Role of the First Childbirth and its Associated Factors on Sexual Satisfaction and the Quality of Sexual Life of Married Women

Abstract

Background and aims: Sexual satisfaction (SS) and a desirable quality of sex life are known as prerequisites for the physical and mental health of individuals. This study was designed to evaluate the role of the first childbirth and its associated factors in life satisfaction and the quality of life of married women in Shahrekord. Methods: This self-control cohort study was conducted on 124 married women who were planning to have their first pregnancy from January 2018 to February 2019. The convenience sampling method was used to select the samples. The questionnaires utilized in this research included the Demographic Information Questionnaire, the Married Women’s Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female Questionnaire. The data were analyzed by independent t test, chi-square, and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS, version 22. Results: The mean scores of SS and the quality of sexual life before pregnancy and one year after delivery were 63.45±13.62 and 52.38±13.59, as well as, 88.40±14.19 and 71.08±13.29, respectively. In this study, there was a significant relationship (P±0.041) between changing the quality of sexual life and good economic status of individuals, as well as irregular menstrual status and contraceptive methods (natural birth control). Further, the relationship between residence and change in SS was significant so that people living in cities had the most change in SS compared to those living in rural areas (P±0.046). Conclusion: SS and its dimensions, including physical and psychological barriers, dominant cultural values, and husband-related factors, as well as the mean score of the quality of sex life one year after delivery, were lower than before pregnancy.