Mode of Delivery and Number of Children Effect on Sexual Function

Abstract

Objective: To reveal the effect of the delivery mode (vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery) and the number of children on sexual function. Methods: Eightywomen who applied to our clinic for routine gynecological control between July 2017 and January 2018 were included in the study. Age of women's, parity, demographic analysis andArizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were done. The patients were divided into four groups: group I only had one vaginal delivery, group II only one cesarean delivery, group III two/three vaginal deliveries, group IV two/three cesarean deliveries. Results: We found significantly lower ASEX scores in the cesarean delivery andone child group (p=0,000). When the groups were examined; ASEX scores were respectively; I 14,45-II 11,65-III 17,35-IV 14,15 (p=0,000). Finally vaginal delivery and having more than one child has created a tendency to have female sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Even though we found in our study there is no clear evidence in the literature that cesarean delivery might be protective for the development of female sexual dysfunction. There is need of randomized, well-controlled, long-term studies. Sexual dysfunction is a relatively common health problem and efforts to recognize and treat this problem should not focus only on delivery mode.

The impact of motherhood on sexuality

“…The first relation after giving birth raises fears and anxieties. They are usually associated with fear of pain, fear of becoming pregnant again or fear of damage to the stitched crotch [10,11].…”