The effects of mode delivery on postpartum sexual function: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of mode of delivery and perineal injury on sexual function at 6 and 12 months postpartum.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Tertiary women's hospital in Melbourne, Australia.


METHODS
A cohort of 440 primigravid women.


METHODS
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was completed at first visit (7-19 weeks of gestation), and at 6 and 12 months postpartum.


METHODS
A statistically significant difference in total FSFI or domain scores over time according to mode of delivery or perineal injury.


RESULTS
In this cohort 54% of women had a normal vaginal delivery, 21% had an instrumental delivery, and 25% gave birth by caesarean section. No difference was found in total FSFI or domain scores according to mode of delivery over time between antenatal assessment and 12 months postpartum. Pain was decreased in the caesarean group only at 6 months postpartum. All groups showed pain scores at 12 months that were comparable with antenatal levels. For those who gave birth vaginally, 27% had an intact perineum, 50% had an episiotomy, and 6%, 14%, and 3% had first, second, and third-degree tears, respectively. The only differences between groups were found over time according to perineal injury at 6 months in the arousal domain. At 12 months, total FSFI and domain scores were no different to initial scores.


CONCLUSIONS
At 12 months postpartum sexual function has returned to early pregnancy levels, irrespective of mode of delivery or perineal injury.
Department of Urogynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
A
A
De Souza
Department of Urogynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.|The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
P L
PL
Dwyer
Institute of Sport Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.|School of Health Sciences and Psychology, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Vic., Australia.
M
M
Charity
Department of Urogynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
E
E
Thomas
Department of Urogynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.|Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
C H J
CH
Ferreira
Department of Urogynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
L
L
Schierlitz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Delivery mode; episiotomy; perineal trauma; postpartum; sexual function