The DAHLIA Study: Digital Intervention for Postpartum Dyspareunia V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Postpartum Dyspareunia: Development and Feasibility Testing of a Digital Psychoeducational Intervention for Postpartum Women
IRAS ID
358604
Contact name
Lucy Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Postpartum dyspareunia (PPD) is an issue which can cause challenges for women when trying to have sex after giving birth. It can result in issues such as painful sex, challenges with arousal, or being turned on, and impacts on women’s ability to have sex. It is said in research that many women experience PPD, and for some the symptoms can last for years having a negative impact on their relationships, emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Although this is a common issue, sex after childbirth is rarely spoken about meaning women can feel unsure on where or how to seek support.
This research study is aiming to develop an online resource for women who are experiencing PPD and see how acceptable and practical they think that this is. It will also look into findings from the study that suggests the tool is helpful in managing the symptoms of PPD. Based on what we already know about coping with pain in other sexual issues, such as how the way we think can impact the way we experience pain, the online resource will provide clear, evidence-based information about PPD and simple psychological-based strategies to help women manage the symptoms.
Women who have given birth within the last 8-weeks to 2-years will be invited to take part via a poster advertisement used to recruit. Participating on the study will involve completing online surveys about their experiences of PPD, anxiety and fear related to experiencing pain and confidence in seeking support from healthcare professionals. They will also be asked questions about their experience of using the research to understand their thoughts around how acceptable and practical they think the resource is. Participants will be given access to the online resource and will then complete two follow-up surveys after 4 weeks and 12 weeks.REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0364
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2026
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion