Resumption of Sexual Intercourse in the Postpartum Period: Women's Experiences

Sexual health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of overall well-being related to sexuality. In the postpartum period, sexual health is often affected by hormonal, physical, and psychological changes. Up to 83% of women report sexual difficulties within the first three months after childbirth, and these issues may persist for up to a year. Dyspareunia is one of the most common symptoms, affecting approximately 35% of postpartum women. Other difficulties include vaginal dryness, fatigue, decreased libido, and fear of pain. Breastfeeding and perineal trauma are known to influence the resumption of sexual activity.

Health professionals may lack training or confidence in addressing sexual health, often leaving women to cope with their difficulties alone, even though they express a need for information and support. In this context, it is essential to better understand the difficulties women face when resuming sexual activity after childbirth, in order to improve the detection and management of sexual health disorders.