Trauma périnéal à l'accouchement, intimité, ajustement dyadique et fonction sexuelle de nouveaux couples parentaux.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on perineal trauma during childbirth and its relationship to postnatal marital and sexual issues as expressed by the sexual function and perceived intimacy of new parent couples in Ontario. METHODS: As part of a retrospective study on perinatal intimate and sexual experiences, 67 Canadian French-speaking couples from Ontario (heterosexual couples with their first child between 6 and 12 months of age) were recruited. They filled out online questionnaires that included questions about the severity of the perineal trauma and validated questionnaires that evaluated perceived sexual intimacy, dyadic adjustment, and sexual function. RESULTS: Mediation analyses based on the actor-partner interdependence model were conducted and revealed that the severity of perineal trauma is linked to the perception of decreased intimacy and to weaker sexual function for the woman. Furthermore, the perception of decreased intimacy and the weak sexual function of the man and the woman are related to a weaker dyadic adjustment for the partners. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the importance of supporting women who have experienced perineal trauma due to childbirth, as well as their partners.