Suleyman Doga AKGOR, Alev AYDIN
Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine - 2026;17(6):594-598
Aim: The aim is to determine sexual function according to the female sexual function index score after normal vaginal birth with episiotomy and after birth with cesarean section, and to reveal its importance in the decision of birth method and to examine the effects of demographic characteristics on sexual function. Methods: In this study, 18-45 year-old women with a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 1 year postpartum who applied to our clinic, 89 women had a normal vaginal birth with episiotomy (Group 1), and 89 women had a cesarean section (Group 2) were evaluated. Results: When the total sexual function scores (desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, and orgasm) were compared between group 1 and group 2, no statistically significant difference was detected in terms of the degree of sexual dysfunction, but the total scores calculated for both groups were observed in favor of postpartum sexual dysfunction. It was found that age, body mass index, marriage duration, gravida, parity, and number of children did not affect sexual function and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score. Conclusion: When birth methods are compared, there is no difference in terms of sexual function between episiotomy and vaginal birth and cesarean birth in the period from the 6th month to the 1st year postpartum, but both birth methods cause sexual dysfunction. When the whole group is looked at, demographic characteristics can be said to affect sexual function.
