The effect of cesarean delivery and episiotomy on sexual life and postpartum depression

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the effect of cesarean delivery and episiotomy application on sexual life and postpartum depression. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 276 women who gave their first birth, who were between 2-6 months postpartum, 92 women who had cesarean section, 92 women who had vaginal delivery with episiotomy and 92 women who had vaginal delivery. The data were collected with the Participant Information Form, Female Sexual Function Scale-6 and Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale. The study data were found to be normally distributed and parametric tests were used for the analysis. The mean total score of Female Sexual Function Scale-6 was 16.12±3.51 in women who had vaginal delivery with episiotomy, 18.62±4.01 in women who had cesarean delivery, and 21.10±3.35 in women who had vaginal delivery. Female Sexual Function Scale-6 total score was found to be statistically significantly higher in women who gave birth vaginally (p<0.000). The mean total score of Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale was 7.21±4.28 in women who gave birth vaginally, 11.46±4.52 in women who gave birth by cesarean section and 12.97±3.88 in women who gave birth vaginally with episiotomy. It was found that the mean score of Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale was statistically significantly lower in women who had vaginal delivery compared to the other two groups (F=45.906, p=0.001). In this study, it was found that modes of delivery were effective on sexual life and postpartum depression in the postpartum period. Within the scope of midwife-led care models, it is recommended that women should be educated about the potential to affect sexual function and postpartum depression in the postpartum period while planning birth styles. Key words: Caesarean section; Episiotomy; Types of delivery; Postpartum depression; Sexual life.