The Effect of Method of Delivery and Psychosocial Factors on Postpartum Sexual Satisfaction

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was: 1) to determine factors associated with postpartum sexual satisfaction at 6 and 12 months postpartum; 2) to examine the effect of method of delivery on postpartum sexual satisfaction at 6 and 12 months postpartum. METHODS: This study undertook a secondary data analysis of The Ontario Mother and Infant Study (TOMIS) III which recruited 2560 postpartum women. Participants completed self-report in-hospital questionnaires and structured telephone interviews at 6 months and 12 months. RESULTS: Statistically significant factors associated with sexual satisfaction at 6 months postpartum were country of birth, breastfeeding status, physical health scores, perceived social support, mental health scores and the risk of postpartum depression. At 12 months postpartum, breastfeeding status, physical health scores, perceived social support and mental health scores were associated with postpartum sexual satisfaction. Method of delivery was not found to be statistically significant at both time points.