Sexual medicine
Low sexual desire in postpartum women: associations with psychosocial factors and sexual function
By Costa LFM, de Santana HCB, de Sousa Machado Júnior A and 4 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent during the postpartum period but remains underdiagnosed and insufficiently addressed in clinical practice. Reduced sexual desire is one of the most frequently reported sexual complaints during the postpartum period and is commonly associated with impaired female sexual function. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low sexual desire (LSD) and identify associated factors in postpartum women receiving care in a public healthcare setting.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Brazil between February and December 2025. Data were collected through structured interviews using validated instruments, including the Female Sexual Function Index, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Visual Analog Scale for pain. The primary outcome was the prevalence of LSD and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial, sexual function, and self-esteem variables. Statistical analyses included parametric and non-parametric tests, post hoc power analysis, and Holm-Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons.