Postpartum Sexual Function; Conflict in Marriage Stability: A Systematic Review

Background: One of the most important issues affecting the stability of marriage is sexual function, so its problem can lead to divorce or separation of the couple. Pregnancy and delivery as one the most important periods of womenʹs life can have significant effects on sexual function. This study reviews the postpartum sexual function and its related factors in Iran. Methods: This study is a systematic review of the sexual function after childbirth in Iran. By using of valid keywords and searching in databases such as Google scholar, SID, Magiran, Medlib, Irandoc, Iranmedex, the total number of 15 articles between 2005 and 2012 years have been evaluated. Results were reported quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Total Sample was 4109 women, with an average of 274 samples per study. Plenty of studies in Tehran was 46% and other cities was 54%. The majority of studies showed no relation between mode of delivery and sexual function (P=0.14), but there were significant relation between lactation and postpartum sexual function (P < 0.05) as, breastfeeding decreased sexual function. Also sexual function score has decreased with increasing parity. Conclusion: According to the effects of lactation and parity on women sexual function, therefore high risk for divorce, sex education after childbirth, especially in the first six months after delivery, maybe helpful in prevention of sexual dysfunction after delivery.