# The lived experiences and explanation of women’s postpartum sexual and reproductive health: a qualitative study

## TL;DR

This study explores how Iranian women experience and understand their sexual and reproductive health after childbirth, revealing gaps in care and knowledge.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into postpartum SRH through a qualitative analysis of women's lived experiences in Iran.

## Key findings

- Postpartum SRH is neglected due to emotional, familial, and systemic issues.
- Women and service providers lack knowledge about postpartum SRH needs.
- A defective health system and psychological conflicts contribute to poor SRH outcomes.

## Abstract

Despite the significance of the postpartum period, women’s postpartum sexual and reproductive health (SRH) has been neglected. This study examines women’s perceptions and experiences of SRH in the postpartum period.

This qualitative study utilized conventional content analysis. The research was conducted in health centers in Ilam city, Iran. Purposive sampling was used to interview 17 mothers (service recipients) and six midwives (service providers) from November 5, 2022, to March 16, 2023. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman approach.

The analysis of the interviews led to the emergence of four categories: marital dissatisfaction, lack of spousal and family support, psychological conflicts, and a defective health system, with 14 subcategories.

The study results indicate that women’s postpartum SRH has been neglected due to a complex interplay of emotional, familial, and systemic factors. Women often lack a comprehensive and correct perception of their SRH needs in this period. Our findings necessitate a shift toward holistic care, including mandatory spousal education and improved psychological screening.

The postpartum period is associated with fundamental physical and mental changes in the mother. Many mothers and even service providers do not have enough knowledge and information about the rights and needs of sexual and reproductive health of mothers in the postpartum period. The present qualitative study examines the concept of reproductive and sexual health in the postpartum period among Iranian women.

This study shows the low quality and quantity of sexual and reproductive health care during the postpartum period and calls for improving the quality and quantity of these cares.