Tendency Toward Cesarean on Maternal Request in Fear of Sexual Dysfunction

Background & Objective: To determine the factors affecting Iranian obstetricians and gynecologists’ (OB/GYNs’) decision about performing a cesarean section on maternal request. Materials & Methods: A four-part questionnaire was designed and distributed between 150 randomly selected OB/GYNs in Iran during a national conference. One hundred questionnaires were sent back by the participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25. The influential factors on OB/GYNs’ decision about the mode of delivery, as well as the correlations between their knowledge, attitude, practice, gender, and years of work experience, were assessed. Results: positive correlation was found between OB/GYNs’ knowledge and attitude about the benefits of cesarean section and performing a cesarean section on maternal request in public and private hospitals. We did not find any correlation between age, gender, and years of practice with the practice of cesarean section on demand. Approximately 52.8% of female participants and 38.5% of male participants recommend cesarean section to their immediate families, and 81% of participants accepted the pregnant mother’s request for cesarean section. The stress of the potential impact of vaginal delivery on the pelvic floor and sexual function is the leading reason behind this decision. Conclusion: Since the views and concerns of OB/GYNs have a significant role in guiding pregnant women to decide the mode of delivery, and the fear of future sexual dysfunction is an important issue affecting obstetricians’ perspective, it should be taken into consideration.