Sexuality in Women of Childbearing Age

Abstract

Women of childbearing age have health-care needs related to sexuality. The health-care needs that are most obvious are the need for contraception and the need for the prevention and treatment of vaginal and sexually transmitted infections. Although providers may have questions related to sexual activity, sexual orientation, sexual practices, sexual satisfaction, and intimate partner violence on patient history forms, they often offer little discussion on issues related to sexuality unless the patient raises the issues. Women's sexuality is intensely personal and individual. Changes may occur in sexuality during pregnancy or as a response to infertility. These changes may be physical or emotional. During her prepregnancy and prenatal care, a woman may meet with a range of health-care providers, including childbirth educators, lactation consultants, nurses, midwives, and physicians. It is within the scope of practice of each of these clinicians to address sexuality concerns, validate women's feelings, and provide suggestions of modifications in sexual practices to meet women's needs for sexual expression within the range of activities that are safe and acceptable.

Postpartum Sexual Functioning and Its Predicting Factors among Iranian Women

“…Many other variables have been proposed by several studies as predictors of sexual functioning in postpartum women. Religion, onset of menstruation, living with partners, depression, number of children, working hours in employed women and fear of a new pregnancy were recognised as the other predictors of postpartum sexual function (2,6,8,14,16,28,34). However, among these, a number of simple variables were used in our prediction model; this had the benefit of making the model simple and easy to use.…”

“…Generally, most women recommence sexual activity within 3-6 months of delivery and report sexual function comparable to that before pregnancy (4,7). However, sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period is common in 41%-83% of women during the first 3 months after childbirth (5,6,8,9).…”

Addressing Sexuality and Pregnancy in Childbirth Education Classes

“…In asking this question, you demonstrate your recognition that, as a professional health educator, the responsibility for assessing and addressing the need is yours. Knowledge about sexuality during pregnancy is critical for childbirth educators whose goals include supporting and promoting acceptance of the normal functioning of women's bodies, as well as developing supportive relationships that are so essential during pregnancy and birth (see Lewis & Black, 2006;Polomeno, 1999).…”

The Relation Between Prepregnancy Sexuality and Sexual Function During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Prospective Study

“…The majority of the studies in this area report a decrease in sexual function during pregnancy and after childbirth (Brtnicka, Weiss, & Zverina, 2009;DeJudicibus & McCabe, 2002;Edlin & Golanty, 2012;Erenel et al, 2011;Lewis & Black, 2006). Research clearly indicates that a significant proportion of women experience reduced sexual function during pregnancy, including decreased sexual interest, desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual enjoyment, coital activity, orgasm, and satisfaction.…”

“…Research clearly indicates that a significant proportion of women experience reduced sexual function during pregnancy, including decreased sexual interest, desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual enjoyment, coital activity, orgasm, and satisfaction. The general conclusion that can be drawn from some studies is that the majority of women who report this decline in sexual function during pregnancy continue to experience a decline in the postpartum period (Brtnicka et al, 2009;Johnson, 2011;Lewis & Black, 2006;Von Sydow, 1999). The general conclusion that can be drawn from some studies is that the majority of women who report this decline in sexual function during pregnancy continue to experience a decline in the postpartum period (Brtnicka et al, 2009;Johnson, 2011;Lewis & Black, 2006;Von Sydow, 1999).…”