Differences in the Sexual Function and Sexual Healthcare Needs of Pregnant Women Who Underwent in Vitro Fertilization and Women Who Conceived Naturally at Each Trimester: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction Infertility may negatively impact sexual function. Women with fertility problems usually prioritize treatment for infertility, but their sexual function in each trimester of pregnancy is poorly researched. Aim To compare the sexual function and sexual healthcare needs of women who underwent successful in vitro fertilization (IVF group) and women who conceived naturally (CN group) during each trimester. Methods Longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted from August 2016 to July 2018. The IVF group ( n = 100) was recruited from a leading reproductive treatment center; the CN group ( n = 100), at the prenatal clinic of a medical center in central Taiwan. Questionnaires were mailed to women in the 10th–11th gestational week; 70 women in the IVF group and 75 in the CN group completed all 3 questionnaires, during the 10th–11th, 20th–21st, and 30th–31st gestational weeks. Main Outcome Measures Female Sexual Function Index and Nursing Intervention on Sexual Healthcare needs were compared between groups in each trimester. Results Most participants reported sexual dysfunction concerns during pregnancy. In the first trimester, the Female Sexual Function Index score was significantly lower in the IVF group than in the CN group (18.13 ± 6.27 vs 20.34 ± 5.87, respectively; P < .05). Sexual healthcare needs at the permission level were significantly lower in the IVF group than in the CN group (10.78 ± 2.41 vs 11.79 ± 2.67, respectively; P < .05). Conclusion The IVF group had lower sexual function in the first trimester than the CN group. Sexual function improved in the second trimester in the IVF group but decreased throughout pregnancy in the CN group. The CN group had a greater need for sexual healthcare nursing intervention at the permission level than the IVF group. Huang C-Y, Liou C-F, Lu Y-C, et al. Differences in the Sexual Function and Sexual Healthcare Needs of Pregnant Women Who Underwent In Vitro Fertilization and Women Who Conceived Naturally at Each Trimester: A Prospective Cohort Study. Sex Med 2020;8:709–717.

The effect of design thinking approach in interprofessional education programme of human sexuality course: A quasi‐experimental design

“…Faced with the impact of sexual health caused by the disease process, learning to adapt to the new sexual life pattern has become an important consideration in restoring the quality of life (Elliott et al, 2017). Most patients are more likely to discuss their sexual health needs with their healthcare professionals; nevertheless, it is still a certain difficult task in clinical practice in today (Huang et al, 2020; Zéler & Troadec, 2020). To support students and obtain these comprehensive capabilities, medical education should expand beyond traditional single discipline‐based, teacher‐centred, lecture teaching, further emphasizing “learning by doing” and the need for teamwork and collaboration.…”

“…The perspectives involved in sexual health issues include physical and psychological perspectives (Rullo et al, 2018; Sung et al, 2016). Most patients are more likely to discuss their sexual health needs with their healthcare professionals; nevertheless, it is still a specific difficult task in clinical practice (Huang et al, 2020; Zéler & Troadec, 2020). More than 90% of health practitioners do not initiate discussions on sexual concerns with patients (Ho & Fernández, 2006).…”

Sexual Function and in Vitro Fertilization

“…In a study by Bayar et al 25 , the proportion of sexual dysfunction increased with participation in treatment procedures from 60% to 72% among women and from 34% to 48% among men compared with the proportion at the time of infertility diagnosis. Physical pain and discomfort 8,15,16 and psychological pressure related to the procedure itself and the outcome of treatment 8,26 are assessed as components that contribute to sexuality not being perceived by couples as something pleasurable and unifying, but rather associated with something negative, forced, obligatory, stressful, burdensome, and self-centered 12 , leading to it being best avoided 27 Huang et al 28 Surveyed 70 women who became pregnant under the IVF procedure and 75 women in control group who became pregnant naturally.…”