Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, cilt.32, sa.5, ss.365-376, 2024 (Scopus)
Objectives: Studies are showing that women’s sexual functions are affected for a while after giving birth. However, there are relatively few studies showing which component of sexual function is affected by the mode of delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the type of birth on sexual function. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 228 participants who met the study criteria, 51 of whom had a vaginal delivery (VD), and 177 had a cesarean section (CS) delivery. The participants in the first year after childbirth, between 3-12 months, answered the Turkish version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. We compared the total FSFI and subscale scores of the groups. Results: In both groups, weekly sexual intercourse frequency values after delivery were statistically lower than before delivery (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, low FSFI scores indicating the risk of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) were obtained in both groups. When the group giving birth with VD was compared with the CS group, the total FSFI and whole subscale scores were lower. It was determined that the risk of sexual dysfunction increased 20.8-fold in participants who gave birth vaginally. Conclusions: Regardless of the mode of delivery, all participating women in the first year after childbirth had deficiencies in total FSFI scores and all subscale scores, indicating sexual dysfunction. This inadequacy in sexual dysfunction was more pronounced in women who gave birth VD than those who gave birth by CS. Considering the importance of sexual health for life quality standards, it would be appropriate for all women in the first year after childbirth (especially those who give birth with episiotomy) to receive sexual counseling in terms of FSD risk and monitoring of FSD symptoms.