The Obstetric Violence and Its Influence on Women’s Sexuality: A Cross-Sectional Study

Violence Against Women. 2026 Apr 6:10778012261438118. doi: 10.1177/10778012261438118. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sexuality in the postpartum period may be affected by biological, psychological, and social factors, as well as by the childbirth experience itself. This study aimed to explore the process of childbirth, obstetric violence and its influence on women’s sexuality. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Spain in 2024. Anticipatory anxiety was the most affected aspect of sexual function in relation to different labor and postpartum variables. The data showed a high prevalence of physical and verbal violence and showed how these experiences are associated with an increase in women’s anticipatory anxiety, especially in the presence of verbal violence.

PMID:41940863 | DOI:10.1177/10778012261438118