Archer C Ruth, Castledine Meaghan, Hosken David J
Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
Science and Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF), University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
Evol Med Public Health. 2024 Oct 21;12(1):242-247. doi: 10.1093/emph/eoae027. eCollection 2024.
Many postpartum women experience sexual dysfunction, characterised by reduced sexual motivation and libido, and pain during intercourse. Menstruation is also suppressed in breastfeeding women (lactational amenorrhoea). Lactational amenorrhoea has been discussed in an evolutionary context due to its positive impacts on birth spacing. In contrast, postpartum sexual dysfunction has not been viewed through an evolutionary lens. Might postpartum sexual dysfunction also be under selection? We discuss possible evolutionary explanations for postpartum sexual dysfunction. In particular, we suggest that sexual conflict, a widespread phenomenon that occurs when the evolutionary interests of males and females diverge, may be a cause of disrupted postpartum sex. This sexual conflict-based explanation generates predictions relevant to the health and well-being of new mothers that warrant testing.
许多产后女性会出现性功能障碍,其特征为性动机和性欲降低以及性交疼痛。哺乳期女性的月经也会受到抑制(哺乳期闭经)。由于哺乳期闭经对生育间隔有积极影响,因此在进化背景下对其进行了讨论。相比之下,产后性功能障碍尚未从进化的角度进行审视。产后性功能障碍是否也受到选择呢?我们讨论了产后性功能障碍可能的进化解释。特别是,我们认为性冲突,即当男性和女性的进化利益出现分歧时发生的一种普遍现象,可能是产后性行为紊乱的一个原因。这种基于性冲突的解释产生了与新妈妈的健康和幸福相关的预测,值得进行检验。