Sexual life after childbrith : Understanding the sexual life between married couples (first report)

Abstract

This study was conducted to understand the sexual life and the level of satisfaction between married couples after childbirth. There were 69 married coulres, and wives were in a postpartum period (between 3 and 12 months following delivery). Both husbands and wives filled out the separate questionnaires sent by mail. The results showed that most couples recognize sexuality as a mode of communication, however this was significantly higher in women than men. About 50% of both men and women replied that reproduction was one of the roles of sexuality. Seeking sexual pleasure was found more in men than in women, but the response rate for this was relatively low. In terms of the level of desire of the partner' s behavior, 40% postpartum women were satisfied with not having physical contact with their husbands. In addition, women who reported the unsatisfied sexual life also answered that they did not receive enough support from their family. Support and education for sexual life is mainly taught at the hospital before postpartum women are dischaged ; however, their husbands are rarely exposed to this information. The education focuses on reproduction and sexuality, but not much on the communication and sexual pleasure.