Nongnuch Phukathon. Sexual satisfaction in women one year after delivery. Master's Degree(Medical and Health Social Sciences). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Sexual satisfaction in women one year after delivery
Abstract:
Women after delivery encounter both physical and emotional changes and, among
other issues, they worry about the expenses they will have to meet to properly raise their
children, which will be a burden for the family. The worries are aggravated by the fact that
some women do not want to become pregnant and they are afraid of pain, lengthy vaginal
birth, and enlargement of the vagina in the course of delivery. If they opt for cesarean section
they worry about scars on their stomach. Women want to maintain their sexual satisfaction
after delivery in the same way as before they became pregnant. Physical changes after birth
which may affect less or more sexual activity are dependent on whether women choose
natural delivery or cesarean section.
This research aimed to investigate sexual satisfaction of women aged 20- 40 one year
after delivery. The investigation also included information about the demographic background
of the study participants; their socio-economic status; and their attitudes towards sexual
satisfaction.
A questionnaire was used as a research tool. Purposive sampling was applied to select a
group of 211 women visiting the family planning unit of the Siriraj Hospital to participate in
the investigation. The study was conducted from October 2006 to January 2007. Data were
analyzed using descriptive statistical tests as well as using the Chi-square test.
This research revealed that the study participants had a moderate level of sexual satisfaction.
Their attitudes towards sexual satisfaction were low to moderately related to physical changes
after delivery. Only a few women dared to suggest that their husbands use condoms to
prevent another pregnancy and to have safer sex. The position and techniques used during
sexual intercourse, as well as orgasm and willingness to have sex was moderately related to
sexual satisfaction. The frequency of having sex was 1 to 4 times a month. A happy sexual
life was related to a low workload in the house.
Neither sexual satisfaction nor attitude toward sexual satisfaction were associated with
demographic background, On the socio-economic situation of the women; On related to
physical changes. Most of the women experienced happy sexual relationships and sexual
desire sooner or later after delivery.
This study reflects only the attitudes of 211 women. The result is not necessarily
representative of all women. Information derived from the study might be useful for health
providers who want to help women and their spouses to improve their sexual health.