A study on female sexual function during and after pregnancy.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study on female sexual function in the three trimesters of pregnancy and following varying degrees on perineal trauma in the first 6 months postnatally.
IRAS ID
217595
Contact name
Charlotte Cassis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NNUH Department of research and development
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research is into the effects of pregnancy itself and the degree of perineal trauma has on female sexual function. The birth of a child brings multiple changes in the life of a woman due to many physical, psychological and physiological sequelae, however sexual dysfunction following childbirth remains a neglected area of postpartum care. The World Health Organization states that “all women should be asked about resumption of sexual intercourse and possible dyspareunia, as a part of an assessment of overall well-being two to six weeks after delivery”. Female postpartum sexual functioning is a complex and multi-factorial phenomenon that can have major effects on female sexuality and the quality of intimate relationships.
Sexual dysfunction occurring during pregnancy and after childbirth remains an under researched area, especially in relation to dyspareunia and other related sexual problems. With over 85% of women sustaining some degree of perineal trauma during vaginal delivery in the UK, this is clearly a prevalent and prescient topic which has significant impact on a large proportion of society.The aims of my research would be to better understand the factors affecting female sexual function during pregnancy and following different degrees of perineal trauma. This would enable women to be more informed antenatally and would enable women to make more informed decisions regarding their deliveries, something which is increasingly important in an age of patient led services. It would also help in antenatal and post-natal counselling and help with management of expectations, something which is often the cause distress for patients. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has around 6000 deliveries and 200 obstetric anal sphincter injuries per annum and provides specialist clinics for those recovering from significant perineal trauma. This would allow me to collect sufficient data from which to draw valid conclusions.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0522
Date of REC Opinion
21 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion