(121) DISCREPANCY IN SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION, SEXUAL DESIRE, AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE PARTNERS DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD AND THE IMPACT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Authors: Contractor M , Lynn M , Thomas A , Contractor S , Shine K , Gonzalez L , Tenfelde S , Wesolowski M 
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Studies suggest that changes in sexual health and relationship satisfaction are common in women during pregnancy and postpartum, however these are often overlooked during postpartum care. Furthermore, one in seven women experience additional challenges of postpartum depression within the first postnatal yea. Studies have recognized depression as a major predictor for reduced sexual desire and satisfaction. There is little empirical data on the impact of postpartum depression on the sexual health of both male and female partners and relationship satisfaction.

Objective

This study assesses the relationship between postpartum depression, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction at three postpartum time points: immediate, six weeks, and twelve weeks postpartum, in postpartum patients and their partners.

Methods

This longitudinal study was conducted on heterosexual couples recruited from the postpartum unit, excluding patients with pregnancy complications. Each partner was consented immediately postpartum and individually surveyed to evaluate their sexual desire, relationship satisfaction, and sexual dysfunction immediately, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postpartum. The Sexual Desire Inventory-2, Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire, and Couples Satisfaction Index were utilized. Mothers were additionally screened for postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at the three time points. We then conducted a retrospective chart review from 6 and 12 week postpartum visits to investigate delivery details and sexual dysfunction screening as reported in clinic documentation.

Results

This sample consisted of 89 female (54.60%), and 74 male (45.40%). 5 had postpartum depression at least 1 timepoint (8.20%). Sexual desire differed significantly between female and male partners over the entire postpartum period (p &lt; 0.01), and relationship satisfaction differed significantly over time throughout the postpartum period across both female and male partners (p &lt; 0.01). Across the entire postpartum period, female partner sexual desire scores were, on average, 7.02 units lower than male partner sexual desire scores (Mean Difference; 95% CI: -7.02; -11.02, -3.02), meaning that female partner sexual desire was significantly lower than male partner sexual desire throughout the postpartum period. For both female and male partners, relationship satisfaction scores were significantly lower at 12 weeks postpartum (p &lt; 0.01) and at 6 weeks postpartum (p &lt; 0.01) as compared to immediately postpartum, meaning that both female and male partners were significantly less satisfied with their relationships at 6 weeks postpartum and at 12 weeks postpartum as compared to immediately postpartum. 82% females were not screened for sexual dysfunction at 6 weeks postpartum and 2% were screened.

Conclusions

Discrepancy in relationship satisfaction and sexual desire between male and female partners was found throughout the postpartum period. Yet, a majority of patients are not screened for sexual dysfunction at their 6 week postpartum visit. These findings elucidate the need to normalize and address sexual health during the postpartum period as standard of care, including screening and treatment, in both male and female partners.

Disclosure

No.