Female sexual outcomes in primiparous women after vaginal delivery and cesarean section

BACKGROUND Sexual function is an essential component of life and yet very little is known about the relationships between the female sexuality and the mode of delivery. OBJECTIVE To compare sexual outcomes after vaginal delivery and cesarean section. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on women in two stages; early pregnancy and 3 to 6 months after delivery in health centers. Female sexual outcomes evaluated were female Sexual Function Index scores and the time required to resume sexual activities after delivery. RESULTS Sexual function did not differ significantly among two groups vaginal delivery n=90 and cesarean section n = 113 with regard to duration of marriage, educational level, contraception methods, and occupational status p = 0.8.The mean timing of the resumption of sexual activity was 8.9 ± 1.3, and there was no substantial conflict between the two groups. Mean frequency of intercourse in the post-partum period was 1.8±1.2 times per week with significant difference compared to pre pregnancy P<0.05. The individual domain scores after the delivery was significantly lower in comparison with pre-pregnancy p<0.004. CONCLUSION No differences in sexual outcomes between vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Consequently cesarean section cannot be recommended in the view of maintenance of normal sexuality after child birth.