The Effect of Type of Delivery on Female Postpartum Sexual Functioning: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Female sexual function could be considered as multifactorial. Specific physiological structures and hormonal fluctuations postpartum, along with the psychological adjustment of women, could result in altered sexual function. The primary aim of this review was to systematically appraise the existing data on the effect of mode of delivery on female sexual function. This review was designed based on the PRISMA statement guidelines. An extensive literature search was performed in the Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases, using prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria, between the 20 September and 10 October 2021. Studies’ quality assessment was conducted using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The initial search involved 1592 studies. The last step of the screening procedure yielded 16 studies, including 41,441 subjects with a mean age of 29.9 years. Studies included groups with spontaneous and assisted vaginal and C-section delivery modes. No statistically significant difference between groups was found. The type of delivery appears to be irrelevant regarding this relationship. Moderating factors seemed to indirectly influence this relationship. Health professionals should educate expectant mothers and be aware of the possibility that delivery method could affect sexual function.