Prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundDyspareunia is one of the most common postpartum sexual dysfunctions. ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia. Search strategyWeb of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to July 2019 using keywords including 'perineal pain,' 'dyspareunia,' and 'sexual pain'. Selection criteriaObservational studies on the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia were included. Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently reviewed articles and extracted data. Study heterogeneity was evaluated by I-2 index; publication bias by Egger and Begg tests. Main resultsTwenty-two studies enrolling 11 457 women were included. Based on meta-analysis, the overall estimated prevalence of dyspareunia was 35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29%-41%). The prevalence was 42% (95% CI, 26%-60%) at 2 months, 43% (95% CI, 36%-50%) at 2-6 months, and 22% (95% CI, 15%-29%) at 6-12 months postpartum. Begg test showed no significant bias in data related to the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia (p = 0.466). ConclusionThe prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia was 35% and decreased with increasing postpartum duration. Given the high prevalence and its impact on a woman's quality of life, special attention should be paid to this common complaint during the postpartum period. In a meta-analysis of 22 studies enrolling 11 457 women of reproductive age, the overall estimated prevalence of dyspareunia was 35%.