SynthesisBMC women's health2026
Sexual function in breastfeeding women: a systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC women's health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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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
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- 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
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionSexual function during breastfeeding is a clinically significant but under-researched aspect of postpartum health. Hormonal, physical, psychological, and social changes may influence women’s sexual function, affecting marital satisfaction and quality of life. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on sexual function in breastfeeding women and the factors contributing to its variations.
methodsA comprehensive search was conducted in Persian (SID, MAGIRAN) and international databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) for studies published between 2010 and 9 August 2025. Quantitative and qualitative studies reporting on sexual function, psychological, emotional, and physical effects, and quality of life in breastfeeding women were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the NICE checklist, which was selected due to its comprehensiveness and applicability to both quantitative and qualitative studies, while other common tools such as JBI and Cochrane Risk of Bias exist. Following screening, 22 studies were included. Narrative synthesis was used to address heterogeneity in study designs, outcomes, and populations.
resultsFindings indicate that breastfeeding is associated with changes in sexual function, including decreased libido, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and reduced sexual satisfaction, with prevalence estimates ranging from 60% to 80% across studies. Hormonal factors, particularly increased prolactin and decreased estrogen, contributed significantly during the early postpartum months. Psychological factors such as stress, postpartum depression, and body image concerns also affected sexual function. Social and relational factors, including partner support and cultural expectations, moderated these effects. Notably, some women reported positive experiences, such as increased emotional intimacy and improved relationship satisfaction, particularly when adequate social and psychological support was available.
conclusionSexual function during breastfeeding results from a complex interplay of hormonal, psychological, social, and relational factors. Although many women face challenges, supportive environments and educational or counseling interventions can mitigate negative effects and enhance marital satisfaction. These findings highlight the need to integrate sexual health counseling into postpartum care programs, emphasizing both physiological and psychosocial dimensions to optimize women’s overall postpartum well-being. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: (PROSPERO: CRD42025637151)
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