title: Postpartum sexual health: a principle-based concept analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to report an analysis of the concept of postpartum sexual health.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Postpartum sexual health is a minimally understood concept, most often framed within physical/biological dimensions or as a 'checklist' task in postpartum information provision. This has the potential to leave women unprepared to manage transient or normative sexual health changes after childbirth. For meaningful discussions, clarity and understanding of postpartum sexual health is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  A principle-based method of concept analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care, PsychInfo, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Social Science Index were systematically searched, from their earliest dates, using a combination of key terms, including; 'sexual health', 'sexual function', 'dyspareunia', 'sexuality', 'sexual desire', 'sexual dysfunction', 'postnatal' and 'postpartum', resulting in a final included dataset of 91 studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the principle-based approach, postpartum sexual health was analysed under the four philosophical principles of epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic and logical.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Philosophically, postpartum sexual health is underdeveloped as a concept. A precise theoretical definition remains elusive and, presently, postpartum sexual health cannot be separated theoretically from sexuality and sexual function. Identified antecedents include an instrument free birth, an intact perineum and avoidance of episiotomy. Attributes include sexual arousal, desire, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and resumption of sexual intercourse. Outcomes are sexual satisfaction and a satisfying intimate relationship with one's partner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Postpartum sexual health is conceptually immature with limited applicability in current midwifery practice.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Malley
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009948:Orgasm; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: childbirth; concept analysis; maternity care; midwifery; nursing; postpartum; puerperium; sexual function; sexual health; sexuality