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The Impact of Mode of Birth, and Episiotomy, on Postpartum Sexual Function in the Medium- and Longer-Term: An Integrative Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Anne-Marie Fanshawe

    (Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, 9713 GL Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Ank De Jonge

    (Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, 9713 GL Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia)

  • Nicole Ginter

    (Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, 9713 GL Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Lea Takács

    (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Hannah G. Dahlen

    (School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia)

  • Morris A. Swertz

    (Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Lilian L. Peters

    (Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, 9713 GL Groningen, The Netherlands
    Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia)

Abstract

(1) Background: Sexual function can be affected up to and beyond 18 months postpartum, with some studies suggesting that spontaneous vaginal birth results in less sexual dysfunction. This review examined the impact of mode of birth on sexual function in the medium- (≥6 months and <12 months postpartum) and longer-term (≥12 months postpartum). (2) Methods: Literature published after January 2000 were identified in PubMed, Embase and CINAHL. Studies that compared at least two modes of birth and used valid sexual function measures were included. Systematic reviews, unpublished articles, protocols and articles not written in English were excluded. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. (3) Results: In the medium-term, assisted vaginal birth and vaginal birth with episiotomy were associated with worse sexual function, compared to caesarean section. In the longer-term, assisted vaginal birth was associated with worse sexual function, compared with spontaneous vaginal birth and caesarean section; and planned caesarean section was associated with worse sexual function in several domains, compared to spontaneous vaginal birth. (4) Conclusions: Sexual function, in the medium- and longer-term, can be affected by mode of birth. Women should be encouraged to seek support should their sexual function be affected after birth.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne-Marie Fanshawe & Ank De Jonge & Nicole Ginter & Lea Takács & Hannah G. Dahlen & Morris A. Swertz & Lilian L. Peters, 2023. "The Impact of Mode of Birth, and Episiotomy, on Postpartum Sexual Function in the Medium- and Longer-Term: An Integrative Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-45, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:7:p:5252-:d:1106258
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sonia Sharmin & Kypros Kypri & Masuma Khanam & Monika Wadolowski & Raimondo Bruno & Richard P. Mattick, 2017. "Parental Supply of Alcohol in Childhood and Risky Drinking in Adolescence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-17, March.
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