OS IMPACTOS DA VIOLÊNCIA OBSTÉTRICA NA FUNÇÃO SEXUAL FEMININA: uma revisão integrativa.
OS IMPACTOS DA VIOLÊNCIA OBSTÉTRICA NA FUNÇÃO SEXUAL FEMININA: uma revisão integrativa.
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.820811025061110
-
Palavras-chave: Gestação; Saúde Sexual; Abuso.
-
Keywords: Pregnancy; Sexual Health; Abuse.
-
Abstract: Obstetric violence refers to abusive and disrespectful practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, constituting a violation of human rights and an important public health issue. Its effects go beyond the moment of childbirth, directly affecting women’s physical, emotional, and sexual health, and may trigger anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sexual dysfunctions such as pain, decreased desire, and impaired orgasmic response. Considering the relevance of this phenomenon and its repercussions on women’s quality of life, this study aimed to analyze the impacts of obstetric violence on female sexual function. This is an integrative literature review carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and gray literature databases, using controlled descriptors and Boolean operators, with studies selected according to previously defined inclusion criteria, prioritizing publications between 2020 and 2025. After the screening process, eight articles composed the final sample. The results showed a predominance of obstetric violence practices related to invasive procedures performed without clinical indication or consent—especially episiotomy—restriction of movement, prohibition of a companion, and verbal and psychological abuse. A strong association was found between perineal trauma and female sexual dysfunctions in the postpartum period, with emphasis on persistent perineal pain, dyspareunia, orgasmic difficulties, decreased sexual desire, and reduced conjugal satisfaction, in addition to complications such as urinary incontinence and scarring alterations. Emotional repercussions emerged as an aggravating factor for these dysfunctions, interfering with the maternal–infant bond, self-esteem, and body image. The lack of adequate information during prenatal care and the absence of informed consent in obstetric assistance were identified as important gaps in care, reinforcing the need to transform the current model of obstetric care in Brazil. It is concluded that obstetric violence negatively affects female sexual function in a multidimensional way, highlighting the urgency of implementing humanized and evidence-based practices, strengthening multidisciplinary action, and promoting women’s autonomy during childbirth to prevent physical, psychological, and sexual harm. It is essential that public policies, professional training, and healthcare practices be reviewed and improved to ensure respectful, high-quality, and safe care throughout the childbirth process.
- CAMILA FERNANDES DA COSTA
- Greice Lanna Sampaio do Nascimento
- Giovanna Leticia Lopes Cordeiro
- Letícia Silva Rodrigues
- Samuel Soares Santana
- Eduardo da Silva Coelho
- Lidyanne Cardoso Passos
- Ester Batista da Costa Menezes