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01-04-2017 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Sexual activity and sexual dysfunction of women in the perinatal period: a longitudinal study

Authors: Stephanie Wallwiener, Mitho Müller, Anne Doster, Ruben Jeremias Kuon, Katharina Plewniok, Sandra Feller, Markus Wallwiener, Corinna Reck, Lina Maria Matthies, Christian Wallwiener

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Reduced sexual activity and dysfunctional problems are highly prevalent in the perinatal period, and there is a lack of data regarding the degree of normality during pregnancy. Several risk factors have been independently associated with a greater extent of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunctions in German women during the perinatal period and the verification of potential risk factors.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered to 315 women prenatally (TI 3rd trimester) and postpartum (TII 1 week, TIII 4 months), including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Questionnaire of Partnership (PFB).

Results

The frequency of sexual inactivity was 24% (TI), 40.5% (TII), and 19.9% (TIII). Overall, 26.5−34.8% of women were at risk of sexual dysfunction (FSFI score <26.55) at all measurement points. Sexual desire disorder was the most prevalent form of Female sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, especially breastfeeding and low partnership quality were revealed as significant risk factors for sexual dysfunctional problems postpartum. Depressive symptoms having a cesarean section and high maternal education were correlated with dysfunctional problems in several subdomains.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that women at risk of FSD differed significantly in aspects of partnership quality, breastfeeding, mode of delivery, maternal education, and depressive symptoms. Aspects of perinatal sexuality should be routinely implemented in the counseling of couples in prenatal classes.

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Title: Sexual activity and sexual dysfunction of women in the perinatal period: a longitudinal study
Authors: Stephanie Wallwiener
Mitho Müller
Anne Doster
Ruben Jeremias Kuon
Katharina Plewniok
Sandra Feller
Markus Wallwiener
Corinna Reck
Lina Maria Matthies
Christian Wallwiener
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-017-4305-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sexual activity and sexual dysfunction of women in the perinatal period: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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