Enhancing sexual function and sexual satisfaction in breastfeeding women: A randomized controlled trial of BETTER model-based sexual counseling.

Abstract

Women's sexual function and satisfaction can be impacted by various natural life events, such as childbirth and breastfeeding. The impact of BETTER model-based sexual counseling on sexual function and satisfaction among primiparous breastfeeding women with sexual dysfunction was assessed in a randomized controlled trial conducted in Hamadan, Iran, in 2024. Eighty eligible women were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups, and data were collected using a demographic and midwifery questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline and four weeks post-intervention. The intervention group received four weekly group counseling sessions based on the BETTER model, while the control group did not. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19 with a 95 percent confidence level. Post-intervention, the intervention group exhibited significantly higher mean scores for sexual function (28.67 ± 2.70 vs. 21.67 ± 3.45; p = .001) and sexual satisfaction (100.24 ± 4.85 vs. 93.81 ± 11.53; p = .003) compared to the control group. Within the intervention group, significant improvements were observed post-intervention in all sexual function domains and sexual satisfaction compared to baseline (p < .05). Findings indicate that BETTER model-based sexual counseling is beneficial and applicable for improving sexual function and sexual satisfaction in primiparous mothers.