Effects of depression, anxiety, stress, and partner relationship satisfaction on sexual dysfunction in women in the postpartum period

Abstract

To determine the effects of depression, anxiety, stress, and partner relationship satisfaction on sexual dysfunction in women in postpartum first year, this cross-sectional study was conducted in a gynecological clinic in Turkey. Data belonging to 403 women in postpartum 12 months were analyzed. Data were collected using a multidimensional questionnaire, such as the Female Sexual Function Index, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Relationship Assessment Scale. The association between independent variables and sexual dysfunction was analyzed using the bivariate tests, such as the chi-square and independent sample t-tests and bivariate (binary) logistic regression analysis. Out of 403 women, 266 (66%) scored below the cutoff point (<26.5) for sexual dysfunction. Perineal tears/episiotomy/trauma during vaginal delivery, primiparity, increased depression, and anxiety, and relationship dissatisfaction in the postpartum period increase the risk of developing FSD by 26% (χ2 = 106.699, p < 0.001). In addition, women with higher stress levels were found to be more sensitive to sexual dysfunction symptoms. This study revealed that most women in the postpartum period had postpartum FSD. Midwives should evaluate women regarding their sexual functions during postpartum visits. Health education, counseling, referral services for early diagnosis, and treatment can contribute to maintain and improve women’s sexual health in the postpartum period.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• postpartum period
• postpartum depression
• sexual dysfunctions
• family relations

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all the participants for being a part of this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Ethical approval

An approval was obtained from both the local ethical board (Registration number: #35/2019) and the hospital (Institution approval number: #14567952-900-E.4475).

Funding

No specific grant was received from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or nonprofit sectors.

Authors contributions

SÇ She designed and planned the study. She also revised the related literature and collected the data. She contributed the writing of the MS in English.

HAD She designed the study. She contributed to collecting the data and also contributed to checking the spelling and writing in English.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seyhan Çankaya

Seyhan Cankaya, PhD, is an assistant professor in Faculty of Health Sciences, Selcuk University. She is a midwife and studying about sexual dysfunction in pregnant and postpartum women, partner relationship, sexual violence, sexual distress, postpartum depression, sexual about domestic violence, refugee women’s health problems, fear of birth, depression, anxiety, childbirth self-efficacy, and mother care.

Hacer Alan Dikmen

Hacer Alan Dikmen, PhD, is an assistant professor in Faculty of Health Sciences, Selcuk University. She is a nurse and studying about sexual dysfunction in pregnant and postpartum women, partner relationship, sexual violence, sexual distress, domestic violence, violence types against women, gynecological cancer, refugee women’s health problems, and family planning.