Addressing the Sexual Function of Women During First Six Month After Delivery: Aquasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction:Pregnancy and childbirth are important periods of women’s life that cause hormonal and bodily changes, and these changes could have significant effects on sexual function.Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PLISSIT-based counselling model on the sexual function of women during the first six months after childbirth.Material and Methods:This was a randomized controlled clinical trial study from June to November, 2015. Ninety lactating women,with at least one sexual problem, were included in this study. Samples were recruited and randomized into two groups (intervention group and control group). Demographic and obstetric information, Edinberg postpartum depression, Larson’s sexual satisfaction and female sexual function index questionnaire were used. Data were collected from participants at two points: before consultation and 4weeks after consultation. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software and Data were analyzed using the Paired t-test,dependent t-test with parametric data and Chi-square tests.Results:Ninety women who were the nulliparous and lactating criteria subjects were randomly divided into two groups and all recruited women completed the questionnaires. Mean score of sexual function was 19.35 before consultation and 27.90 after consultation in experimental group. In the control group, mean score of sexual function was 20.55 before consultation and 22.41 after consultation. These differences were statistically significant in pre-counseling stage and 4 weeks after counseling in the two groups (P<0.001 and P=0.002). Four weeks after consultation, there was significant difference in the mean score of sexual function between the control and experimental groups (P<0.001).Conclusion:Based on the result of this study, sexual problems in lactating women decreased by using the PLISSIT model. The use of the PLISSIT model is recommended in health care setting.

Sexual Dysfunction and its Associated Factors After Delivery: Longitudinal Study in Iranian Women

“…Sexual activity and satisfaction are recognized as one of the most important dimensions in human life ( 1 ). According to World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), sexual desires are integral parts of every person’s personality ( 2 ). Sexual function includes desire, arousal or excitement, orgasm and resolution ( 3 ).…”

“…Childbirth leads to anatomical and functional changes in the pelvic floor muscle, as most postpartum women who complained from sexual problems during this period which these sexual problems resolves usually one year after childbirth ( 10 ). Several factors can have influence on sexual dysfunction in the childbirth period, such as parity, breast feeding, mode of delivery, episiotomy, stress, fatigue and physical and psychological problems such as postpartum depression ( 2 ).…”

The impact of motherhood on sexuality

“…Women show less interest in sex and even indicate they do not want to have sexual intercourse. The reasons are tiredness, breast hypersensitivity and conflicts between partners [14,16,17]. It is also important not to only feel desire but also feel desirable.…”

Management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women in the gynecological setting

“…(49) Dyspareunia may affect 41% of women after vaginal delivery and 2% after cesarean delivery (50) , which may cause discomfort and HSDD. The management of HSDD in the pregnancy-puerperal period is based mainly in counseling measures (7,51) , the prescription of sexual educational strategies for women's management of HSDD (erogenous zones, sexual fantasies, clitoral manipulation to achieve orgasm), and the use of lubricants and moisturizers to improve pain during penis-vagina penetration.…”