EVALUATION OF THE SEXUAL FUNCTIONS IN PRIMIPARAS AFTER VAGINAL DELIVERY AND NULLIGRAVIDAS

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy and delivery can impair the function of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and influence sexual function after delivery. Objective: To evaluate sexual function in primiparas after vaginal delivery and nulligravidas. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, approved by the Ethics Committee on Research (CAAE44775015.1.0000.5175), and carried out with 36 women aged 18-35 years, being post-vaginal delivery primiparas with episiotomy (n = 12), without episiotomy (n = 12) and nulligravidas (n = 12). Biological and sociodemographic characteristics were verified and the sexual function was evaluated through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The primiparas answered the questionnaire three months after the delivery and the same questionnaire was answered by the nulligravidas. Results: Women with episiotomy, without episiotomy and nulligravidas presented an average of 21.41 ± 4.56; 20.16 ± 4.60 and 26.3 ± 4.16 years old, average of 14.66 ± 2.42; 14.81 ± 2.44 and 18.83 ± 1.80 studied years, and dyspareunia frequency of 66.66% (n = 8); 50% (n = 6) and 0% (n = 0), respectively. In relation to sexual function, when comparing the three groups of the research, a lower desire score was found in primiparas with episiotomy, and the non-episiotomy group presented less excitation, less lubrication, fewer orgasms and worse sexual satisfaction when compared to the other groups. Regarding the variable pain, the primiparas with episiotomy presented the worst scores. Conclusion: In the group of primiparas with episiotomy, a higher frequency of dyspareunia was found, lower rates of desire and primiparas without episiotomy had less excitement, less lubrication, less orgasms and worse sexual satisfaction.