Does the mode of delivery influence sexual function after childbirth?

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the mode of delivery on female sexuality 12-18 months after childbirth.

Methods: Fifty-five primiparae who delivered vaginally without complication and 44 who underwent elective cesarean section after 37 weeks of gestation were included. Sexual function was assessed by a validated self-reported questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), 12 months after birth and compared between groups. Additionally, we have analyzed subjective stress variables recorded after birth between the two groups.

Results: Women with cesarean section were older (p = 0.002) and had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p =0.02). The total score of the FSFI was not significantly different between the groups. Patients recall of dyspareunia at 3 months after childbirth was higher in those who underwent vaginal delivery (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: We suggest that there is no significant difference in sexual function 12-18 months after childbirth between women who delivered vaginally without episiotomy, heavy perineal laceration, or secondary operative interventions and women who underwent elective cesarean section.