New parents may experience a variety of mental health issues during the postpartum period. Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD), depression, and general well-being can contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Depression, anxiety, and other CB-PTSD symptoms negatively impact sexual function in both parents. Previous studies have shown that traumatic births can lessen senses of safety, trust in others, and feelings of connection.

Birthing partners’ neurobiology may link sexual activity to a perceived danger or threat. This stems from pain and trauma, or a fear of becoming pregnant again. In this case, sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction may be affected.

Non-birthing partners may also be affected by traumatic birth experiences. They may feel guilty or more empathetic toward their partner. They may also struggle with mental health, impacting sexual function.

A recent study looked at the effects of CB-PTSD symptoms on parents' sexual function and well-being at 8-week and 6-month check-ins. The data used were part of a larger study and gathered in Germany.

When the birthing partner had more symptoms at 8 weeks, they likely had lower sexual function at 6 months. This may be the result of neurobiological responses associated with CB-PTSD. This could also be fear of having another traumatic experience, flashbacks associated with the birth, or arousal linked to danger.

When the non-birthing partner had more symptoms at 6 months, they were more likely to have lower sexual satisfaction. Researchers say this is because men are less likely to ask for help with their mental health (most of the non-birthing partners were men). So, depressive symptoms may have had a stronger influence on sexual satisfaction.

Surprisingly, no partner correlation was found. Meaning, one partner’s symptoms did not affect the other’s sexual function or satisfaction directly. Indirectly, however, researchers say this may be the result of partners adapting to the other’s symptoms. In turn, this could shield their own sexual satisfaction from negative effects.

Key Takeaways

• Many new parents (birthing and non-birthing) struggle mentally during the postpartum period.
  • Parents who have experienced a traumatic birth may struggle with postpartum mental health.
• The effects of postpartum mental health struggles may also negatively affect sexual function and well-being.
• A partner’s own mental health struggles do not typically impact the other partner’s sexual well-being.
  • This may have to do with adaptation to the new normal with their partner.
• The birthing partner may experience sexual dysfunction as a result of CB-PTSD symptoms.
  • Reasons provided are related to neurobiological interactions and negative memories associated with the traumatic experience.
• Non-birthing partners may not be as sexually satisfied as a result of CB-PTSD symptoms.
  • In the case that the non-birthing partners were men, this could be due to a lack of reporting or seeking help with mental health issues.
• These results may not be generalizable outside of Germany.
• If a traumatic birth is impacting your sexual health and well-being, it may be beneficial to speak with a sexual health therapist.

Resources

• Seefeld, L., Rosen, N. O., Vollert, B., Hansen, I., Göbel, A., & Garthus-Niegel, S. (2026). Prospective associations between couples’ childbirth-related posttraumatic stress and their postpartum sexual well-being. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 23(7). https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdag183