IMPACT OF EPISIOTOMY ON MATERNAL POSTPARTUM SEXUAL FUNCTION AT EL- MANIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: SHORT TERM FOLLOW- UP

Abstract

Episiotomy at the time of vaginal birth is a common. Sexual function after episiotomy reports significant increase perineal pain and sexual problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of episiotomy on maternal postpartum sexual functions. Prospective cohort study with short-term follow up design was used to achieve the aim of the study. A total of 120 mothers who delivered vaginally with episiotomy have been recruited. The study was carried out at the postpartum unit at El-Manial Maternity Hospital. Four tools were utilized, an interviewing schedule, an assessment sheet, the female sexual function index, and follow-up sheet. Data was collected through three phases: Interviewing phase, Assessment phase and Follow up phase. The pilot study was carried out on 10% of the sample. Ethical issues as voluntary participation, informed oral consent, confidentiality and the right of proper service were ensured. The result revealed that the mothers mean age was 21.08±1.87. Seventy two point five of mothers were housewives, 69.2% ofthem were primigravida, and 95.8o/o of the sample had mediolateral episiotomy. Statistical significant differences were found between six domains of FSFI: desire, excitement, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and dysparunia at base line and after two, four and six months postpartum. Also statistical differences were found between the total mean scores of FSFI at base line and after two, four, six months postpartum with total mean score (28.5±0.13, 21. 3 ± 0.169, 26.5 ±0.153, and 27.9± 0.118) in relation to episiotomy; (p= 0.000, 0.000, 0.001). It was concluded that episiotomy may have a negative impact on the mother's postpartum sexual functions. The study recommended that a policy of restricting episiotomy should be adopted.