Female sexual dysfunction during the postpartum period: an Egyptian study

Abstract

BackgroundSexuality is an important part of women’s health, quality of life, and general well-being. During the postpartum period, women encounter numerous physical, psychological, and sociocultural factors. These factors negatively affect both the sexual function and the quality of life of women. ObjectiveThere are no adequate data in the medical literature as regards the occurrence of sexual dysfunction during the postpartum period in our Arabic countries. On the basis of this assertion, this cross-sectional study proposed to assess female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among married women for the duration of the postpartum period. Patients and methodsIn this study, 150 healthy married women in the first postpartum year with established marital relationships were incorporated. A questionnaire form developed by authors was applied for the participants. ResultsThe mean female age was 25.95 years. The desire and orgasm domains were the most affected, with 74.7% of the participants having sexual dysfunction with a total Female Sexual Function Index score of 20.3±5. FSD was found to be correlated with age, presence of sexual problems during pregnancy, number of pregnancies, and number of children. ConclusionFSD is a common problem during the postpartum period among Egyptian women; therefore, women and their partners can be invited to discuss their sexual life and learn about bodily and emotional changes during the postpartum period.