Abstract
Although many women experience sexual problems in the postpartum period, research
in this subject is under-explored. Embarrassment and preoccupation with the newborn
are some of the reasons why many women do not seek help. Furthermore, there is a lack
of professional awareness and expertise and recognition that a prerequisite in the
definition of sexual dysfunction is that it must cause distress to the individual
(not her partner). Sexual dysfunction is classified as disorders of sexual desire,
arousal, orgasm and pain. However, in the postpartum period the most common disorder
appears to be that of sexual pain as a consequence of perineal trauma. Health care
workers need to be made aware of this silent affliction as sexual morbidity can have
a detrimental effect on a women's quality of life impacting on her social, physical
and emotional well-being.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 04, 2009
Accepted:
April 13,
2009
Received in revised form:
February 4,
2009
Received:
August 1,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
