Exploring the Complexities of Postpartum Sexual Health

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review This paper explores the complexities of postpartum sexual health. It answers the question on what should be considered normal sexual health after birth and what should be considered abnormal. Recent Findings Many women experience physical sexual health issues in the months after birth, such as dyspareunia, lack of vaginal lubrication and a loss of sexual desire. For some women, these issues can persist 12 and 18 months after birth. Mode of birth is not associated with long-term dyspareunia 6 and 12 months after birth. There is conflict seen in the literature with regard to the association between perineal trauma and short-and long-term sexual health. Breastfeeding and the existence of pre-existing sexual health issues are strongly predictive of sexual health issues at 6 and 12 months after birth. Women have described a discordance in their sexual desire to that of their partner, for some this caused distress but for couples who communicated their feelings of sexual desire, concern over baby’s well-being and adapting to parenthood distress was not experienced. Resuming sexual intercourse after birth was not spontaneous, women considered their mode of birth, the presence of perineal trauma and their physical and emotional recovery from birth. One fifth of women had not resumed sexual intercourse 12 weeks after birth. Summary A discussion is presented on the challenges associated with viewing postpartum sexual health from a physical perspective only, and why prevalence studies alone do not capture the nuances of postpartum sexual health. Future research needs to take account of the psychosocial and relational dimensions of postpartum sexual health as well as physical dimensions.