Evaluation Of Primiparae Women In Terms Of Depression And Sexual Function After Normal Birth And Post-Caesarean Section

Research Article

Abstract

Objective: Within the scope of this research, the effect of the mode of delivery on women in terms of depression and sexual function was investigated in primiparous women.

Method: This study was conductedbetween October 2021 and March 2022at Health Sciences University, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic.A total of 219 primiparous pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the prenatal, early postpartum (6th week), and late postpartum (12th week) periods were enrolled. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Female Sexual Functioning Inventory (FSFI) questionnaires were performed in different periods and compared according to the delivery types.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between sexual function levels of individuals with CS delivery type according to prenatal depression score (p<0.05). Sexual function levels of those with prenatal EPDS scores less than 13 were found to be significantly higher in all three periods. In the evaluation of individuals with CS, it was observed that the sexual function level of individuals without depression symptoms was better than individuals with depression symptoms.Regardless of the type of birth, sexual function differs statistically for the three periods according to the dimensions of the satisfaction sub-dimension and the variables of smoking, educational status, income level, and who initiated the sexual intercourse (p<0.05).According to the first postpartum sexual intercourse week, prenatal and postnatal early-period sexual desire levels were found to be higher in those whose first week of sexual intercourse was less than 6 weeks (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The levels of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction in the early postpartum period were significantly lower in those who gave birth normally, and the levels of desire and pain were significantly lower in the early postpartum period in those who gave birth with cesarean section. Depression had a negative effect on sexual function.