Introduction: Of important factors in consolidating family is desirable sexual function. Sexual function is changed due to some hormonal, physiological, mental changes and many other factors during post-partum period. Type of childbirth is considered as one of them. This study aimed to compare sexual function of women after natural childbirth and caesarean section in clients referred to Mashhad healthcare centers.
Methods: In this analytical-descriptive study, sexual function of 366 women in two groups of natural childbirth and caesarean section was compared in two stages (4 and 6 months after the childbirth). The research instrument was women’s sexual function questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using SPSS statistical software version 11.5, descriptive-statistical tests including Kolmogorov–Smirnov, independent T, paired T, chi-square, one-way and two-way variance analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean and standard deviation scores of sexual function,4 months after childbirth, were(23.1±5.3) and (23.3±5.8) respectively for natural childbirth and caesarean section groups; ,six month after childbirth, the scores were (25.8±4.9) and (25.3±4.9) for natural childbirth and caesarean section groups respectively, which showed no statistical significant difference. (p=0.272 and p=0.697) However, significant difference was observed in sexual function mean scores between the two groups of 4 and 6months after delivery and caesarean section (p=0.026). The average onset of sexual activity after delivery was 42.1±17.2 and 41.8±16.8 days for natural childbirth group and the caesarean section group respectively.
Conclusion: No statistical difference was shown in sexual function between natural childbirth and caesarean section groups. Due to fear of women's sexual dysfunction after childbirth, caesarean section is mostly preferred by them.