Comparison of Sexual Function, Body Image Concern, and Sexual Self-esteem in Women After Natural Childbirth With Episiotomy and Cesarean Delivery

The purpose of this study was to compare sexual function, body image concern, and sexual self-esteem in women after natural delivery with episiotomy and cesarean delivery. 

This research was causal-comparative. The statistical population included all women referring to medical centers affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2021, of whom 200 participants (100 women with natural delivery and 100 women with cesarean delivery) were selected as a sample using the available sampling method. The female Sexual Function Index, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Sexual Self-Esteem Index were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed via independent t-test and multivariate analysis of variance.

The results showed a significant difference between sexual function and sexual self-esteem in women with a natural delivery and cesarean delivery (P=0.05). In addition, although both groups experienced body image concerns, no significant difference was found between the scores in the two groups (P=0.05). 

The evidence indicates that although women with natural delivery experience better sexual function than women with cesarean delivery, they may suffer from lower sexual self-esteem and appearance dissatisfaction compared to the other group.