Early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse and its associated risk factors among married postpartum women who visited public hospitals of Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Postpartum sexual resumption without the use of contraception is a risk for unintended and closely spaced pregnancies. Although counseling related to the resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse is a key component of postpartum sexual health, it is not widely addressed during the postnatal period. Thus, this study aimed to assess the early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse and its associated risk factors among married postpartum women who visited public hospitals of Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia, for child immunization services. Methods The facility-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken, and a systematic random sampling technique was carried out to select 330 participants. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire from August to September 2019. Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A bivariate analysis was used to determine the significance of the association. Variables that showed association in the bivariate analysis at p-value <0.2 were fitted into a multivariable logistic regression model to control for confounders, and the significance of association was determined at p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Approximately 53.9% of the respondents practiced early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse. Factors such as low income (AOR = 0.19 (95% CI = 0.10-.37)), monogamous marriage 3.78(1.32–10.79), practicing sexual intercourse during pregnancy (AOR = 4.55 (95% CI = 1.29–15.97)), a cesarean delivery (AOR = 0.06 95%CI = (0.03–0.15)) and use of contraceptives (AOR = 3.7(95%CI = 1.92–7.14)) were significantly associated with early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse. Conclusion and recommendation The findings of this study suggested that, most postpartum mothers resumed sexual intercourse during the early postpartum period and its associated risk factors include low income, monogamous marriage, practicing sexual intercourse during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, and use of contraceptives. Discussion with couples about postpartum sexual health during the antenatal and postnatal period is crucial to prevent unwanted pregnancies and adverse health outcomes.

Factors associated with postpartum resumption of sexual intercourse among women in China: A retrospective multicenter study

“…The time to resumption may also be influenced by the number of living child a woman has had 28 . Women who had only one child were found to resume sexual intercourse at a later time, compared with women who had more than one child.…”

Return of Sexual Activity Within Six Weeks of Childbirth Among Married Women Attending Postpartum Clinic of a Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that one of the most important issues to be addressed during the postpartum period is postpartum sexual health ( 2 ). Arousal, libido, orgasm and sexual pleasure are all signs of good sexual health after childbirth ( 3 ).…”

“…Early sexual resumption is also common in African countries with varying and/or unpredictable durations such as Nigeria 38.7% and Uganda 21.6% ( 14 – 17 ). Studies in Ethiopia revealed that many women resumed sexual activity within 6 weeks of childbirth: Nekemte (20.2%) ( 18 ), Gondar town (26.9%) ( 15 , 19 ), Jimma and Addis Ababa city, more than half (>50%) of women started sexual intercourse earlier after childbirth ( 3 , 11 ).…”

“…It is generally recognized that after giving birth, women experience a variety of sexual health problems with variety of negative consequences such as wound infection, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, inability to reach orgasm, vaginal laxity and decreased libido ( 3 , 20 , 21 ). While a temporary decrease in libido following childbirth is to be expected, women should not feel pain during sexual activity.…”

“…This may result in poor maternal and infant health, as well as a high risk of death for infants under the age of 1 year ( 23 ). Previous studies showed that income, type of marriage, sexual intercourse during pregnancy, mode of delivery, contraceptive method utilization, parity, educational status, desire for additional baby, demand of the partner for intercourse and residence are factors associated with the early return to postpartum sexual activity ( 3 , 7 , 11 , 13 , 18 ).…”