Kvinnors upplevelse av hur underliv och samliv förändrats efter barnafödande : WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE OF CHANGES IN GENITALS AND THE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP AFTER CHILDBIRTH

• Childbirth affects women’s bodies and can cause changes to the genital area. Few previous studies describe the effects of these changes over longer periods. This study examines how women experience changes to their genitals and sexual relationships 3-7 years after a vaginal delivery. Two open questions in a survey were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Part one of the study describes how 701 women experienced changes in the genital area and part two describes the ways in which 256 women thought their sexual relationship had improved since childbirth. In part one, seven categories emerged: dilated vagina, weakened pelvic muscles, changed sensibility, affected body perception and sexuality, effect on menstruation/ovulation and rectal inconvenience. Seven positively affected categories emerged in part two: sexual function, cohesion, self-confidence, body perception, self-esteem, life experience and fertility. Changes were thus primarily experienced as negative, but positive aspects were also expressed. Genital problems appear to be common after delivery and may affect women’s quality of life. More women can receive professional help and thereby a sense of wellbeing by our asking questions and drawing attention to the problem. Informing women about how sexual life can be improved is important as most research discusses complications after delivery.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

delivery

sexual function

relationship

body perception

self-esteem.

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)