(841) Sexuality From a Gender Perspective: Interdisciplinary Approach to Female Sexual Satisfaction After Childbirth in Chile

Introduction Sexuality from a Gender Perspective: Interdisciplinary Approach to Female Sexual satisfation After Childbirth in Chile Introduction The transition to motherhood encompasses multiple physical, psychological, and social changes that can significantly impact women's sexuality. Factors influencing this process include the method of delivery, breastfeeding, multiple fears. According to the literature, sexual activity typically resumes between 6 and 8 weeks postpartum, although complete recovery may extend up to six months. During this period, it is commonly observed that there is a decrease in sexual desire, orgasm, and overall satisfaction, coupled with an increase in dyspareunia(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2021.100668). This warrants investigation into the specific factors that mediate the resumption and quality of sexual function. his warrants investigation into the specific factors that mediate the resumption and quality of sexual function. Objective The aim of this observational study is to examine the sexual health, mental well-being, and overall health of Chilean residents women in the postpartum period, focusing particularly on sexual function. Specifically, the study sought to explore the relationship between the mode of delivery (cesarean section (CS) versus vaginal delivery (VD) and various dimensions of sexual function, including pleasure, desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual frequency. Methods The investigation utilized a retrospective and observational design. Data were collected via a self-administered online survey disseminated in Chile between August and December 2023. A total of 3,753 women who had given birth within the preceding 24 months participated in the study. The survey included questions pertaining to sexual function, pelvic floor health, mental well-being, and breastfeeding. The two primary validated instruments employed were the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14) and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Statistical significance was established at p<0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. Results Demographic analysis indicated that the average age of participants was 30.6 years. Most participants (94.7%) were in a committed relationship, and 70.5% had completed higher education. A majority (57.8%) of the cohort reported having had a CS Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in sexual activity based on the type of delivery. Women who had a CS reported less sexual activity, with 61% indicating no sexual activity postpartum, compared to only 34% of participants with a VD (p=0.003). Furthermore, women with a VD reported higher levels of pleasure and satisfaction Conversely, those who underwent a CS showed greater dissatisfaction in terms of arousal and the frequency of orgasm. Conclusions The study concludes that the mode of delivery has a significant impact on postpartum sexual function. CS deliveries were associated with lower sexual activity, decreased pleasure, and greater dissatisfaction concerning arousal and orgasm compared to VD. These findings underscore the critical need for specific clinical support targeting the sexual health of women who undergo a cesarean section especially in relation to the challenges they face in their sexual well-being. Public health policies and strategies must incorporate education and counseling in sexual health to better support women’s postpartum sexual and mental well-being. Disclosure No