The sex life women who give birth naturally may be better than those who opt for a caesarean birth, says a study that warns both prospective mothers and healthcare professionals to think again. This goes against the popular belief that surgical births result in lesser problems to mothers.

Some women believe that having a caesarean birth will help protect their sex life after they have their baby. But the researchers say women opting for caesarean delivery do not get additional benefits compared to a vaginal delivery.

The study, published in the journal Birth, has however found that in the long term there is no difference in the sexual health between the two groups. The researchers said they hoped the study would dispel myths about caesarean births and help give women the best information before they make a decision.