New parents have a number of adjustments to make when their bundle of joy arrives, including sexual ones. But which sexual concerns are the most common? And how might they affect a couple’s relationship?
Researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada investigated those questions in a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine study.
The research team surveyed 239 new parent couples whose baby was between three and twelve months old. Each partner completed the survey separately.
Most parents had concerns about frequency of intercourse, sleep deprivation, and the effects of breastfeeding. Physical recovery from childbirth, changes in body image, mood swings, and childrearing duties were also on the parents’ minds. Fathers tended to be more concerned about mismatches in sexual desire.
The study authors explained that sexual concerns can take their toll on new parents’ relationships.
“Having a large number of postpartum sexual concerns and feeling distressed by them could contribute to feelings of being overloaded and isolated and could interfere with dyadic coping (i.e. working together as a couple) during this time,” they wrote.
They added that decreased intimacy could lead to lower relationship satisfaction.
If you’re a new parent, don’t hesitate to discuss any sexual concerns with your doctor. And while it may be easier said than done, try to take time out for just you and your partner. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if it’s just asking a relative for a night of babysitting. Keeping your relationship a priority can make you a stronger couple and foster intimacy.
Resources
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Schlagintweit, Hera E., BA, et al.
“A New Baby in the Bedroom: Frequency and Severity of Postpartum Sexual Concerns and Their Associations With Relationship Satisfaction in New Parent Couples”
(Full-text. Published online: August 31, 2016)
http://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(16)30371-X/fulltext
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
