Postpartum sexuality and its assessment by healthcare professionals

Abstract

The postpartum is a period of important challenges for women, given the great amount of changes they face. It is a complex and multidimensional period of adaptation as it involves biological, psychological and social aspects. One of the changes experienced by women is postpartum sexuality. Postpartum sexuality involves a varied range of difficulties and concerns that should be explored considering the singularity of each woman’s experience. Scientific literature that has explored this area suggests a lack of assessment on behalf of healthcare professionals during this period. This study therefore aims to explore first time mother ́s sexuality during the postpartum period. It evaluates how healthcare professionals assess sexuality up until the moment of discharge at 8 weeks after birth, and collects suggestions regarding the aforementioned in order to improve the health system. The research approach was qualitative using Grounded Theory as the method of analysis. Primiparous women who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate at two consultations clinics and another group received invitation letters after being selected from the maternity discharge records. Anonymous semi-structured interviews were performed. Fifteen women at different postpartum stages participated in the study. The most common problems found were lack of desire and low sexual activity as a result of tiredness and disinterest. All women but one affirmed that no healthcare professional had assessed postpartum sexuality and twelve stated that it should be done at some point. This study can be seen as a starting point for further research, raising awareness amongst authorities and healthcare professionals in order to provide a service that embraces women holistically in this adapting process.