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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-04-2018 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Mode of delivery, childbirth experience and postpartum sexuality

Authors: Jonathan E. Handelzalts, Sigal Levy, Yoav Peled, Lital Yadid, Gil Goldzweig

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Although childbirth has been studied extensively with regard to postpartum sexuality, the association between the psychological aspects of childbirth and postpartum sexuality has rarely been examined. This research is aimed at studying the possible association of mode of delivery, childbirth experience, sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction.

Methods

Three hundred seventy-six primiparous and nulliparous women completed this web-based survey 100–390 days postpartum. The participants completed a socio-demographic and delivery details questionnaire, the Childbirth Perception Questionnaire (CPQ), the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) and the Sexual Function Questionnaire’s Medical Impact Scale (SFQ-MIS).

Results

Structural equation modeling showed that there are indirect effects of mode of delivery on sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction through childbirth experience. Specific significant indirect paths were found: mode of delivery to sexual functioning through childbirth experience [B = − 0.26, p = 0.023, 95% CI = (− 0.40, − 0.10)] and from mode of delivery to sexual satisfaction through childbirth experience [B = 0.11, p = 0.013, 95% CI = (0.05, 0.21)]. No significant direct effects were found between mode of delivery and sexual functioning or sexual satisfaction.

Conclusions

The results point to the association of the psychological experience of childbirth, sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. In addition, we found a possible indirect link between mode of delivery and postpartum sexuality. It can be concluded that the psychological factors associated with childbirth are important to the understanding of postpartum sexuality.

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Title: Mode of delivery, childbirth experience and postpartum sexuality
Authors: Jonathan E. Handelzalts
Sigal Levy
Yoav Peled
Lital Yadid
Gil Goldzweig
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4693-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Mode of delivery, childbirth experience and postpartum sexuality

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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