title: Sexual function after childbirth by the mode of delivery: a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study was to evaluate sexual behavior longitudinally in the postpartum period by mode of delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, five groups were defined: women who delivered vaginally without an episiotomy (n = 16), women who delivered vaginally with an episiotomy (n = 14), women who delivered by instrumental delivery (n = 16), women who delivered by an emergent cesarean section (n = 19), and women who delivered by an elective cesarean section (n = 17). Sexual behavior was assessed by the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum and by the timing of resumption of sexual intercourse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean ± SD self-reported timing of resumption of sexual activity was 4.5 ± 1.8, 7.9 ± 3.0, 7.3 ± 3.4, 6.1 ± 2.6, and 6.1 ± 2.4 weeks in the vaginal delivery without an episiotomy group, in the vaginal delivery with an episiotomy group, in the instrumental delivery group, in the elective cesarean delivery group, and in the emergent cesarean delivery group, respectively (p = 0.013). The FSFI total score in the entire study group (n = 82) was 14.1 ± 10.8, 24.6 ± 7.6, and 27.7 ± 5.1 at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum, respectively (p < 0.05). The FSFI total score did not differ significantly across types of mode of delivery at 6, 12, or 24 weeks postpartum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The significance by delivery mode difference in the postpartum resumption of sexual activity was not accompanied by difference in sexual function scores. Specifically, elective cesarean delivery was not associated with a protective effect on sexual function after childbirth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, drslurie@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lurie
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aizenberg
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sulema
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boaz
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kovo
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Golan
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sadan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003075:Coitus; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004841:Episiotomy; D005113:Extraction, Obstetrical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D057566:Self Report; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult