Sexual function during the puerperium.

Of 328 women interviewed at a postnatal clinic, 166 (50.6%) had resumed sexual intercourse, the average interval after delivery being 5 weeks postpartum. Of the various social and clinical factors examined, resumption of coitus was related only to marital status, vaginal laceration, and continuing vaginal bleeding. Of the sexually active group, 89% were practicing effective contraception.