Burden and factors for the early resumption of sexual intercourse in the puerperium among new mothers at Kawempe national referral hospital and Mengo hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Background: Early resumption of sexual intercourse in the puerperium is a concern for couples because it is often not discussed during pre-natal or postpartum care. Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to establish the current burden and factors associated with the early resumption of sexual intercourse within the puerperium at the National Referral Hospital and Mengo Hospital. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 445 parous women attending the six-week postpartum review and the young child clinic at Kawempe National Referral and Mengo Hospitals between March and May 2021. Results: The prevalence of ERSP within the puerperium was 39%. This study's earliest time to resume sexual intercourse was one week; the majority had resumed by week four (9.2%). Factors associated with the early resumption of sexual relations were the person’s tribe, going to the husband’s home after birth, and parity. The prevalence of sexual morbidities was 13%. Seventy-five (75%) of mothers did not receive information from the health care workers on when they can resume sex following childbirth. Conclusion: Puerperal sexual intercourse is still prevalent in Uganda. Interventions to reduce the resumption of sexual intercourse in the puerperium should focus on these determinants to delay puerperal sexual intercourse.