title: Predictors of postpartum sexual activity and function in a diverse population of women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of postpartum sexual activity and functioning in a diverse population of women using the Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire (SHOW-Q).
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective study of 160 postpartum women assessing relationships between demographic factors, mode of birth, depression, breastfeeding, and sexual activity and function. Questionnaires were administered over the telephone 8 to 10 weeks postpartum and in person 6 to 8 months postpartum. Primary outcomes were sexual activity at 8 to 10 weeks postpartum and global and subscale SHOW-Q scores at 6 to 8 months postpartum; the primary predictor was mode of birth. Associations were assessed using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-five percent of this population (n = 140 at 8-10 weeks, n = 129 at 6-8 months) gave birth vaginally, and 60.7% resumed sexual activity by 8 to 10 weeks postpartum. Only multiparity was associated with increased odds of having resumed sexual activity by 8 to 10 weeks postpartum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.44; P = .03), whereas older age was associated with decreased odds (aOR, 0.92; P = .02) of having resumed sexual activity. Women who were depressed (effect estimate, -13.3; P = .01), older (-1.1, P = .01), or exclusively breastfeeding (-16.5, P < .001) had significantly poorer sexual satisfaction, whereas multiparous women reported better sexual satisfaction (11.1, P = .03). A significant relationship between mode of birth and SHOW-Q scores did not emerge, although we did observe a trend toward lower SHOW-Q scores among women who underwent cesarean compared with those giving birth vaginally.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multiparity and younger age predict early resumption of sexual activity, whereas depression and breastfeeding are associated with poorer postpartum sexual functioning. The relationship between mode of birth and resumed sexual activity or postpartum sexual function remains uncertain.
authors: Lynn M
authors: LM
authors: Yee
authors: Anjali J
authors: AJ
authors: Kaimal
authors: Sanae
authors: S
authors: Nakagawa
authors: Kathryn
authors: K
authors: Houston
authors: Miriam
authors: M
authors: Kuppermann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: breastfeeding; depression; mode of birth; postpartum sexual function