RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The birth of a child is a milestone in a woman's life. Sexual health concerns are common in postpartum as women face psychological and physical difficulties. However, studies about sexuality during postpartum are rare in Tunisia. AIM: To evaluate the sexual function of a population of women in postpartum, and identify possible particularities and associated factors of the studied population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of women who gave birth in the six months preceding the study. A questionnaire was sent viaa social networking service. RESULTS: Our population of 100 women had an average age of 31.4 years. Women lived in urban areas, were married, have gone to university, were mostly primiparous (73%), and had vaginal delivery (53%). The average time to have sex again after delivery was nine weeks. In postpartum, sexuality showed modifications such as a change in sexual practices and a decreased frequency of sexual intercourse (73% of cases). Some factors influenced the resumption of sexuality, such as instrumental vaginal delivery, breastfeeding, body image disturbances (37%), fatigue (24%) and lack of availability (60%). The major sexual dysfunctions reported during postpartum were: desire disorders (31%), altered vaginal lubrication (31%), painful intercourse (14%) and decreased sexual satisfaction (33%). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the importance of identifying the sexual disturbances faced by women during postpartum.
