Determination of genital self-image, sexual life function and traumatic birth perceptions of women of reproductive age

This study aimed to evaluate the genital self-image, sexual function, and perceptions of traumatic birth among women of reproductive age. Conducted as descriptive and correlational research, the study included 260 women aged 19–44 years who applied to Tasova District State Hospital in Amasya between August 15, 2023, and March 30, 2025. The research data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Personal Information Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Traumatic Birth Perception Scale (TBPS). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's test, Spearman's correlation, and path analysis. The mean age of the women was 31.00 ± 5.25 years, with 31.9% aged between 25 and 29 years. The mean total FGSIS score was 20.1 ± 3.83, indicating a moderately positive genital self-image. The participants' mean FSFI score was 67.6 ± 14.43, suggesting moderate-to-good sexual function. The mean TBPS score was 71.17 ± 31.73, indicating a moderate level of traumatic birth perception. In the structural equation model, a one-unit increase in traumatic birth perception resulted in a 0.017-unit decrease in genital self-image (p = 0.025), while a one-unit increase in genital self-image led to a 0.978-unit increase in sexual function (p < 0.001). The genital self-image, sexual function, and traumatic birth perception of women of reproductive age were found to be moderately positive. In addition, perceptions of traumatic birth negatively affected genital self-image, and a negative genital self-image led to sexual dysfunction. It is recommended that these factors be addressed holistically in the care provided by midwives. Keywords: Genital self-image, Midwifery, Perception of traumatic birth, Reproductive age, Sexual function, Women.