Observational studyArchives of gynecology and obstetrics2024
The effect of breastfeeding on postpartum sexual function: an observational cohort study.
Observational study in Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Sexual function in breastfeeding women: a systematic review.BMC women's health · 2026Pooled it
- Being a Partner or a Mother: Breastfeeding Mothers' Perceptions and Experiences of Breast Milk and Sexuality in the Postpartum Period.Archives of sexual behavior · 2026Article
- An Epidemiologic Review of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals and Understudied Gynecologic Health Conditions Affecting Quality of Life.Current environmental health reports · 2026Review
- Determinants of Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction in the First Year: A Systematic Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Sexual Dysfunctions in Breastfeeding Females: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Sexual dysfunction during the late postpartum period: prevalence and associated factors.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposePostpartum women commonly experience sexual dysfunction; however, little is known regarding the effect of breastfeeding on sexual function and postpartum women's interest in treatment. We aimed to evaluate sexual function and genitourinary symptoms based on infant-feeding status and assess desire for treatment.
methodsCross-sectional observational study of women 5-6 months postpartum following singleton delivery was performed. Participants were grouped based on self-reported infant-feeding status: (1) primarily breastfeeding (BF) and (2) primarily formula feeding (FF). Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Day-to-day Impact on Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaires and interest in treatment were compared.
resultsIn total, 125 women were included with 61 (49%) breastfeeding and 64 (51%) formula feeding. Compared to FF women, BF women were less likely to identify as African American (47% vs 79%; SD 0.8) or have Medicaid (28% vs 66%; SD 0.9). No other large differences were noted. BF women had significantly lower FSFI score indicating poorer sexual function (20.8 (IQR 10, 24) BF vs 24.5 (IQR 19.5, 27.8) FF, p = 0.009). Both cohorts reported low bother from vaginal symptoms and low interest in treatment of symptoms with BF cohort reporting higher interest in use of vaginal lubricants (69% BF vs 30% FF, SD 0.8). Factors associated with lower FSFI score were BF, perineal laceration, use of progesterone long-acting reversible contraception, and single relationship status.
conclusionBoth breastfeeding and formula feeding women experienced high rates of sexual dysfunction but low bother from vaginal symptoms and low interest in treatment. Further research is needed to explore these findings and assess postpartum sexual health.
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Registered trials
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