Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of complicated pregnancy and delivery (P/D) on sexual functions and to determine possible risk factors that affect sexual functions.
Methods: Women, who have the history of severe preeclampsia, placenta previa totalis, abruption placentae or postpartum uterine atonia, comprised the study group. The control group was comprised the women matched for age, parity, mode of delivery, vocation, the level of income and education status. Their fear of getting pregnant again and fear of death in the most recent delivery were measured by questionnaires. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale was used to assess the sexual functions. We compared sexual functions of the women with and without suffering from complicated P/D.
Results: Fear of death during the last delivery and fear of getting pregnant again were significantly more intense in the study group (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The rates of volunteers detected sexual dysfunction in the study and control groups were 55.1% and 38.7%, respectively (p=0.081). Fear of death during the last delivery was found to be significant risk factors for sexual dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] = 1.653; 95% CI = 1.131-2.415; p=0.009).
Conclusion: In conclusion, sexual dysfunction rate of women with a history of complicated pregnancy and delivery, was almost equal that of women with a history of health pregnancy and delivery. Fear of death during the last delivery was found to be most important risk factor for sexual dysfunction.