Self-Compassion Training for Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual function in the postpartum period, the gateway to newness and change, can be affected by problems such as caring for a new baby, breastfeeding, fatigue, anxiety about pain during sexual intercourse, postpartum depression, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary symptoms and body image. Changes in sexual function are common in the postpartum period. Pregnancy and childbirth is a period in a woman's life that causes hormonal and physical changes and has an impact on the parents' quality of life. Postpartum sexual function is an important issue for couples, as the first sexual intercourse after childbirth is an important step for couples to establish intimate relationships. Many factors affect postpartum sexual dysfunction, including number of births, breastfeeding, mode of delivery, episiotomy, physical and psychological dysfunction, including fatigue and postpartum depression. Without adequate information and counseling on sexual life by health professionals in the postpartum period, most women may remain silent about their sexual concerns and anxieties, preferring instead to share their problems with friends. More holistic and multidisciplinary approaches are needed to treat female sexual dysfunctions. The use of mindfulness-based therapies has recently become widespread in the treatment of women diagnosed with sexual dysfunction.Thanks to mindfulness practices, it has been observed that women perceive stimuli better and are able to notice clues that they did not notice before. The Compassion Focused Therapy program is one of these practices. It is known to integrate well with existing approaches to therapy and offers some useful ways of reducing sexual problems to provide a coherent rationale for treatment strategies.