Prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Dyspareunia is one of the most common postpartum sexual dysfunctions. Objective To estimate the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia. Search strategy Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to July 2019 using keywords including ‘perineal pain,’ ‘dyspareunia,’ and ‘sexual pain’. Selection criteria Observational studies on the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia were included. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently reviewed articles and extracted data. Study heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 index; publication bias by Egger and Begg tests. Main results Twenty‐two studies enrolling 11 457 women were included. Based on meta‐analysis, the overall estimated prevalence of dyspareunia was 35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29%–41%). The prevalence was 42% (95% CI, 26%–60%) at 2 months, 43% (95% CI, 36%–50%) at 2–6 months, and 22% (95% CI, 15%–29%) at 6–12 months postpartum. Begg test showed no significant bias in data related to the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia (p = 0.466). Conclusion The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia was 35% and decreased with increasing postpartum duration. Given the high prevalence and its impact on a woman's quality of life, special attention should be paid to this common complaint during the postpartum period.

Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction at 6 Months Postpartum in Primiparous Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Consistent with a systemic review 34 that reported the prevalence of dyspareunia as 43% at 2-6 months postpartum and 22% at 6-12 months postpartum, 34.7% of the primiparous women had dyspareunia in the present study. The type of delivery, episiotomy, perineal lacerations, lactation, and depression have been regarded as risk factors for dyspareunia.…”

“…The type of delivery, episiotomy, perineal lacerations, lactation, and depression have been regarded as risk factors for dyspareunia. 34 , 35 Several studies have investigated the effect of perineal tears and episiotomy on dyspareunia and concluded that the incidence of dyspareunia develops with progressive perineal tears and episiotomy. 35 , 36 Moreover, perineal lacerations and episiotomy were found to be associated with a longer second stage of labor duration.…”

“…The prevalence of dyspareunia decreased over time due to self-rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscle, hormone regulation, and adaptation to postpartum conditions. 34 Therefore, epidural analgesia is still worth recommending in view of its considerable benefit of relieving labor pain. Effect of epidural analgesia on dyspareunia should be noted and managed.…”

Current Resources for Evidence‐Based Practice, July/August 2021

“…Hage‐Fransen and colleagues examined factors associated with pelvic floor disorders of UI, anal incontinence, and pelvic prolapse postpartum, both short‐term (<18 months) and long‐term (2‐12 years) 1 . Banaei and colleagues examined the rate of dyspareunia postpartum 2 . Batmani et al estimated the worldwide prevalence of UI in older women 3 .…”

“…Dyspareunia can be affected by not only psychosocial factors but also hormonal changes, which are extensive during the childbearing cycle, and genital tract trauma during birth. Banaei and colleagues’ meta‐analysis included 22 cross‐sectional and cohort studies that examined rates between 2 and 24 months postpartum 2 . The sample sizes ranged from 78 to 2413 for a total of nearly 11,500 participants.…”