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Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 3/2017

01-09-2017 | Integrating the Psychosocial (B McCarthy, R Segraves and A Clayton, Section Editors)

Sex After Baby: Women’s Sexual Function in the Postpartum Period

Authors: Hillary L. McBride, Janelle L. Kwee

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper is written to introduce postpartum sexual functioning through a biopsychosocial lens, including challenges and interventions for optimal sexual functioning during the postpartum period, both for women and their partners.

Recent Findings

While considered to be dysfunctional compared to sexual functioning outside of the perinatal period, changes to sexual functioning in the year following childbirth are common. Biological and physiological factors which affect postpartum sexual functioning include method of delivery, breastfeeding and hormonal changes, and sleep. Psychosocial factors impacting postpartum sexual functioning include mental health, identity transition with adjusting to parenting, body image, social support, cultural context, and romantic relationships. Basson’s model of female sexual response is also discussed.

Summary

Sexual functioning during the postpartum year is a biopsychosocial process which is challenging for most couples, although there are exceptions. These challenges need to be pathologized. Healthcare providers need to better support new parents with their sexual health.
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Metadata
Title
Sex After Baby: Women’s Sexual Function in the Postpartum Period
Authors
Hillary L. McBride
Janelle L. Kwee
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0116-3

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