title: Sexual function in breastfeeding women in family health centers of tabriz, iran, 2012.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are conflicting evidences about the effects of breastfeeding on postpartum maternal sexual functioning. With regard to the methodological weaknesses of previous studies and cultural differences affecting their issue, the present study aims to evaluate sexual functions of lactating women and its components.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a descriptive study in which 200 eligible postpartum women were selected from eight health centers of Tabriz (25 from each center). The eligible women were called and invited to attend the health center. The evaluation was performed using the Persian version of normalized questionnaire of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The participants' sexual function scores above 28 were considered desirable (regarding the cut-off point mentioned in the Persian version of the questionnaire).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost all of the lactating women suffered from sexual dysfunctions. Regarding the sexual performance's components the lowest scores were for libido and sexual arousal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the findings of the studies, in order to prevent the effects of sexual dysfunction on lactating women and their family members it is necessary to develop sexual health programs in health centers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Jamileh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Malakoti
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Vahid
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zamanzadeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Ahdieh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maleki
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Azizeh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farshbaf Khalili
keywords: Breast feeding; Sexual function; Women