Dispareunia prevalance and affectings factors in postpartum period: The longitudinal study

The aim of the study was to investigate dispareunia prevalance and affectings factors in post-natal third, sixth and ninth month. Material and method: The study included 220 females at their 3rd postpartum month, was performed 11 family health centers in Manisa city center between the dates June 2014- 2015. The longitudinal study was applied in three stages. At the first stage data was applied in family health centers. Second stage (post-natal sixth month) and third stage (post-natal ninth month) were performed via telephone. Results: Overall 10.0% of the women reported dyspareunia during sexual activity before conception; 11.8% during pregnancy; 31,8% third postpartum month; 10.5% sixth postpartum month and 1.8% ninth postpartum month. In study 87.5% of the women had 11 point and above according to Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale and sexual problems third postpartum month; 66,8% sixth postpartum month and 48.6% ninth postpartum month. Conclusion: Dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction are more common and the quality of sexual life is lower in third postpartum month than in sixth and in ninth postpartum month. Key words: Dyspareunia, postpartum period, sexual life in postpartum period, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire.