Sexual function 6 months after first delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the association of anal sphincter laceration and sexual function 6 months postpartum in the Childbirth and Pelvic Symptoms (CAPS) cohort.


METHODS
The primary CAPS study, a prospective cohort study, was designed to estimate the postpartum prevalence and incidence of urinary and fecal incontinence. Three cohorts of new mothers (vaginal delivery with a third- or fourth-degree anal sphincter tear, vaginal delivery without a third- or fourth-degree anal sphincter tear, and cesarean delivery without labor) were compared at 6 months postpartum. Sexual function was assessed with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence/Sexual Function Short Form Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Urinary and fecal incontinence were assessed using the Medical Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging questionnaire and the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, which is embedded within the Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Most women (459 [90%]) of those with partners reported sexual activity at the 6-month visit. Fewer women whose delivery was complicated by anal sphincter laceration reported sexual activity when compared with those who delivered vaginally without sphincter laceration (88 compared with 94%, P=.028). The mean PISQ-12 score (39+/-4) did not differ between delivery groups (P=.92). Pain (responses of "sometimes," "usually," or "always") during sex affected one of three sexually active women (164 [36%]).


CONCLUSIONS
At 6 months postpartum, primiparous women who delivered with anal sphincter laceration are less likely to report sexual activity.


METHODS
II.
Brubaker
Linda
L
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA. LBrubaker@lumc.edu
Handa
Victoria L
VL
Bradley
Catherine S
CS
Connolly
AnnaMarie
A
Moalli
Pamela
P
Brown
Morton B
MB
Weber
Anne
A
D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries*; D003075:Coitus; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology