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Mode of delivery and subsequent long-term sexual function of primiparous women

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 19, pages 358–365 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Minimal information exists on unintended health consequences following childbirth, particularly in relation to mode of delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mode of delivery on long-term sexual satisfaction of women by using a validated questionnaire. Forty-five primiparous women who had cesarean deliveries and 90 primiparous women who had vaginal deliveries with mediolateral episiotomies enrolled in the study. Quality of sexual relations and sexual satisfaction were self-reported by using Golombock–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction. Prevalence of sexual dissatisfaction was compared between the two groups and logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the predictors of sexual dissatisfaction. The prevalence of overall sexual dissatisfaction was 4.4% in cesarean group while it was 14.4% in vaginal delivery group (P=0.081). Vaginal delivery group demonstrated a trend toward higher prevalence of dissatisfaction in all subscales except sensuality area than cesarean group, however, differences between two groups did not reach to statistical significance. Degree of pleasure for relationship with the spouse was identified as a significant predictor for overall sexual dissatisfaction (P=0.008). Our findings suggest that sexual dissatisfaction should not be assumed simply a product of the delivery mode. Individual, socio-demographic, lifestyle and marital characteristics should also be taken into account.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy and School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    S Gungor, I Baser, S Ceyhan & E Karasahin

  2. Department of Public Health, Gulhane Military Medical Academy and School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    C H Acikel

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  1. S Gungor
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  2. I Baser
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  4. E Karasahin
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Correspondence to S Gungor.

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Gungor, S., Baser, I., Ceyhan, S. et al. Mode of delivery and subsequent long-term sexual function of primiparous women. Int J Impot Res 19, 358–365 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901546

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901546

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