The Importance of Postpartum Period Sexual Counseling and Sexual Counseling Models in Nursing

The aim of this review is to explain the importance of postpartum period sexual counseling and sexual counseling models in nursing. It is well known that sexual health issues are common in women. The postpartum period is one of the special periods when there are problems related to sexuality and the need for counseling related to sexual health increases. It has been noted that the content about the problems that may arise in the postpartum period regarding sexuality is lacking in the discharge training process. The nurse, in particular, has key roles and responsibilities in the development of sexual health and early detection of sexual health problems during the postpartum period. Training and counseling for the development of sexual health is a field that requires special knowledge and skills, and studies have shown that sexual health training offered in the postpartum period using proven successful models has positive effects on sexual health. Because behavioral change is the goal at the end of the counseling process, it has been observed that offering concise, practical information and accompanying training with brochure-like materials have an important contribution to sexual health. In addition, it is considered necessary to add the sexual health course to the curriculum in all nursing educational institutions that provide undergraduate education and to enrich the existing section of sexual health courses related to sexual counseling.