Impact of Mode of Delivery on Female Postpartum Sexual Functioning: Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery and Operative Vaginal Delivery vs Cesarean Section

Giussy Barbara; Paola Pifarotti; Federica Facchin; Ivan Cortinovis; Dhohua Dridi; Camilla Ronchetti; Luca Calzolari; Paolo Vercellini

doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.004

journal article Mar 01, 2016

Impact of Mode of Delivery on Female Postpartum Sexual Functioning: Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery and Operative Vaginal Delivery vs Cesarean Section

Giussy Barbara Paola Pifarotti Federica Facchin Ivan Cortinovis Dhohua Dridi Camilla Ronchetti Luca Calzolari Paolo Vercellini

The Journal of Sexual Medicine Vol. 13 No. 3 pp. 393-401 · Oxford University Press (OUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.004

Abstract

ABSTRACTIntroductionSeveral studies have explored the association between modes of delivery and postpartum female sexual functioning, although with inconsistent findings.AimTo investigate the impact of mode of delivery on female postpartum sexual functioning by comparing spontaneous vaginal delivery, operative vaginal delivery, and cesarean section.MethodsOne hundred thirty-two primiparous women who had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, 45 who had an operative vaginal delivery, and 92 who underwent a cesarean section were included in the study (N = 269). Postpartum sexual functioning was evaluated 6 months after childbirth using the Female Sexual Function Index. Time to resumption of sexual intercourse, postpartum depression, and current breastfeeding also were assessed 6 months after delivery.Main Outcome MeasuresFemale Sexual Function Index total and domain scores and time to resumption of sexual intercourse at 6 months after childbirth.ResultsWomen who underwent an operative vaginal delivery had poorer scores on arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and global sexual functioning compared with the cesarean section group and lower orgasm scores compared with the spontaneous vaginal delivery group (P &lt; .05). The mode of delivery did not significantly affect time to resumption of sexual intercourse. Women who were currently breastfeeding had lower lubrication, more pain at intercourse, and longer time to resumption of sexual activity.ConclusionOperative vaginal delivery might be associated with poorer sexual functioning, but no conclusions can be drawn from this study regarding the impact of pelvic floor trauma (perineal laceration or episiotomy) on sexual functioning because of the high rate of episiotomies. Overall, obstetric algorithms currently in use should be refined to decrease further the risk of operative vaginal delivery.

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Details

Published: Mar 01, 2016
Vol/Issue: 13(3)
Pages: 393-401
License: View

Authors

G

Giussy Barbara

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Milan, , Italy; “G. Fornaroli” Hospital , Milan, , Italy; via Al Donatore di sangue 50, Magenta , Milan, , Italy

P

Paola Pifarotti

Urogynecology Unit , Milan, , Italy; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health , Milan, , Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda , Milan, , Italy

F

Federica Facchin

Faculty of Psychology , Milan, , Italy; Catholic University of Milan , Milan, , Italy

I

Ivan Cortinovis

Unit of Medical Statistics and Biometry , Milan, , Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health , Milan, , Italy; Università degli Studi , Milan, , Italy

D

Dhohua Dridi

Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health , Milan, , Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano and Gynecology Unit , Milan, , Italy; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health , Milan, , Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda , Milan, , Italy

C

Camilla Ronchetti

Urogynecology Unit , Milan, , Italy; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health , Milan, , Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda , Milan, , Italy

L

Luca Calzolari

Urogynecology Unit , Milan, , Italy; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health , Milan, , Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda , Milan, , Italy

P

Paolo Vercellini

Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health , Milan, , Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano and Gynecology Unit , Milan, , Italy; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health , Milan, , Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda , Milan, , Italy

Cite This Article

Giussy Barbara, Paola Pifarotti, Federica Facchin, et al. (2016). Impact of Mode of Delivery on Female Postpartum Sexual Functioning: Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery and Operative Vaginal Delivery vs Cesarean Section. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(3), 393-401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.004

Impact of Mode of Delivery on Female Postpartum Sexual Functioning: Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery and Operative Vaginal Delivery vs Cesarean Section

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