A survey of around 2000 German women up to 24 months postpartum finds that 66% say they are frustrated with their sex life, whereas only 2%-6% say they are "very much" satisfied with their sex life.

The authors observed that "The pelvic floor is exposed to differing stresses and trauma depending on the mode of birth. At the same time, the pelvic floor plays a crucial role in female sexual functioning."

The authors concluded that "Awareness and information about postpartum pelvic floor disorder and their influence on sexuality should be addressed early on by midwives and obstetricians...[but] there is a lack of evidence-based interventions capable of improving sexual functioning."

The corresponding author is Nadine Scholten of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. The study appeared in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.

Limitations included an observational and cross-sectional design and a lack of generalisability of results.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. No funding sources were disclosed.