Sexuality during the postpartum period: study of a population of Tunisian women

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The birth of a child is a milestone in a woman's life. Sexual health concerns are common in postpartum as women face psychological and physical difficulties. However, studies about sexuality during postpartum are rare in Tunisia.
AIM
To evaluate the sexual function of a population of women in postpartum, and identify possible particularities and associated factors of the studied population.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of women who gave birth in the six months preceding the study. A questionnaire was sent viaa social networking service.
RESULTS:
Our population of 100 women had an average age of 31.4 years. Women lived in urban areas, were married, have gone to university, were mostly primiparous (73%), and had vaginal delivery (53%). The average time to have sex again after delivery was nine weeks. In postpartum, sexuality showed modifications such as a change in sexual practices and a decreased frequency of sexual intercourse (73% of cases). Some factors influenced the resumption of sexuality, such as instrumental vaginal delivery, breastfeeding, body image disturbances (37%), fatigue (24%) and lack of availability (60%). The major sexual dysfunctions reported during postpartum were: desire disorders (31%), altered vaginal lubrication (31%), painful intercourse (14%) and decreased sexual satisfaction (33%).
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the importance of identifying the sexual disturbances faced by women during postpartum.