Postpartum loss of sexual desire and enjoyment

Abstract

A large group (N = 165) of women, each with a child under the age of 12 months, was surveyed to gain an estimate of the incidence of postpartum loss of sexual desire, and postpartum loss of sexual enjoyment. Factors which correlated with these phenomena were also investigated. It was found that 16% of the sample reported a definite loss of desire, and 7% a definite loss of enjoyment. These problems were found to be separate, though significantly related. Loss of desire correlated with feelings of lack of well-being (such as irritability, tension and no energy) as well as some difficulties in the sexual relationship. In contrast, loss of enjoyment correlated with relationship variables (such as the husband not helping with the baby, and the manner in which the couple coped with disagreements) as well as with what was done, and how the woman felt during intercourse. The importance of psychological factors was further demonstrated by the fact that one of the four adoptive mothers reported similar post-adoption problems.