Background: Sexual function is an essential component of life and yet very little is known about the relationships between the female sexuality and the mode of delivery.
Objective: To compare sexual outcomes after vaginal delivery and cesarean section.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on women in two stages; early pregnancy and 3 to 6 months after delivery in health centers. Female sexual outcomes evaluated were female Sexual Function Index scores and the time required to resume sexual activities after delivery.
Results: Sexual function did not differ significantly among two groups vaginal delivery n=90 and cesarean section n = 113 with regard to duration of marriage, educational level, contraception methods, and occupational status p = 0.8.The mean timing of the resumption of sexual activity was 8.9 ± 1.3, and there was no substantial conflict between the two groups. Mean frequency of intercourse in the post-partum period was 1.8±1.2 times per week with significant difference compared to pre pregnancy P<0.05. The individual domain scores after the delivery was significantly lower in comparison with pre-pregnancy p<0.004.
Conclusion: No differences in sexual outcomes between vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Consequently cesarean section cannot be recommended in the view of maintenance of normal sexuality after child birth.
Keywords: Women's health; cesarean section; female sexual function; post-partum; vaginal delivery.