Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Postpartum Sexual Function and Depression: a Review of Recent Literature

  • Published:
Current Sexual Health Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

It is important to identify factors that contribute to postpartum changes in sexual function and identify women at high risk for more persistent, impaired sexual response. The aim of this review was to review recent research to evaluate the relationship between depression and sexual function in the postpartum period.

Recent findings

The databases of PubMed, PsychINFO, and OVID Medline were searched for relevant articles. After review for eligibility criteria, 34 articles were reviewed. Studies showed depression was related to lower sexual function in postpartum women and impairments in sexual function and mood persisted beyond the traditional 12-month postpartum period. However, several studies with multivariate models indicated that depression and sexual function did not remain significantly related, though subjective elements of sexuality (e.g., sexual satisfaction) remained associated with depression. Several studies did not find a significant association between sexual pain and depression, though catastrophizing thoughts and sexual distress were significant. Studies highlighted the role of relationship satisfaction and partner support in the association between sexual function and depression.

Summary

The biopsychosocial model appears appropriate when assessing and managing postpartum sexual function. Results highlight the importance of screening for depression and sexual function beyond the typical initial postpartum visit, even two to 18 years past childbirth. Subjective elements of sexual function, including sexual distress and satisfaction are important to assess. Providers may consider including partners in management of postpartum depression and sexual dysfunction, as partner support was often a protective factor. Longitudinal research studies accounting for pre-pregnancy levels of sexual function and depression are needed. Studies focusing on women diagnosed with depression, with perinatal complications, and trauma symptoms are needed. Measures of sexual function could be validated in postpartum women to identify cutpoints specific to this population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

  1. Kelley E. Sexual desire in women according to reproductive milestones. Curr Sex Health Rep. 2018;10:360–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. McBride HL, Kwee JL. Sex after baby: Women’s sexual function in the postpartum period. Curr Sex Health Rep. 2017;9:142–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Leeman LM, Rogers RG. Sex after childbirth: postpartum sexual function. Obstet Gynecol. 2012;119(3):647–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Serati M, Salvatore S, Siesto G, Cattoni E, Zanirato M, Khullar V, et al. Female sexual function during pregnancy and after childbirth. J Sex Med. 2010;7(8):2782–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Yeniel AO, Petri E. Pregnancy, childbirth, and sexual function: perceptions and facts. Int Urogynecol J. 2014;25(1):5–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Nikolaidou E, Antoniou E, Sarella A, Iliadou M, Orovou E, Dagla M. The effect of type of delivery on female postpartum sexual functioning: a systematic review. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(7):1212.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Cattani L, De Maeyer L, Verbakel JY, Bosteels J, Deprest J. Predictors for sexual dysfunction in the first year postpartum: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG. 2022;129(7):1017–28.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Gutzeit O, Levy G, Lowenstein L. Postpartum female sexual function: risk factors for postpartum sexual dysfunction. Sex Med. 2020;8(1):8–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Fitzpatrick ET, Kolbuszewska MT, Dawson SJ. Perinatal sexual dysfunction: the importance of the interpersonal context. Curr Sex Health Rep. 2021;13:55–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Wisner KL, Sit DK, McShea MC, Rizzo DM, Zoretich RA, Hughes CL, et al. Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women with screen-positive depression findings. JAMA Psychiat. 2013;70(5):490–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Parish SJ, Hahn SR, Goldstein SW, Giraldi A, Kingsberg SA, Larkin L, et al. The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Process of Care for the Identification of Sexual Concerns and Problems in Women. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019;94(5):842–56.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Grussu P, Vicini B, Quatraro RM. Sexuality in the perinatal period: a systematic review of reviews and recommendations for practice. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2021;30: 100668.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. McKinney J, Keyser L, Clinton S, Pagliano C. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 736: optimizing postpartum care. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132(3):784–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Al-Shammari I, Roa L, Yorlets RR, Akerman C, Dekker A, Kelley T, et al. Implementation of an international standardized set of outcome indicators in pregnancy and childbirth in Kenya: utilizing mobile technology to collect patient-reported outcomes. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(10): e0222978.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2: validity of a two-item depression screener. Med Care. 2003;41(11):1284–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Alp Yilmaz F, Avci D, Arzu Aba Y, Ozdilek R, Dutucu N. Sexual Dysfunction in postpartum Turkish women: it’s relationship with depression and some risk factors. Afr J Reprod Health. 2018;22(4):54–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Yılmaz CA, Eryılmaz HY. Validity – reliability study of the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF). Androl J. 2004;18:275–6.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. Detection of postnatal depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Br J Psychiatry. 1987;150:782–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Badreddine J, Pope R, Sheyn D. Impact of urinary incontinence on postpartum sexual function. Urogynecology (Phila). 2022;28(11):753–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Jawed-Wessel S, Schick V, Herbenick D. The Sexual Function Questionnaire’s Medical Impact Scale (SFQ-MIS): validation among a sample of first-time mothers. J Sex Med. 2013;10(11):2715–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Clayton AH, Goldfischer ER, Goldstein I, Derogatis L, Lewis-D’Agostino DJ, Pyke R. Validation of the decreased sexual desire screener (DSDS): a brief diagnostic instrument for generalized acquired female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). J Sex Med. 2009;6(3):730–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(10):1092–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Cardaillac C, Planche L, Dorion A, Ploteau S, Thubert T, Lefizelier E, et al. Ropivacaine perineal infiltration for postpartum pain management in episiotomy repair: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. BJOG [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17266.

  24. Rosen R, Brown C, Heiman J, Leiblum S, Meston C, Shabsigh R, et al. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): a multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26(2):191–208.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Ware JE, Sherbourne CD. The MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Med Care. 1992;30(6):473–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Chang SR, Lin WA, Lin HH, Shyu MK, Lin MI. Sexual dysfunction predicts depressive symptoms during the first 2 years postpartum. Women Birth. 2018;31(6):e403–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Radloff LS. The CES-D scale: a self report depression scale for research in the general population. Appl Psychol Meas. 1977;1:385–401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Dağli E, Kul Uçtu A, Özerdoğan N. Sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period: its relationship with postpartum depression and certain other factors. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2021;57(2):604–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. •• Dawson SJ, Leonhardt ND, Impett EA, Rosen NO. Associations between postpartum depressive symptoms and couples’ sexual function and sexual distress trajectories across the transition to parenthood. Ann Behav Med. 2021;55(9):879–91. This prospective study is novel in assessing both mothers’ and fathers’ sexual function in the postpartum period to assess change over time, and in including the assessment of sexual distress.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Derogatis LR, Rosen R, Leiblum S, Burnett A, Heiman J. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS): initial validation of a standardized scale for assessment of sexually related personal distress in women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2002;28(4):317–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Rosen RC, Riley A, Wagner G, Osterloh IH, Kirkpatrick J, Mishra A. The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. Urology. 1997;49(6):822–30.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Dawson SJ, Strickland NJ, Rosen NO. Longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and postpartum sexual concerns among first-time parent couples. J Sex Res. 2022;59(2):150–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Pastore L, Owens A, Raymond C. Postpartum sexuality concerns among first-time parents from one U.S. academic hospital. J Sex Med. 2007;4(1):115–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Dawson SJ, Vaillancourt-Morel MP, Pierce M, Rosen NO. Biopsychosocial predictors of trajectories of postpartum sexual function in first-time mothers. Health Psychol. 2020;39(8):700–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Du J, Ye J, Fei H, Li M, He J, Liu L, et al. Effect of epidural analgesia on pelvic floor dysfunction at 6 months postpartum in primiparous women: a prospective cohort study. Sex Med. 2021;9(5): 100417.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Barber MD, Walters MD, Bump RC. Short forms of two condition-specific quality-of-life questionnaires for women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7). Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005;193(1):103–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Zung WW. A self-rating depression scale. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1965;12:63–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Faisal-Cury A, Matijasevich A. The relationship between decline of the sexual life and postpartum depression among women with antenatal depression. Sex Relatsh Ther. 2021;36:285–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Faisal-Cury A, Tabb K, Matijasevich A. Partner relationship quality predicts later postpartum depression independently of the chronicity of depressive symptoms. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;43(1):12–21.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Galbally M, Watson SJ, Permezel M, Lewis AJ. Depression across pregnancy and the postpartum, antidepressant use and the association with female sexual function. Psychol Med. 2019;49(9):1490–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. First MB, Gibbon M. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (SCID-II). In: Hilsenroth MJ, Segal DL, editors. Comprehensive handbook of psychological assessment, Vol 2 Personality assessment. Hoboken: Wiley; 2004. p. 134–43.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Gokyildiz Surucu S, Avcibay Vurgec B, Kaya Senol D, Gozuyesil E, Bilgic D, Onat Koroglu C, et al. Evaluation of women’s sexual quality of life, depression, and sexual functions in the pregnancy and postpartum periods: a multi-centered study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2022;48:1279–389.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Symonds T, Boolell M, Quirk F. Development of a questionnaire on sexual quality of life in women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2005;31(5):385–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Gustavino C, Sala P, Cusini N, Gravina B, Ronzini C, Marcolin D, et al. Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal application in the postpartum period: a prospective randomised clinical trial. Ann Med. 2021;53(1):1589–97.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Karimi F, Babazadeh R, Asgharipour N, Esmaily H, Latifnejad RR. The effectiveness of counseling using PLISSIT model on depression, anxiety and stress, among postpartum women with sexual dysfunction: a randomized trial. J Midwifery Reprod Health. 2019;7:1922–30.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Osman A, Wong JL, Bagge CL, Freedenthal S, Gutierrez PM, Lozano G. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21): further examination of dimensions, scale reliability, and correlates. J Clin Psychol. 2012;68(12):1322–38.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Liu D, Hu WL. SLK triple therapy improves maternal and fetal status and promotes postpartum pelvic floor function in chinese primiparous women. Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:8913–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Ghana S, Hakimi S, Mirghafourvand M, Abbasalizadeh F, Behnampour N. Randomized controlled trial of abdominal binders for postoperative pain, distress, and blood loss after cesarean delivery. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2017;137(3):271–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Liu Y, Zhu Y, Jiang L, Lu C, Xiao L, Wang T, et al. Efficacy of electro-acupuncture in postpartum with diastasis recti abdominis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Front Public Health. 2022;10:1003361.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Lorentz MS, Chagas LB, Perez AV, da Silva Cassol PA, Vettorazzi J, Lubianca JN. Correlation between depressive symptoms and sexual dysfunction in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2021;258:162–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Martin FZ, Madley-Dowd P, Ahlqvist VH, Jónsson-Bachmann E, Fraser A, Forbes H. Mode of delivery and maternal sexual wellbeing: a longitudinal study. BJOG. 2022;129(12):2010–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Martínez-Galiano JM, Hernández-Martínez A, Rodríguez-Almagro J, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Rubio-Alvarez A, Gómez-Salgado J. Women’s quality of life at 6 weeks postpartum: influence of the discomfort present in the puerperium. Int J Environ Res Public Health [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2023 Jun 26];16(2):253. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16020253.

  54. Martini J, Asselmann E, Weidner K, Knappe S, Rosendahl J, Garthus-Niegel S. Prospective associations of lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder and birth-related traumatization with maternal and infant outcomes. Front Psychiatry. 2022;13: 842410.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Labbate LA, Lare SB. Sexual dysfunction in male psychiatric outpatients: validity of the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. Psychother Psychosom. 2001;70(4):221–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Kessler RC, Calabrese JR, Farley PA, Gruber MJ, Jewell MA, Katon W, et al. Composite International Diagnostic Interview screening scales for DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders. Psychol Med. 2013;43(8):1625–37.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Matthies LM, Wallwiener M, Sohn C, Reck C, Müller M, Wallwiener S. The influence of partnership quality and breastfeeding on postpartum female sexual function. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019;299(1):69–77.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Mesbahi A, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Ghorbani Z, Mirghafourvand M. The effect of intra-vaginal oxytocin on sexual function in breastfeeding mothers: a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth [Internet]. 2022;22(1):62. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-04384-w.

  59. Meston C, Trapnell P. Development and validation of a five-factor sexual satisfaction and distress scale for women: the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W). J Sex Med. 2005;2(1):66–81.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  60. Mirzaei N, Jahanian Sadatmahalleh S, Bahri Khomami M, Moini A, Kazemnejad A. Sexual function, mental health, and quality of life under strain of COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian pregnant and lactating women: a comparative cross-sectional study. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2021;19(1):66.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Ware J, Kosinski M, Keller SD. A 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey: construction of scales and preliminary tests of reliability and validity. Med Care. 1996;34(3):220–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Zigmond AS, Snaith RP. The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1983;67(6):361–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Prado DS, Mendes RB, Gurgel RQ, Barreto IDC, Cipolotti R. The influence of mode of delivery on neonatal and maternal short and long-term outcomes. Rev Saude Publica. 2018;52:95.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  64. Rosen NO, Dawson SJ, Binik YM, Pierce M, Brooks M, Pukall C, et al. Trajectories of dyspareunia from pregnancy to 24 months postpartum. Obstet Gynecol. 2022;139(3):391–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Rosen NO, Bergeron S, Pukall CF. Recommendations for the study of vulvar pain in women, part 1: review of assessment tools. J Sex Med. 2020;17(2):180–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Sullivan MJL, Bishop SR, Pivik J. The pain catastrophizing scale: development and validation. Psychol Assess. 1995;7:524–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. •• Rossi MA, Vermeir E, Brooks M, Pierce M, Pukall CF, Rosen NO. Comparing self-reported pain during intercourse and pain during a standardized gynecological exam at 12- and 24-month postpartum. J Sex Med. 2022;19(1):116–31. This longitudinal study highlighted the contributing role of both sexual distress and pain catastrophizing in pain during intercourse two years postpartum. It also demonstrated a relationship between relationship satisfaction and vestibular pain during cotton swab test. This highlights the role of both cognitive and relationship factors in postpartum sexual function.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Bergeron S, Binik YM, Khalifé S, Pagidas K, Glazer HI. Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: reliability of diagnosis and evaluation of current diagnostic criteria. Obstet Gynecol. 2001;98(1):45–51.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Swenson CW, DePorre JA, Haefner JK, Berger MB, Fenner DE. Postpartum depression screening and pelvic floor symptoms among women referred to a specialty postpartum perineal clinic. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218(3):335.e1-.e6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Melzack R. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Pain. 1987;30(2):191–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Melzack R. The McGill Pain Questionnaire: major properties and scoring methods. Pain. 1975;1(3):277–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Szöllősi K, Komka K, Szabó L. Risk factors for sexual dysfunction during the first year postpartum: a prospective study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;157(2):303–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Hendrick SS. A generic measure of relationship satisfaction. J Marriage Fam. 1988;50:93–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Tavares CSS, Gomes Dos Santos Oliveira SJ, de Gois-Santos VT, Vaez AC, de Menezes MO, Santos HP, et al. Quality of life, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sexual function in mothers of neonates with congenital syphilis in the Northeast Brazil: a cohort study. Lancet Reg Health Am. 2022;7:100127.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Development of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. The WHOQOL Group. Psychol Med. 1998;28(3):551–8.

  76. Beck AT, Steer RA, Ball R, Ranieri WF. Comparison of Beck depression inventories-IA and -II in psychiatric outpatients. J Pers Assess. 1996;67:588–97.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Spielberger CD, Gorsuch RL, Lushene R, Vagg PR, Jacobs GA. Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Palo Alto: Consulting Psychologists Press; 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  78. •• Tavares IM, Rosen NO, Heiman JR, Nobre PJ. Biopsychosocial predictors of couples’ trajectories of sexual function and sexual distress across the transition to parenthood. Arch Sex Behav. 2023;52(4):1493–511. This study identified classes of both sexual function and sexual distress within couples, and assessed trajectories over time. This study highlights the importance of identifying possible subgroups of women and couples at higher risk for sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Triviño-Juárez JM, Romero-Ayuso D, Nieto-Pereda B, Forjaz MJ, Oliver-Barrecheguren C, Mellizo-Díaz S, et al. Resumption of intercourse, self-reported decline in sexual intercourse and dyspareunia in women by mode of birth: a prospective follow-up study. J Adv Nurs. 2018;74(3):637–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Vannier SA, Adare KE, Rosen NO. Is it me or you? First-time mothers’ attributions for postpartum sexual concerns are associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction in the transition to parenthood. J Soc Pers Relat. 2018;35:577–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Fincham FD, Bradbury TN. The assessment of marital quality: a re-evaluation. J Marriage Fam. 1987;49:797–809.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Funk JL, Rogge RD. Testing the ruler with item response theory: increasing precision of measurement for relationship satisfaction with the Couples Satisfaction Index. J Fam Psychol. 2007;21(4):572–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Schlagintweit HE, Bailey K, Rosen NO. A new baby in the bedroom: frequency and severity of postpartum sexual concerns and their associations with relationship satisfaction in new parent couples. J Sex Med. 2016;13(10):1455–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Derogatis L, Clayton A, Lewis-D’Agostino D, Wunderlich G, Fu Y. Validation of the female sexual distress scale-revised for assessing distress in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. J Sex Med. 2008;5(2):357–64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Taylor B, Davis S. Using the extended PLISSIT model to address sexual healthcare needs. Nurs Stand. 2006;21(11):35–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Yehuda R, Lehrner A, Rosenbaum TY. PTSD and sexual dysfunction in men and women. J Sex Med. 2015;12(5):1107–19.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Ayers S, Wright DB, Thornton A. Development of a measure of postpartum PTSD: the city birth trauma scale. Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:409.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Mailstop 5034, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Erika L. Kelley & Sheryl A. Kingsberg

  2. Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Erika L. Kelley & Sheryl A. Kingsberg

  3. Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Erika L. Kelley & Sheryl A. Kingsberg

  4. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Sheryl A. Kingsberg

Authors
  1. Erika L. Kelley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sheryl A. Kingsberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Erika L. Kelley.

Ethics declarations

Ethical Approval

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Conflict of Interest

Sheryl Kingsberg: Paid Consultant or Advisory Board Member-Alloy,Astellas, Bayer, Dare Bioscience, Freya, Reunion Neuroscience, Materna Medical, Madorra, Palatin Technologies, Pfizer, ReJoy, Sprout, Strategic Sciencies Technologies, Ms. Medicine. Erika Kelley: No competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kelley, E.L., Kingsberg, S.A. Postpartum Sexual Function and Depression: a Review of Recent Literature. Curr Sex Health Rep 15, 203–222 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-023-00372-z

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-023-00372-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation