Titre : | Exploring women’s experiences of sexuality and intimacy following obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI): a qualitative feminist perspective (2021) |
Auteurs : | Hannah Reid |
Type de document : | Article : texte imprimé |
Dans : | Midirs. Midwifery Digest (Vol. 31, n° 2, June 2021) |
Article en page(s) : | p. 235-240 |
Langues: | Anglais |
Sujets : |
Paramédical (MeSH) Accouchement ; Communication ; Déchirure périnéale ; Détresse psychologique ; Douleur ; Honte ; Intimité ; Périnée ; Période du postpartum ; Sexualité ; Traumatismes néonatals |
Résumé : |
Background: Trauma to the perineum is the most common obstetric complication, occurring in up to 85 per cent of cases of vaginal births, and can be a key risk factor leading to psychological distress and negative impact on a woman's sexual functioning. A difficulty expressing sexuality has the potential to damage an individual's sense of self and intimate
relationships with their partner and newborn child. Aim: To explore women's experiences of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) sustained during vaginal birth, the impact of such injuries on sexuality, the ability to be intimate with a partner and the resulting effect this may have on emotional wellbeing. Method: An extended literature review using a feminist phenomenological approach to qualitative data collection and analysis. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psyclnfo and Google Scholar databases were searched with selection criteria of any qualitative study evaluating OASI, sexuality and/or intimacy published between 2016 and 2020 in the English language. Results: Findings suggest OASI leads to feelings of shame, perceived change in body image, self-esteem and, in some cases, actual physical changes that can significantly impact on a woman's sexuality. Conclusion: OASI has the potential to cause extreme psychological distress and the literature available does not adequately address the psychological and emotional experiences of women. The opportunity to have honest conversations with care providers could be helpful in relieving women of feelings of shame; could encourage the eradication of the taboo on OASI and sexuality and has the potential to enhance the healing process. There is a need to offer women comprehensive information regarding personal risk to allow for informed choices to be made and to improve support networks available and the navigability of care pathways for women with OASI. |
Exemplaires (1)
Localisation | Section | Support | Cote de rangement | Statut | Disponibilité |
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Bibliothèque Paramédicale | Périodiques | Périodique | MID.DIG. 21-2 | Empruntable | Disponible |