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Florkiewicz-Danel M, Zaręba K, Ciebiera M, Jakiel G. Quality of Life and Sexual Satisfaction in the Early Period of Motherhood-A Cross-Sectional Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7597. [PMID: 38137665 PMCID: PMC10744264 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of breastfeeding-related fatigue and family support on the sexuality and quality of life of mothers during early motherhood. A cross-sectional preliminary study was conducted between 1 October 2021 and 15 May 2022 in 65 women being in early postpartum period. We used the authors' questionnaire developed for the purposes of the study; the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women-SSS-W; the Mell-Krat scale for women; and the General Health Questionnaire-GHQ28. A significant negative correlation was found between the age of the patients and the reduction in somatic symptoms (GHQ28 questionnaire) (r = -0.315, p = 0.011). Women working professionally achieved significantly higher results in the SSS-W contentment category (r = 0.313, p = 0.014). Frequent sexual activity reduced disorders in social functioning (the GHQ28 questionnaire) (r = -0.107, p = 0.283). Women who breastfed up to 5 times a day (p = 0.033) reached significantly higher SSS-W scores in terms of communication. The partner's help significantly contributed to higher sexual satisfaction in the aspect of compatibility (p = 0.004) and the overall level of satisfaction determined with the SSS-W questionnaire (p = 0.016). The presented study suggests that older mothers who are employed and supported by a partner have a higher level of contentment, sexual satisfaction and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florkiewicz-Danel
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 00-968 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Kornelia Zaręba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michał Ciebiera
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education in Warsaw, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland;
- Warsaw Institute of Women’s Health, 00-189 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Jakiel
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education in Warsaw, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
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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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Huberman JS, Allsop DB, Rosen NO. Associations between New Mothers' Partner-Oriented Sexual Values and Sexual Distress in the Transition to Parenthood. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1259-1268. [PMID: 35731509 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2089969] [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
Women commonly experience heightened sexual distress in pregnancy and postpartum, and there is limited knowledge of protective factors. Women report declines in the importance of sexuality during this time, suggesting that valuing sexuality could be a relevant individual difference factor. It may be particularly protective for women to feel successful in living in line with their sexual values. In a longitudinal study, we examined associations between the extent to which women valued their role as a sexual partner, and their success living in line with this partner-oriented sexual value, with their sexual distress. Women (N = 367) reported the importance of their role as a sexual partner, success living according to this value, and sexual distress during pregnancy (18-20 weeks) and at 3, 6, 12 and 24-months postpartum. More strongly valuing one's role as a sexual partner was associated with more sexual distress, both between-person (i.e., across women) and within-person (i.e., variation within women over time). Above and beyond these effects, greater success at living in line with one's partner-oriented sexual value was associated with less sexual distress. Finding ways to live in line with one's sexual values may protect against sexual distress for new mothers in the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University
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Tavares IM, Rosen NO, Heiman JR, Nobre PJ. Biopsychosocial Predictors of Couples' Trajectories of Sexual Function and Sexual Distress Across the Transition to Parenthood. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1493-1511. [PMID: 36459350 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing narrative about sexual declines during the transition to parenthood is largely based on studies assessing the average couple, but there is increasing evidence of variability in the sexual well-being of new parents. We sought to establish distinct subgroups of couples based on sexual function and sexual distress trajectories and examine biopsychosocial risk and protective factors of these trajectories. A prospective cohort of 257 first-time parent couples reported on sexual function and sexual distress from 20-week pregnancy (baseline) to 6 months postpartum across four time-points. Biopsychosocial factors were assessed at baseline and 3 months postpartum. Dyadic latent class growth analysis identified two distinct sexual function classes (high, 85%; discrepant, 15%) and three sexual distress classes (low, 77%; moderate, 12%; discrepant, 11%). We identified biomedical (vaginal delivery, perineal tear, breastfeeding) and psychosocial (fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, attitudes toward sex during pregnancy, relationship quality, perceived partner support) factors that can be assessed at critical time-points (i.e., 20-week pregnancy and 3 months postpartum) to identify high-risk couples. Current results indicate that the course of change in sexual well-being for new parents is heterogeneous, with most new parents retaining high function and low distress and only a minority showing trajectories in which mothers, but not fathers, experience clinically significant and persistent levels of low sexual function and high sexual distress. These results may facilitate more nuanced approaches to the assessment and intervention of new parents' sexual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Tavares
- SexLab, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Julia R Heiman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Pedro J Nobre
- SexLab, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
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Tavares IM, Rosen NO, Heiman JR, Nobre PJ. Longitudinal associations between relational and sexual well-being in couples transitioning to parenthood. FAMILY PROCESS 2023. [PMID: 36720199 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is limited understanding of the dynamic between relational and sexual well-being as couples adjust to new parenthood, despite this being a vulnerable period for couples' relationships. This study was aimed at examining the bidirectional links between relationship quality and sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, sexual distress) across the transition to parenthood. We assessed new parent couples (N = 257) across four time points (two prenatal) from mid-pregnancy through 6 months postpartum. Parallel dyadic latent growth curve modeling was employed to examine the associations between trajectories of perceived relationship quality, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress. New parents' declines in relationship quality were associated with declines in own and partners' sexual satisfaction and with increases in own sexual distress. Mothers' prenatal relationship quality and sexual distress predicted subsequent changes in own sexual distress and fathers' relationship quality, respectively. Results indicate that changes to new parents' relational and sexual well-being mutually influence each other over time. Current results indicate that the impact of the transition on couples' relationships is partly determined by own and partners' prenatal factors, to which clinicians and researchers can attend to early on. Cross-domain links between relational and sexual well-being should be considered in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Tavares
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julia R Heiman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Pedro J Nobre
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Lorenz TK, Ramsdell EL, Brock RL. Communication changes the effects of sexual pain on sexual frequency in the pregnancy to postpartum transition. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:91-98. [PMID: 33076744 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1826429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate how sexual pain influences changes in sexual frequency from the pregnancy to postpartum transition, and to examine how couple's sexual communication interacts with sexual pain during pregnancy. METHODS We explored data following 159 mixed-sex couples across the transition from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. Couples completed the Relationship Quality Interview and the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised, which assessed their sexual communication, pain and other sexual problems during pregnancy, and frequency of intercourse at pregnancy and postpartum. RESULTS Overall, couples reported a decline in sexual activity from pregnancy to postpartum. Women's sexual pain during pregnancy influenced changes in sexual frequency only among couples who reported poorer communication about sex. Among couples reporting sexual pain and good communication, pain did not impact changes in sexual frequency (i.e. they experienced significant declines in sexual activity into the postpartum period, as expected). In contrast, among couples with poor communication, sexual frequency did not significantly decline. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that sexual communication alters the effects of sexual pain on postpartum sexual activity. Future research should examine if sexual communication training during pregnancy improves postpartum sexual wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.,Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Erin L Ramsdell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Rebecca L Brock
- Department of Psychology, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Allsop DB, Leavitt CE, Yorgason JB, Holmes EK. Variable Sexual Satisfaction in Pregnancy: A Latent Profile Analysis of Pregnant Wives and Their Husbands. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:173-184. [PMID: 34520286 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1970708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although not all couples achieve high levels of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, evidence of variability in couple sexual satisfaction during pregnancy indicates that sexual dissatisfaction in pregnancy does not apply to all. Subsequently, the current study examined whether a nationally representative U.S. sample of wives and husbands (N = 523 couples) fell into subgroups in terms of their sexual satisfaction during pregnancy and to what degree biopsychosocial factors distinguish potential subgroups. Latent profile analyses, adjusted for pregnancy-related biological factors, indicated that couples could be classified into two subsets - a larger subset of couples where wives and husbands were satisfied with sex overall (79%) and a smaller subset where wives and husbands were neutral about satisfaction with sex (21%). Lower depressive symptoms among wives was associated with a greater likelihood of being in the more satisfied subset over the less satisfied subset - the only significant group membership predictor among a variety of other factors. Implications include notions that couples and practitioners should consider women's depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy in addition to the perinatal period, and that most U.S. newly married pregnant couples do well navigating sexual satisfaction challenges during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
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Clephane K, Lorenz TK. Putative Mental, Physical, and Social Mechanisms of Hormonal Influences on Postpartum Sexuality. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2021; 13:136-148. [PMID: 35707497 PMCID: PMC9191849 DOI: 10.1007/s11930-021-00321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Much research has documented changes in postpartum sexuality, including changes in sexual functioning and satisfaction for both the birthing parent and their partner(s). These changes are often linked to postpartum changes in hormonal and immune responses, which can have both direct and indirect effects on sexuality. Recent Findings Here, we review how postpartum sexuality may be changed via mental, physical, and social/relationship effects of a variety of hormones, including estrogens, progestogens, androgens, cortisol, and oxytocin. We also review the ways in which inflammation may act alongside hormones to influence postpartum sexuality. Summary We argue that, as each of these factors strongly influence the action of others, the next phase of research in postpartum sexuality must examine the bidirectional interactions of hormones and their effects on behavior, cognition, and social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Clephane
- Department of Psychology & Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Stadium East C69, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA
| | - Tierney K. Lorenz
- Department of Psychology & Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Stadium East C69, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA
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Tavares IM, Heiman JR, Rosen NO, Nobre PJ. Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors. J Sex Med 2021; 18:789-799. [PMID: 33766522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.01.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) are self-report measures of expectant couples' attitudes towards sex during pregnancy. AIM This study aimed to examine dyadic non-independence of MSP/PSP scores in a sample of expectant couples, while providing an evaluation of factor structure, validity, and reliability of the Portuguese versions of the MSP/PSP. The association between partners' attitudes and frequency of sexual behaviors was also examined. METHODS A total of 189 expectant couples completed a survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MSP/PSP, frequency of sexual behaviors, as well as validated measures of attitudes to sex, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, depression, and perceived social support. OUTCOMES Dyadic interdependence was tested via Pearson correlation between MSP/PSP scores; between-dyads variability was tested via intraclass correlation of the unconditional model including only MSP/PSP scores using a multi-level model. Associations between attitudes and sexual behavior were tested using regression analysis (between-dyads outcomes) or APIM (mixed outcomes). Factor structure, internal consistency, and validity (convergent, discriminant, and concurrent) of the Portuguese versions of the scales were assessed. RESULTS MSP/PSP scores were interdependent within-dyads. Male partners presented significantly more positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy than pregnant women. Attitudes were linked to indices of sexual well-being for both partners (sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction) and, for both partners, more positive attitudes were associated with higher frequencies of most partnered sexual behaviors. The Portuguese MSP/PSP scales showed good factor structure, and good to excellent indices of reliability and validity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The Portuguese MSP/PSP is adequate for use in couples. The scales can be used to screen partners with negative attitudes towards sex during pregnancy and evaluate how these attitudes relate to intra- and inter-individual sexual well-being during pregnancy. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS A strength of this study is the inclusion of both expectant partners and the use of dyadic analysis. Couples who participated in the study were all in mixed-gender/sex relationships, although this was not defined as an inclusion criterion. Future studies should use the MSP/PSP in more diverse samples in order to further determine how the scale performs for couples with different characteristics. CONCLUSION Scores in the MSP/PSP are interdependent between mixed-sex/gender expectant couple members. More positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy are linked to higher frequencies of partnered sexual behaviors and to both partners' greater sexual well-being. Tavares Inês M., Heiman Julia R., Rosen Natalie O., et al. Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors. J Sex Med Rev 2021;18:789-799.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Tavares
- SexLab, Center of Psychology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Julia R Heiman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Canada
| | - Pedro J Nobre
- SexLab, Center of Psychology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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