Page 101 - Petelin, Ana, Nejc Šarabon, Boštjan Žvanut, eds. 2017. Zdravje delovno aktivne populacije ▪︎ Health of the Working-Age Population. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 101
e periods such as pregnancy and postpartum. Gynaecological clinics pres- experience of sexual intercourse in the first year after childbirth: women’s views and attitudes 99
ent a great potential for the introduction of new changes but due to overload of
work they often cannot offer sufficient psychosocial help, information and ad-
vice to couples about their sex life.
Based on the literature review and the survey results, we can summa-
rize that the obtained findings bear great importance and that future research
on the subject matter is vital because Slovenia lacks empirical research in this
field. Research of sexuality opens a new window into the structure, function-
ing and relationship between partners after childbirth. Therefore, understand-
ing of this process is crucial for tackling various problems or for an honest con-
versation between the couple and health care professionals.
Conclusions
The survey results represent a starting point for finding solutions in the field
of improvement and satisfaction with sex life after childbirth, also in terms
of receiving appropriate professional advice, information and assistance from
health care professionals. Optimal sexual health is comprised of various phys-
ical and psychological factors and calls for an open dialogue that encourages
women to discuss such sensitive issues openly. Female sexual dysfunction may
be triggered by numerous factors of the endocrine system as well as many psy-
chosomatic factors accompanied by anatomic changes during pregnancy and
after childbirth, which in turn may also be influenced by mode of delivery. Al-
most 25% of the women after childbirth report experiencing sexual dysfunc-
tions such as low libido, dyspareunia, anorgasmia and difficulty with lubrica-
tion. Most of them are related to lactation and/or are side effects of postpartum
depression treatments. They also depend on the amount of rest and the amount
of time and space for intimacy.
As appears evident from the survey, childbirth and challenges of the
postpartum period influence the sex life of couples. In the postpartum peri-
od, women should receive enough information from health care professionals
to live through it more easily. It is a responsibility of health care professionals
to discuss it with women. Despite an abundance of literature on sexuality, it is
limited to longitudinal methodological approaches and validation of standard-
ized tools for situation assessments. Alongside, it would be essential to establish
quality normative data on female and male sexual function in the postpartum
period. We also need more research that would assess male sexual function
and the role of the partner after childbirth.
References
AVERY, M.D., DUCKETT, L., FRANTZICH, C.R., 2000. The experience of
sexuality during breastfeeding Among primiparous women. Journal of
midwifery and women‘s health, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 228–237.
ent a great potential for the introduction of new changes but due to overload of
work they often cannot offer sufficient psychosocial help, information and ad-
vice to couples about their sex life.
Based on the literature review and the survey results, we can summa-
rize that the obtained findings bear great importance and that future research
on the subject matter is vital because Slovenia lacks empirical research in this
field. Research of sexuality opens a new window into the structure, function-
ing and relationship between partners after childbirth. Therefore, understand-
ing of this process is crucial for tackling various problems or for an honest con-
versation between the couple and health care professionals.
Conclusions
The survey results represent a starting point for finding solutions in the field
of improvement and satisfaction with sex life after childbirth, also in terms
of receiving appropriate professional advice, information and assistance from
health care professionals. Optimal sexual health is comprised of various phys-
ical and psychological factors and calls for an open dialogue that encourages
women to discuss such sensitive issues openly. Female sexual dysfunction may
be triggered by numerous factors of the endocrine system as well as many psy-
chosomatic factors accompanied by anatomic changes during pregnancy and
after childbirth, which in turn may also be influenced by mode of delivery. Al-
most 25% of the women after childbirth report experiencing sexual dysfunc-
tions such as low libido, dyspareunia, anorgasmia and difficulty with lubrica-
tion. Most of them are related to lactation and/or are side effects of postpartum
depression treatments. They also depend on the amount of rest and the amount
of time and space for intimacy.
As appears evident from the survey, childbirth and challenges of the
postpartum period influence the sex life of couples. In the postpartum peri-
od, women should receive enough information from health care professionals
to live through it more easily. It is a responsibility of health care professionals
to discuss it with women. Despite an abundance of literature on sexuality, it is
limited to longitudinal methodological approaches and validation of standard-
ized tools for situation assessments. Alongside, it would be essential to establish
quality normative data on female and male sexual function in the postpartum
period. We also need more research that would assess male sexual function
and the role of the partner after childbirth.
References
AVERY, M.D., DUCKETT, L., FRANTZICH, C.R., 2000. The experience of
sexuality during breastfeeding Among primiparous women. Journal of
midwifery and women‘s health, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 228–237.
