Associations Between Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Couples’ Sexual Function and Sexual Distress Trajectories Across the Transition to Parenthood

Author(s):  
Samantha J Dawson ◽  
Nathan D Leonhardt ◽  
Emily A Impett ◽  
Natalie O Rosen

Abstract Background The transition to parenthood is associated with changes to new parents’ mood and sexual health. Sexual dysfunction—problems with sexual function accompanied by sexual distress (i.e., worries and concerns about one’s sex life)—is linked to poorer overall health, yet few studies have examined how sexual dysfunction unfolds for couples during this transition. Postpartum depression is a risk factor for sexual dysfunction; however, the association between depressive symptoms and how postpartum sexual dysfunction evolves has not been examined. Purpose To establish trajectories of sexual function and sexual distress for mothers and partners and to examine if postpartum depressive symptoms were associated with these trajectories. Methods Data were collected from 203 first-time parent couples from midpregnancy until 12-months postpartum. Sexual function and sexual distress were assessed at six time points (two prenatal) and depressive symptoms were assessed at 3-months postpartum. Results Dyadic latent piece-wise growth curve models revealed significant declines in mothers’ and partners’ sexual function between pregnancy and 3-months postpartum and significant improvements from 3- to 12-months postpartum. Mothers’ sexual distress increased between pregnancy and 3-months postpartum and decreased thereafter, whereas partner’s sexual distress remained stable. Depressive symptoms were associated with poorer sexual function and higher sexual distress at 3-months postpartum for both partners but did not predict change over time. Conclusions Mothers and their partners experience changes to their sexual function during the transition to parenthood; however, mothers are at greater risk of sexual dysfunction. Depressive symptoms are a risk factor for poorer sexual health at 3-months postpartum for both parents.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Dong ◽  
Xiaoyan Xu ◽  
Yining Li ◽  
Yixian Wang ◽  
Zhuo Jin ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundAs an important source of stress, infertility may affect the quality of sexual life, with extensive studies believing that the incidence of sexual dysfunction in infertile women is highly prevalent. As the years of infertility increase, the greater this stress is likely to increase, which may aggravate psychological pain and cause sexual dysfunction. However, the effect of infertility duration on sexual health is unclear.Methods We performed a case-control study, and a total of 715 patients participated in this research between September 1, 2020, and December 25, 2020. Patients diagnosed with infertility (aged between 20 to 45 years) were included. Patients with infertility were divided into four groups according to infertility duration: ≤ 2 years (Group I, n=262), 2< infertility duration ≤5 years (Group II, n=282), 5 < infertility duration ≤8 years (Group III, n=97), and infertility duration > 8 years (Group IV, n=74). A questionnaire survey of female sexual function and psychological depression of patients with infertility was performed. The female sexual function was measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), depression status was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).ResultsAnalysis of the relevant factors that affect sexual function using a multivariable logistic regression model revealed that infertility duration of less than 8 years was not a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. However, when infertility duration was greater than 8 years, the incidence of sexual dysfunction (AOR=5.158,95%CI: 1.935-13.746, P=0.001) and 3 domains [arousal disorder (AOR=2.955 ,95%CI: 1.194-7.314, P=0.019, coital pain (AOR=3.811 ,95%CI: 1.045-13.897, P=0.043), and lubrication disorder (AOR=5.077 ,95%CI: 1.340-19.244, P=0.017)] increases. ConclusionsThe multivariate regression equation model reveals that the infertility duration is more than 8 years, which is a risk factor for the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. As the infertility duration increases, the incidence of female sexual dysfunction and psychological distress may increase.


Author(s):  
Tahereh Molkara ◽  
Maliheh Motavasselian ◽  
Farideh Akhlaghi ◽  
Mohammad Arash Ramezani ◽  
Hamideh Naghedi Baghdar ◽  
...  

: Sexual health plays an important role in the women’s health and quality of life. Sexual health management is a prerequisite for physical and psychological health of women. Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are three factors of female sexual response. So far many different methods has been known for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, however none of them are not an efficacious therapy. Generally, use of herbal medicine is a safe and effective therapeutic method in the treatment of women with sexual dysfunction. The role of herbal and nutritional supplementation in female sexual function has attracted researchers’ interest in recent years. This study aimed to the evaluation of the studies focusing on the herbal medicine on women sexual function and the assessment of its effectiveness.


Author(s):  
Kortney Floyd James ◽  
Dawn M. Aycock ◽  
Jennifer L. Barkin ◽  
Kimberly A. Hires

Background: This study examined the relationship between racial identity clusters and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) in Black postpartum mothers living in Georgia. Aims: A cross-sectional study design using Cross’s nigrescence theory as a framework was used to explore the relationship between Black racial identity and PPDS. Method: Black mothers were administered online questionnaires via Qualtrics. A total sample of 116 self-identified Black mothers were enrolled in the study. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 41 years ( M = 29.5 ± 5.3) and their infants were 1 to 12 months old ( M = 5.6 ± 3.5). The majority of mothers were married or cohabitating with their partner (71%), had a college degree (53%), and worked full-time (57%). Results: Hierarchical cluster analysis identified six racial identity clusters within the sample: Assimilated and Miseducated, Self-Hating, Anti-White, Multiculturalist, Low Race Salience, and Conflicted. A Kruskal-Wallis H test determined there was no difference in PPDS scores between racial identity clusters. Conclusion: This study is the first to explore the relationship between Black racial identity clusters of postpartum mothers and their mental health. Findings emphasize the complexity of Black racial identity and suggest that the current assessment tools may not adequately detect PPDS in Black mothers. The implications for these findings in nursing practice and future research are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-15
Author(s):  
Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan ◽  
Ragaa Mohammed ◽  
Soad Ramadan ◽  
Hagar Masaud

Background: Sexuality is an important part of normal human functioning. Gynecological cancer and its treatments can affect one or more phases of the sexual response cycle, through alterations of sexual function. Sexual dysfunction is one of the most distressful symptoms among cervical cancer survivors. Sexual distress is a broad term encompassing any sexual discomfort and dysfunction. Sexual difficulties following cervical cancer can be stressful for couples as it can feel like a core part of the relationship has disappeared. Aim: The study is conducted to evaluate the impact of an educational program on sexual issues (sexual dysfunction & sexual distress) among cervical cancer survivors' women in Northern Upper Egypt. Methods; Design: A quasi-experimental design. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, female sexual function index, and female sexual distress scale. Results: The results of the study revealed regression of all items of women’s sexual distress scores, and progression of all items of women’s sexual items post-program compared to pre-one. Conclusion: The teaching program was very effective in improving sexuality among cervical cancer survivors' women. Recommendations: Disseminate the educational booklet at health centers and oncology outpatients. Integrate psychologist, psychosexual specialist, and social worker in treatment and counseling program for women with cervical cancer in the early stage of their treatment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 202 (6) ◽  
pp. 396-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Baldwin ◽  
Thomas Foong

SummaryDepressive symptoms and depressive illness are associated with impairments in sexual function and satisfaction but the findings of randomised placebo-controlled trials demonstrate that antidepressant drugs can be associated with the development or worsening of sexual dysfunction. Sexual difficulties during antidepressant treatment often resolve as depression lifts but may persist over long periods, and can reduce self-esteem and affect mood and relationships adversely. Sexual dysfunction during antidepressant treatment is typically associated with many possible causes, but the risk of dysfunction varies with differing antidepressants, and should be considered when selecting an antidepressant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1082-1089
Author(s):  
Ellen A Nøhr ◽  
Jan Nielsen ◽  
Bente M Nørgård ◽  
Sonia Friedman

Abstract Background and Aims Previous studies indicate an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] but none have examined sexual function in a large population-based cohort. Methods To investigate the risk of sexual dysfunction in women with IBD, we used data from the Danish National Birth Cohort, a nationwide study of 92 274 pregnant women recruited during 1996–2002. We performed a cross-sectional study based on mothers who participated in the Maternal Follow-up in 2013–14. The outcome was self-reported sexual health. Information regarding demographics and IBD characteristics was retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register. Using regression models and adjusting for important confounders, we compared sexual function in women with and without IBD. Results The study population consisted of 38 011 women including 196 [0.5%] with Crohn’s disease [CD] and 409 [1.1%] with ulcerative colitis [UC]. Median age was 44 years. Compared to women without IBD, women with UC did not have significantly decreased sexual function, while women with CD had more difficulty achieving orgasm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–2.30], increased dyspareunia [aOR 1.71; 95% CI 1.11–2.63] and deep dyspareunia [aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.24–3.22]. The risk for difficulty achieving orgasm and deep dyspareunia was further increased within 2 years of an IBD-related contact/visit [aOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.11–2.95; and aOR 2.37; 95% CI 1.34–4.19]. Conclusions Women with CD have significantly increased difficulty achieving orgasm and increased dyspareunia. Physicians should be cognizant of and screen for sexual dysfunction in this group of patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-123
Author(s):  
Ommolbanin Zare ◽  
◽  
Masoumeh Simbar ◽  
Giti Ozgoli ◽  
Adeleh Bahar ◽  
...  

Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with changes in sexual function and perhaps many more sexual problems when accompanied by particular disorders such as gestational diabetes. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate factors associated with sexual functions in women with gestational diabetes. Materials and Methods: The present analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 women with gestational diabetes (150) and low-risk pregnant women (150) attending clinics affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in the north of Iran in 2019. A multistage cluster random sampling method was used, and samples were selected by convenience sampling method. The study data were collected using a demographic and obstetrics questionnaire, female sexual distress scale-revised, prenatal distress questionnaire, world health organization quality of life questionnaire, depression, anxiety, stress questionnaire, and a female sexual function index. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics indicators, the Chi-square test, t-test, and multivariate linear regression. Results: The frequency of sexual dysfunction was 87.3% in women with gestational diabetes and 34.67% in low-risk pregnant women. Compared to women with low-risk-pregnancy, women with gestational diabetes reported lower sexual function scores (P=0.001). Women with gestational diabetes experience lower quality of life (P<0.05) than low-risk pregnant women. Besides, women with gestational diabetes experience higher levels of stress (P=0.001), more prenatal concerns (P=0.014), and higher sexual distress (P<0.05). The linear regression test showed that gestational diabetes in pregnant women predicts a significant reduction in sexual desire (β=-0.599; P= 0.001). Conclusion: Gestational diabetes predicts a significant reduction in sexual function during pregnancy due to the physical and psychological effects of gestational diabetes. Thus, it is recommended that pregnant women with gestational diabetes should be trained and counseled about gestational diabetes control and sexual function.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selda Ozturk ◽  
Hatice Kahyaoglu Sut ◽  
Leyla Kucuk

Objective: To examine the sexual functions and depressive symptoms of infertile and fertile women. Methods: This study was conducted between October 2015 and April 2016 using a descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative design. The sample of this study consisted of 96 infertile and 96 fertile women. The data were collected using an information form, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Index of Female Sexual Function. The data were analyzed The Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results: The rate of sexual dysfunction (87.5% vs. 69.8%) and the Index of Female Sexual Function total score (31.8 ± 7.8 vs 35.7 ± 6.3) were significantly higher in infertile women than fertile women (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). The sexual satisfaction and discomfort during sexual intercourse subscales of the Index of Female Sexual Function were significantly lower among infertile women than fertile women (p<0.001 for all); however, no significant difference was observed in the sexual intercourse/libido score of the Index of Female Sexual Function between infertile and fertile women (p=0.590). The correlation coefficients between the Beck Depression Inventory total score and the total and subscale scores of the IFSF did not significantly differ between infertile and fertile women (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: The sexual dysfunction rate among infertile women was higher than that among fertile women. Sexual functions decreased when depressive symptoms increased for both infertile and fertile women. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.615 How to cite this:Ozturk S, Sut HK, Kucuk L. Examination of sexual functions and depressive symptoms among infertile and fertile women. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.615 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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