains limited, with most studies focusing solely on the timing of resumption of sex. Integration of sexual health counseling into postnatal care and nonjudgmental service provision can help women navigate these bodily changes and ultimately improve their sexual health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-022-01399-6. Women’s sexual health is often studied in relation to reproductive health and childbearing. While reproductive health during pregnancy and immediately after is well documented, it remains unclear how women’s sexual health is addressed, particularly within low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this review is to understand how researchers have measured, defined, and examined postpartum sexual health. In October 2021, we searched PubMed database with the following criteria: published in the last 20 years; conducted in a low- or middle-income context; examined sexual function and/or dysfunction among women aged 15–49 within 1 year after childbirth. From this inclusion criteria, we identified 46 relevant articles. Most studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Only five studies focused exclusively on positive sexual health, and the majority of studies examined the resumption of sex after childbirth. Multiple qualitative studies described women’s reluctance to seek help for postpartum sexual health issues and highlighted the difficulties they faced in receiving information specific to sexual health. Overall, the evidence base surrounding women’s sexual health after childbirth within low- and middle-income contexts is limited. Future research should examine sexual health beyond resumption of sex after childbirth and explore barriers to help-seeking for women experiencing sexual health issues. Further exploration of positive sexual health is needed across contexts.
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Morán Bayón Á, López Sosa C, Hernández Correa C, Trigo González A, Alonso Sardón M. ¿Ha variado la sexualidad en el embarazo? Generación baby boom versus generación millennial. Semergen 2022; 48:245-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Delgado-Pérez E, Rodríguez-Costa I, Vergara-Pérez F, Blanco-Morales M, Torres-Lacomba M. Recovering Sexuality after Childbirth. What Strategies Do Women Adopt? A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020950. [PMID: 35055771 PMCID: PMC8775547 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the strategies used by women to adapt to the changes that affect the first sexual relations after childbirth. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach used three data collection techniques (in-depth interviews, discussion groups, and online forums). Thirty-six women in the first six months postpartum participated in the study, from physiotherapy centers with maternal child specialties in several locations in Spain. Women with different types of delivery, presence or absence of perineal trauma during delivery, previous deliveries, and different types of breastfeeding were included. Among the strategies, closeness support and understanding were the ones that women used to adjust to the new situation, in order to improve the couple's relationship, intimacy, and cope with the significant changes that appear in the first six months postpartum. Changes and adaptations in sexual practices become a tool for coping with a new sexuality, especially if it is affected by the presence of pain or discomfort associated with physical changes. Personal time facilitates emotional management and improvement of emotional changes related to the demands of motherhood. Accepting the changes that motherhood brings is critical to dealing with the new situation. Strategies used by postpartum women focus on acceptance, self-care, partner, couple time, personal time, and adapting encounters. The findings of this study are of interest to health professionals as they provide insight into how women cope with the changes that appear in the first six months postpartum. In this way, the findings will be able to transmit to couples the alternatives they can adopt before the resumption of sexual relations to improve satisfaction both as a couple and in terms of sexuality after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Delgado-Pérez
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (E.D.-P.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Isabel Rodríguez-Costa
- Humanization in the Intervention of Physiotherapy for the Integral Attention to the People (HIPATIA) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Fernando Vergara-Pérez
- Physiotherapy in Women’s Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain; (F.V.-P.); (M.T.-L.)
| | - María Blanco-Morales
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (E.D.-P.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - María Torres-Lacomba
- Physiotherapy in Women’s Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain; (F.V.-P.); (M.T.-L.)
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