Alexithymia and sexual function in lactating mothers-Gorgan-Iran-۲۰۲۳-۲۰۲۴

Purpose: Sexual function is a key aspect of human life, influenced by bio-psychological factors. Postpartum and breastfeeding periods bring physical and hormonal changes that affect sexual health. In addition to arousing excitement, sex is also affected by the emotional reactions of couples in their relationships, so how these emotional reactions occur needs to be studied. Alexithymia is one such factor. This study examined the relationship between alexithymia and sexual function in breastfeeding women in North of Iran-Gorgan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on ۲۳۳ breastfeeding mothers (۴-۶ months postpartum). Participants were selected via simple random sampling from the health system database. Data collection Tools included demographic forms, Alexithymia Scale, ۶-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-۶), and the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Descriptive statistics and regression models (SPSS v۱۶, p<۰.۰۵) were used for analysis.Results: The mean alexithymia score was below the cutoff (۵۳.۱۵ ± ۱۰.۶۸), with the highest scores in externally oriented thinking (۵۴.۹۵ ± ۸.۶۶) and the lowest in difficulty describing feelings (۵۱.۵۴ ± ۱۵.۱۲). Mean sexual function score exceeded the cutoff (۱۸.۵), yet about one-third (۲۹.۲%) had sexual dysfunction. A weak inverse correlation existed between alexithymia and sexual function, with alexithymic women ۲.۲۱ times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Homemakers’ women and those with planned pregnancies showed better sexual function.Conclusions: While the mean sexual function was adequate, alexithymia doubled the odds of sexual dysfunction. Mental health screening and targeted interventions in postpartum care are crucial to improve sexual well-being in breastfeeding women.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alexithymia ، Sexual Function ، Breastfeeding