Mothers' experiences of sex and sexual intimacy in the first postnatal year: a systematic review

Korzeniewski, Rebecca, Kiemle, Gundi and Slade, Pauline ORCID: 0000-0001-5877-2706 (2021) Mothers' experiences of sex and sexual intimacy in the first postnatal year: a systematic review. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY, 36 (2-3). pp. 219-237.

Text review final accepted resub Sexual and relationship therapy Systematic Review.docx - Author Accepted Manuscript Download (41kB)

Abstract

The transition to parenthood following childbirth can be socially and emotionally significant, impacting on postnatal sexual functioning. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on mothers’ experiences of sex and sexual intimacy in the first postnatal year, since an early meta-analysis was conducted in 1996. Systematic review strategies of nine databases were conducted to identify relevant literature. Electronic databases were searched for English language, peer-reviewed literature using search terms relating to ‘sex’, ‘intimacy’, ‘postnatal’, ‘experience’, and ‘twelve months’ and their quality was systematically assessed. Thirteen studies meeting the criteria were included. Women typically resumed sexual intercourse during the early postnatal weeks when the prevalence of sexual health problems was high. Women experienced significantly more sexual problems, such as pain and dyspareunia following perineal trauma, yet sexual functioning changes or problems were rarely explored by healthcare professionals. Consistent with earlier reviews, this review demonstrated the lack of focus on all aspects of sexual intimacy post-natally. The prevalence of postnatal sexual problems following perineal trauma highlights the need for interventions aimed at supporting these women, including healthcare professionals providing information, and having discussions with women regarding postnatal sexual changes and possible problems.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Postnatal, sex, intimacy, twelve months
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2019 13:34
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:12
DOI:	10.1080/14681994.2019.1671969
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3066793