Sexual dysfunction at 3 and 6 months postpartum. A sub-analisys of the Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses technique during second stage of labor randomized controllled trial (PeMWaC)

Abstract Purpose: Childbirth is a known risk factor for postpartum sexual dysfunction. Perineal massage and warm compresses technique during second stage of labor could reduce perineal trauma. However, women experience perineal pain and dyspareunia regardless of the presence or absence of perineal trauma after spontaneous vaginal birth. Although the influence of this perineal technique protection in sexual dysfunction never was investigated. Compare postpartum sexual function in women undergoing combined perineal massage and warm compresses and those undergoing hands-on technique during second stage of labor. Methods: An randomised controlled trial (PeMWaC - Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses) was enrolled at Hospital of Braga from March 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2020. Eight hundred forty eight women were recruited, of whom 496 (62%) completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at 3 and 6 months postpartum. A sub-analisys of primary data was performed to assess postpartum sexual dysfunction the FSFI Score was applied at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Sexual dysfunction was defined by FSFI score <26.55. Results: At 3 months postpartum, overall FSFI scores were not statistically different between the intervention and control groups. When evaluating by each FSFI domain, satisfaction domain had significant lower scores in satisfaction (p=0.048) at 3 months postpartum. At 6 months postpartum, overall FSFI scores were not statistically different between the intervention and control groups. The perineal trauma in relation to perineal protection techniques was not significantly associated with sexual dysfunction at 3 and 6 months postpartum. FSFI scores at 3 or 6 months postpartum was not statistically different between exclusive breastfeed and not exclusive breastfeed women. Conclusion: PeMWac was not associated with postpartum sexual dysfunction.