Fatherhood in focus, sexual activity can wait: new fathers' experience about sexual life after childbirth

The effectiveness of "Women's Postpartum Sexual Health Program (WPSHP)" on Iranian women's postpartum sexual health: A randomized clinical trial

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of Women's Postpartum Sexual Health Program (WPSHP) on Iranian women's sexual health in the postpartum period. A single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2016 on 80 postnatal women in Iran. We used the Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Quality of Life - Female questionnaire and Female Sexual Distress Scale. The intervention group received counseling based on WPSHP. After 28 weeks, the mean score of the Female Sexual Function Index and Female Sexual Quality of Life significantly increased in the WPSH group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), while the mean score of the Female Sexual Distress significantly decreased in the WPSH group (p < 0.001). We concluded that Women's Postpartum Sexual Health Program could promote postnatal women's sexual function and female sexual quality of life and reduces female sexual distress in women suffering from sexual problems in the postpartum period.

Sexual function in primiparous women: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this prospective study was to examine the impact of sociodemographic, pregnancy and obstetric characteristics on sexual function 12 months postpartum in primiparous women. We hypothesized that sexual function would decrease after childbirth.

METHODS

Between 1 October 2014 and 1 October 2017, all nulliparous women in early pregnancy registering for maternity health care in Region Örebro County, Sweden, were invited to participate in this prospective study. A total of 958 women were included. Sexual activity and function were measured at early pregnancy, 8 weeks postpartum and 12 months postpartum using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). The associations between sociodemographic, pregnancy and obstetric characteristics and sexual activity and function from early pregnancy to 12 months postpartum were examined using linear and logistic models based on generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

We found that the prevalence of sexually active women decreased from 98.0% in early pregnancy to 66.7% at 8 weeks postpartum, but increased to 90.0% at 12 months postpartum. Age ≥ 35 years, second-degree perineal tear and current breastfeeding were statistically significant risk factors for sexual inactivity at 12 months postpartum. Poor self-reported health in early pregnancy was statistically significantly associated with decreased sexual function at 12 months postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of women resumed sexual activity at 8 weeks postpartum and most women at 12 months postpartum; the decrease in sexual function at 12 months postpartum was small and few risk factors were observed.

A Comparison of the Sexual Well-Being of New Parents With Community Couples

BACKGROUND

Changes in sexual well-being are common for new mothers and their partners after the birth of a baby. However, most research has sampled mothers not couples, assessed only one aspect of sexual well-being, and has not included a control sample of couples.

AIM

This study aimed to compare the sexual well-being (ie, sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress) of first-time mothers and their partners in the transition to parenthood (first 12-month postpartum) to community couples who are not actively in this transition. We also compared the sexual well-being within couples (eg, mothers to their partners).

METHODS

Couples in the transition to parenthood (n = 99) completed measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress, and sexual frequency at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum, and community couples (n = 104) completed the measures at a single time point.

OUTCOMES

Measures included the following: (i) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale; (ii) Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function sexual desire subscale; (iii) Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised; and (iv) checklist of sexual behaviors.

RESULTS

Compared with community controls, new parents reported lower sexual satisfaction, lower sexual desire, and higher sexual distress at all time-points; however, these group differences became less pronounced by 12 months postpartum. By 6 months postpartum, there was no difference in sexual frequency between postpartum couples and the control group. Mothers experienced persistently lower sexual desire relative to their partners throughout the 12 months postpartum. Between 39% and 59% of mothers reported clinically low sexual desire, and 47-57% reported significant sexual distress at all time points. There were no significant differences reported in sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, or sexual distress between women and their partners in the community sample.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians should be aware that sexual well-being may be compromised in new parents, and some of these challenges are still present for new parents at 12 months postpartum. Findings can be used to educate new parents regarding their expectations about postpartum sexual well-being.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

The strengths of the present study are the dyadic approach, assessing multiple aspects of sexual well-being in new parents over time, and the comparison with a community sample. An important limitation is that the control sample was not followed up over time.

CONCLUSION

Education regarding postpartum sexual well-being should be incorporated in routine perinatal and postnatal healthcare practices to support new parents in developing realistic expectations about changes during the transition to parenthood, potentially preventing undue distress. Schwenck GC, Dawson SJ, Muise A, et al. A Comparison of the Sexual Well-Being of New Parents With Community Couples. J Sex Med 2020;17:2156-2167.

Changes in prenatal testosterone and sexual desire in expectant couples

During the transition to parenthood (TTP), both women and men report declines in sexual desire, which are thought to reflect an evolutionarily adaptive focus on parenting over mating. New parents also show changes in testosterone, a steroid hormone implicated in both parenting and mating, suggesting that changes in sexual desire may be associated with changes in testosterone. To test these associations, we followed a sample of heterosexual couples expecting their first child across the prenatal period. We examined prenatal changes in testosterone and two forms of sexual desire (solitary, dyadic). Expectant mothers showed prenatal increases in testosterone, and women's higher testosterone was associated with lower dyadic desire. Expectant fathers showed prenatal decreases in testosterone, and declines in men's testosterone were associated with lower dyadic desire. Testosterone was unrelated to men's or women's solitary desire. Our findings provide support for the idea that prenatal changes in testosterone contribute to an evolutionarily adaptive focus on parenting over mating during the TTP.

Mental health and wellbeing during the transition to fatherhood: a systematic review of first time fathers' experiences

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on first time fathers' experiences and needs in relation to their mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood.

INTRODUCTION

Men's mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood is an important public health issue that is currently under-researched from a qualitative perspective and poorly understood.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Resident first time fathers (biological and non-biological) of healthy babies born with no identified terminal or long-term conditions were included. The phenomena of interest were their experiences and needs in relation to mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood, from commencement of pregnancy until one year after birth. Studies based on qualitative data, including, but not limited to, designs within phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography and action research were included.

METHODS

A three-step search strategy was used. The search strategy explored published and unpublished qualitative studies from 1960 to September 2017. All included studies were assessed by two independent reviewers and any disagreements were resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. The recommended Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and data synthesis was used.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review, which were then assessed to be of moderate to high quality (scores 5-10) based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. The studies were published between 1990 and 2017, and all used qualitative methodologies to accomplish the overall aim of investigating the experiences of expectant or new fathers. Nine studies were from the UK, three from Sweden, three from Australia, two from Canada, two from the USA, one from Japan, one from Taiwan and one from Singapore. The total number of first time fathers included in the studies was 351. One hundred and forty-four findings were extracted from the included studies. Of these, 142 supported findings were aggregated into 23 categories and seven synthesized findings: 1) New fatherhood identity, 2) Competing challenges of new fatherhood, 3) Negative feelings and fears, 4) Stress and coping, 5) Lack of support, 6) What new fathers want, and 7) Positive aspects of fatherhood.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the synthesized findings, three main factors that affect first time fathers' mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood were identified: the formation of the fatherhood identity, competing challenges of the new fatherhood role and negative feelings and fears relating to it. The role restrictions and changes in lifestyle often resulted in feelings of stress, for which fathers used denial or escape activities, such as smoking, working longer hours or listening to music, as coping techniques. Fathers wanted more guidance and support around the preparation for fatherhood, and partner relationship changes. Barriers to accessing support included lack of tailored information resources and acknowledgment from health professionals. Better preparation for fatherhood, and support for couple relationships during the transition to parenthood could facilitate better experiences for new fathers, and contribute to better adjustments and mental wellbeing in new fathers.

Factors Influencing Couples' Sexuality in the Puerperium: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

The puerperium is a period of adaptation in which various transformations take place in the lives of women and men on their way to becoming mothers and fathers. These changes can also have repercussions on their sexual relations. How the couple deals with this transition is crucial to the well-being of the couple and affects how parents relate to the baby.

AIM

This study aimed to explore the factors that influence sexuality in both women and men during postpartum.

METHODS

We conducted a bibliographic review of 236 articles found on the PubMed database and published from 2008 to January 2019.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was the impact of various physical, psychological, and sociocultural factors on couples' sexual functioning during postpartum.

RESULTS

The main problems that couples face after childbirth can be classified as (i) psychological changes, such as loss of a sense of self, transitioning to parenthood, taking on the new roles of mother and father, and feelings of abandonment among men; (ii) body changes in women that affect their self-image and perineal trauma; (iii) hormonal changes in women and men that can lead to reduced sexual desire in both and vaginal dryness or dyspareunia in women; (iv) changes in the marital relationship, including changes in each other's roles, taking time for intimacy, and initiating sexual intercourse; (v) sociocultural influences, such as social support, culturally expected roles, and beliefs regarding when to resume sex; and (vi) lifestyle changes, especially with regard to baby care.

CONCLUSION

Sexuality during postpartum is influenced by multiple factors: physical, psychological, and sociocultural. Our findings offer a deeper understanding of how the transition to parenthood affects sexual relationships during the postpartum period. Implications regarding caring for and promoting the sexual health of individuals and couples after childbirth are discussed, and some medical recommendations for parents are offered. Serrano Drozdowskyj E, Gimeno Castro E, Trigo López E, et al. Factors Influencing Couples' Sexuality in the Puerperium: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:38-47.

First-time parents' experiences of proximity and intimacy after childbirth - A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore first-time parents' experiences of proximity and intimacy after childbirth.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study. Individual interviews with a sample of six women and six men were conducted in December 2017. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

In the first theme, the parents described that their mutual attraction was affected by the female body changes during pregnancy and childbirth. The second theme described how the baby represented a new focus, resulting in a form of intimacy that was more sensual than sexual. The third theme described how pain, fear and new priorities changed couples' intimacy, making their sex life a challenge.

CONCLUSION

First-time parents had varied experiences of proximity and intimacy after the birth. When they chose to prioritize each other, attraction increased, strengthening their relationship and even when busy, those who wanted to be intimate with their partner found sufficient time. During this process, there was sometimes an imbalance between the partners' sexual needs. Intimacy was then challenged, but not necessarily weakened. New parents need information and guidance on changes that may affect proximity and intimacy in their relationship after childbirth, but receive very little information.

Resumption of sex after a second birth: An Australian prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Few longitudinal studies have examined women's experiences of sex after childbirth. Much of the advice given to couples about what to expect in relation to sex after childbirth is based on cross-sectional studies.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate timing of resumption of sex after a second birth and assess associations with obstetric factors (method of birth and perineal trauma) and time interval between first and second births.

METHOD

Prospective cohort of 1507 nulliparous women recruited before 25 weeks' gestation in Melbourne, Australia followed up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after first births, and 6 and 12 months after second births. Measures include: obstetric factors and resumption of vaginal sex after first and second births.

RESULTS

By 8 weeks after their second birth, 56% of women had resumed vaginal sex, compared with 65% after their first birth. Women were more likely to resume sex later than 8 weeks postpartum if they had a spontaneous vaginal birth with episiotomy or sutured perineal tear (aOR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.5-3.2), operative vaginal birth (aOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.3-5.3) or cesarean delivery (aOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.4-3.3) compared with a vaginal birth with minimal or no perineal trauma. There was no association between timing of resumption of sex and the time interval between births.

CONCLUSION

For almost half of the cohort, sex was not resumed until at least 8 weeks after the second birth. Timing of resumption of sex was influenced by obstetric factors, but not the time interval between births.

Experiences, needs, and perceptions of paternal involvement during the first year after their infants' birth: A meta-synthesis

Objectives

Fatherhood has evolved in recent decades from ‘a moral teacher’ to ‘an involved father’. However, fatherhood experiences have not been examined in detail. This meta-synthesis aimed to examine fathers’ experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth.

Method

Six electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, ProQuest (grey literature). The search resulted in 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. All 13 studies met the appraisal criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. The findings of the 13 studies were synthesized using the steps of Sandelowski and Barroso in conducting meta-synthesis.

Results

The 13 included studies comprised studies conducted in the West, Africa, and Asia. Fatherhood experiences differed according to different sociocultural contexts. Three themes were identified: (1) trajectory of the father-infant relationship, (2) reinforcements and hindrances to involvement, and (3) change from self-oriented to family-oriented behavior. Changes in a father’s relationship with his infant were influenced by relationships with his spouse and family members after the birth of the infant. Reinforcements, hindrances, and needs to fathers’ involvement were identified. Fathering responsibility and parenting satisfaction that developed overtime influenced a father’s behavior, changing from self-oriented to family-oriented.

Significance

This is the first meta-synthesis that examined fathers’ experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth. Multiple factors were found to influence the socially-defined fathering ideology. Cultural practices of fatherhood and fathers’ own perceptions shaped their actual fathering behaviors. The findings of this study may guide healthcare professionals as frontline personnel to understand fathers’ needs and experiences in order to promote fathers’ involvement in the early days after their infants’ birth.

Informational interventions on paternal outcomes during the perinatal period: A systematic review

PROBLEM

The perinatal period is a stressful transition for new parents.

BACKGROUND

Various forms of educational interventions are available and are found to be efficacious in improving maternal and child outcomes. Such interventions for fathers were scarce and western-centric. Fathers should be educated as they have an impact on maternal and child outcomes.

AIM

This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of quantitatively-studied informational support-focused interventions for fathers using paternal outcomes only.

METHODS

The search was carried out in six databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Psychological Information Database, and MedNar. Cochrane Collaboration's tools were used to assess the eligibility of the studies.

FINDINGS

A total of 17 studies with 18 interventions were identified and included in the narrative synthesis. Most interventions were delivered to the Western population during the antenatal or postpartum period. The method of delivery for these interventions was mainly face-to-face, with inconclusive findings on various paternal psychosocial outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Limited father-inclusive interventions were available. Technology-based longitudinal studies with interventions carried out across the perinatal period with longer follow-up periods were recommended for interventions providing informational support for fathers. Future studies can also examine paternal physical health and behavioural outcomes. Interventions in culturally-diverse populations should be designed and tested for their efficacies as fathers have different informational needs, especially in Asia.

CONCLUSION

Informational interventions for fathers were found to be lacking and recommendations for future studies on educational interventions for fathers were discussed.

Degree and Direction of Sexual Desire Discrepancy are Linked to Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Transitioning to Parenthood

Many new parents are concerned that they have different levels of interest in sex than their partner. Understanding the role of desire discrepancies in their sexual and relationship satisfaction could help promote adjustment. In community couples, larger desire discrepancies have been inconsistently linked to lower sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, these studies rarely accounted for both the degree and direction (e.g., which partner has higher desire) of the discrepancy. We surveyed 255 mixed-sex new parent couples to assess their sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Using polynomial regression with response surface analysis (RSA), we found that desire discrepancies between partners (i.e., when partners were more mismatched as opposed to matched on their levels of sexual desire) were associated with lower sexual (but not relationship) satisfaction for both partners. However, the direction of desire discrepancy mattered: Parents felt less satisfied when mothers were the higher-desire partner compared to when fathers were the higher-desire partner. In addition, when partners' level of sexual desire was in agreement, they were more sexually and relationally satisfied if both partners reported higher compared to lower desire. Results demonstrate the important role of both the magnitude and direction of desire discrepancies in new parent couples.

'To be able to support her, I must feel calm and safe': pregnant women's partners perceptions of professional support during pregnancy

Background

Professional support does not always meet the needs of expectant fathers or co-mothers. The way in which professional support is offered during pregnancy varies internationally, depending on the country. In order to attain a greater understanding of partners’ experiences of professional support, it is necessary to further illuminate their perceptions of it. The aim of this study was therefore to explore pregnant women’s partners’ perceptions of professional support during pregnancy.

Methods

Qualitative research design. Partners of pregnant women were interviewed during gestational week 36–38. Individual semi-structured interviews were used to explore the partners’ perceptions. The data was analysed using a phenomenographic approach. The study was performed in a county in south-western Sweden; the data collection was conducted from November 2014 to February 2015. Fourteen partners (expectant fathers and co-mothers) of women who were expectant first-time mothers with singleton pregnancies, were interviewed.

Results

The findings of the study are presented through four descriptive categories: Ability to absorb adequate information; Possibility to meet and share with other expectant parents; Confirmation of the partner’s importance; and Influence on the couple relationship. Using a theoretical assumption of the relationship between the categories showed that the fourth category was influenced by the other three categories.

Conclusions

The partners perceived that professional support during pregnancy could influence the couple relationship. The partners’ ability to communicate and to experience togetherness with the women increased when the expectant couple received professional support together. The support created also possibilities to meet and share experiences with other expectant parents. In contrast, a lack of support was found to contribute to partners’ feelings of unimportance. It was essential that the midwives included the partners by confirming that they were individuals who had different needs for various types of professional support. The partners perceived it easier to absorb information when it was adequate and given with a pedagogic that made the partners become interested and emotionally engaged.

Sexual function and postpartum depression 6 months after attempted operative vaginal delivery according to fetal head station: A prospective population-based cohort study

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the fetal head station at attempted operative vaginal delivery (aOVD), and specifically midpelvic or low aOVD, on female and male sexual function and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) at 6 months.

Design

Prospective population-based cohort study.

Setting

1,941 women with singleton term fetuses in vertex presentation with midpelvic or low aOVD between 2008 and 2013 in a tertiary care university hospital.

Methods

Symptoms of female sexual dysfunction using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence/Sexual Function Short Form Questionnaire (PISQ-12), symptoms of PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, symptoms of male sexual dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and perineal pain were assessed 6 months after aOVD. We measured the association between midpelvic or low aOVD and symptoms of female and male sexual function and symptoms of PPD at 6 months using multiple regression and adjusting for demographics, and risk factors of sexual dysfunction, symptoms of PPD and perineal pain with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

The study included 907 women (46.7%) who responded to the questionnaire; 18.4% (167/907) had midpelvic aOVD, and 81.6% (740/907) low. Most women (873/907 [96.3%]) of those with partners reported sexual activity at 6 months. No significant difference was observed for PISQ-12, EPDS, IIEF-15 scores and perineal pain between mid and low pelvic groups. Compared with low pelvic aOVD, midpelvic aOVD was not significantly associated with either female or male sexual dysfunction (p = 0.89 and p = 0.76, respectively), or maternal symptoms of PPD (p = 0.83). Perineal pain significantly increased the risk of male and female sexual dysfunction and maternal symptoms of PPD at 6 months (p = 0.02, p = 0.006, and p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

Midpelvic compared with low pelvic aOVD was not associated with an increase in sexual dysfunction, nor with symptoms of PPD at 6 months.

A New Baby in the Bedroom: Frequency and Severity of Postpartum Sexual Concerns and Their Associations With Relationship Satisfaction in New Parent Couples

INTRODUCTION

New parents are faced with many novel stressors, including possible changes to their sexual relationships. Although postpartum sexual concerns appear to be pervasive in new parents, little is known about the severity of these concerns or how they relate to new mothers' and fathers' relationship satisfaction.

AIM

To describe the frequency and severity of postpartum sexual concerns and examine associations between frequency and severity of postpartum sexual concerns and relationship satisfaction in new-parent couples.

METHODS

Participants were 239 new-parent couples of a healthy infant 3 to 12 months old. Both members of the parenting couple completed an online survey within 1 month of each other.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency and severity of postpartum sexual concerns were assessed using a 20-item Likert-type questionnaire adapted from a previously validated measurement. Relationship satisfaction was assessed with the Couples Satisfaction Index.

RESULTS

A wide range of postpartum sexuality concerns was highly prevalent and moderately distressing in new mothers and fathers alike. New fathers' greater severity of postpartum sexual concerns was associated with their own and new mothers' decreased relationship satisfaction, whereas new mothers' greater severity of postpartum sexual concerns was associated only with lower relationship satisfaction in new fathers. In addition, new mothers' greater frequency of postpartum sexual concerns was associated with their own and new fathers' lower relationship satisfaction, whereas new fathers' frequency of postpartum sexual concerns was unrelated to the couples' relationship satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum sexual concerns are pervasive and moderately distressing in new parents. The increased frequency and severity of these concerns were associated with decreased relationship well-being in both members of the couple. New mothers might need more assistance adjusting to the number of sexual concerns that they are experiencing, whereas new fathers might need more help adjusting to distress related to sexual issues.

Do Fathers' Sexual Behaviors Vary with the Sex of Firstborns? Evidence from 37 Countries

This article investigates whether men's sexual behavior is influenced by the sex of their firstborn children and, if so, at what stage of firstborns' development this occurs. Using standardized data from 37 Demographic and Health Surveys (N = 61,801), I compare the sexual activities, sexually transmitted infection symptoms, and sexual ideologies of fathers with firstborn sons and fathers with firstborn daughters. I also explore whether fathers' attitudes mediate the effects of firstborn sex. The findings indicate that fathers with firstborn sons are less likely to report using condoms and more likely to report paying for sex and having genital ulcers than fathers with firstborn daughters. These differences are limited to the firstborn's adolescent years and are slightly mediated by attitudinal differences. Together, these results raise new questions about the underlying mechanisms linking men's sexual behavior to their children's gendered development.

Sexuality among fathers of newborns in Jamaica

BACKGROUND

While a growing body of research has addressed pregnancy and postpartum impacts on female sexuality, relatively little work has been focused upon men. A few studies suggest that a fraction of men report decreases in libido during a partner's pregnancy and/or postpartum, with alterations in men's sexual behavior also commonly aligning with those of a partner. Here, we investigate sexuality among fathers of newborn children in Jamaica. In Jamaica, as elsewhere in the Caribbean, relationship dynamics can be fluid, contributing to variable paternal roles and care, as well as a high fraction of children born into visiting relationships in which parents live apart from each other.

METHODS

During July-September, 2011, 3410 fathers of newborns with an average age of 31 (SD = 8) years participated in the fatherhood arm of a national birth cohort study (JAKids). These fathers answered questions about sociodemographic background, relationship quality and sexuality (e.g., various components of sexual function such as sex drive and sexual satisfaction as well as number of sexual partners the previous 12 months and sexual intercourse the previous week) during a visit to a hospital or birth center within a day or two of their child being born.

RESULTS

Showed that sex drive was more variable than other components (erections, ejaculation, problem assessment) of sexual function, though sexual satisfaction was generally high. Thirty percent of men reported two or more sexual partners the previous 12 months. Nearly half of men indicated not engaging in sexual intercourse the past week. Multivariate analyses showed that relationship status was related to various aspects of men's sexuality, such as men in visiting relationships reporting more sexual partners and more openness to casual sex. Relationship quality was the most consistent predictor of men's sexuality, with men in higher quality relationships reporting higher sexual satisfaction, fewer sexual partners, and higher frequency of sex, among other findings.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide an unusually large, quantitative look at men's sexuality during the transition to fatherhood in Jamaica, offering helpful insight to would-be parents, clinicians or others seeking to anticipate the effects of a partner's pregnancy on men's sexuality.

[Female sexuality and parenthood]

From the child conception to the early years of life, couples generally present less sexual activity. Parenthood constraints are a burden for the couple's relationships. Generally, persistent sexual difficulties six months after delivery, despite those generated by depression or altered health raise the question of an alteration in the quality of the couple's relationships and lack of satisfaction of the mother with her partner's involvement in family life. Numerous parameters can be implied, especially with persistent trouble of desire, such as fatigue, body image problems and libido lessening of the partner due to modifications of his status. Women who presented sexual difficulties before pregnancy remain the same. In all cases, appropriate information can avoid the intimacy's difficulties and contribute to maintain pleasure and intimacy even when vaginal penetration remains difficult.

Fathers sharing about early parental support in health-care - virtual discussions on an Internet forum

Becoming a father is a life changing event and this transition is associated with various emotions. Educational activities aimed at new parents are important in healthcare parental support (HCPS). HCPS has been critiqued for its predominant focus on mothers, while the needs of fathers seem to have been downplayed. As a result, fathers often turn to Internet-based forums for support. As virtual discussions and mutual support among fathers take place in cyberspace, it is important to monitor these forums to observe the ways in which the fathers discuss HCPS. The aim of this study is to explore the ways in which new fathers visiting an Internet-based forum for fathers communicated their experiences of HCPS. A netnographic method consisting of six steps was used to gather and analyse the data. The findings show that fathers shared with one another their experiences of the attitudes expressed by HCPS workers as well as their own attitudes towards HCPS. The attitudes of HCPS workers that were directed towards the fathers were perceived as highly personal and individual, while fathers described their attitudes towards the HCPS in general terms, towards HCPS as a system. Overall, the fathers described HCPS as a valuable confirmatory support that eased their worries concerning sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), colic, weight gain, fever and teething. Although the fathers expressed gratitude towards HCPS, they also shared their negative experiences, such as feeling invisible, disregarded and insulted. In fact, the twofold attitudes that exist in the relationship between the fathers and HCPS can act as a barrier rather than being a confirmatory support. We recommend that HCPS adopts a broader approach using more targeted and strategic didactic methods for supporting fathers in the growth of their own personal awareness, as such an approach would offer a competitive and professional alternative to the support offered in informal experience-based Internet forums.