Female sexual outcomes in primiparous women after vaginal delivery and cesarean section

Background: Sexual function is an essential component of life and yet very little is known about the relationships between the female sexuality and the mode of delivery. Objective: To compare sexual outcomes after vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on women in two stages; early pregnancy and 3 to 6 months after delivery in health centers. Female sexual outcomes evaluated were female Sexual Function Index scores and the time required to resume sexual activities after delivery. Results: Sexual function did not differ significantly among two groups vaginal delivery n=90 and cesarean section n=113 with regard to duration of marriage, educational level, contraception methods, and occupational status p=0.8. The mean timing of the resumption of sexual activity was 8.9 +/- 1.3, and there was no substantial conflict between the two groups. Mean frequency of intercourse in the post-partum period was 1.8 +/- 1.2 times per week with significant difference compared to pre pregnancy P<0.05. The individual domain scores after the delivery was significantly lower in comparison with pre-pregnancy p<0.004. Conclusion: No differences in sexual outcomes between vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Consequently cesarean section cannot be recommended in the view of maintenance of normal sexuality after child birth.