Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Partner Relationships and Sexual and Reproductive Health: Cross-Sectional, Online Survey Study

Abstract

Background In the past few months, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused extensive economic and social damage. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19–related measures on partner relationships and sexual and reproductive health in China. Methods From May 1 to 5, 2020, 3500 young Chinese individuals were recruited through WeChat or Weibo to participate in a survey to obtain information on sexual and reproductive health (eg, sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual satisfaction, etc). The questionnaire also collected demographic data (eg, age, race, education, current financial status, sexual orientation, relationship status, etc). Results In total, 967 participants were included in the sexual health analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures, 22% of participants (n=212) reported a decrease in sexual desire; 41% (n=396) experienced a decrease in the sexual intercourse frequency; 30% (n=291) reported an increase in the frequency of masturbation; 20% (n=192) reported a decrease in alcohol consumption before or during sexual activities, and 31% (n=298) reported a deterioration in partner relationships during the pandemic. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the following influenced partner relationships: accommodations during the pandemic (P=.046; odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% CI 0.30-0.86); exclusive relationship status (yes or no) (P<.001; OR 0.44; 95 % CI 0.27-0.73); sexual desire (P=.02; OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.38-2.97); and sexual satisfaction (P<.001; OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.54-2.50). COVID-19 also caused disruptions in reproductive health services such as prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth and abortion services, contraception availability, and the management of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusions Our results show that many young people have wide-ranging issues affecting their sexual and reproductive health due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures. Strategies and guidelines are needed to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health of young people during this pandemic.

An Online Questionnaire Survey on the Sexual Life and Sexual Function of Chinese Adult Men During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic

“…Several studies have focused on the changes in the frequency of sexual life during the epidemic, [13] , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 while the present study is firstly reported the relationship with the sexual function of men. The frequency of sexual life was significantly related to changes in erectile function and ejaculatory control ability, and subjects with a low frequency of sexual life had less partner time and less intimacy behavior with sexual partners.…”

“…A few studies have reported decreased frequency of sexual life, decreased sexual satisfaction, and deteriorated partner relationships between sexual partners. [13] , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 Most studies were focused on women or a mixture of women and men, while the sexual function of men has not been investigated.…”

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on sexuality: a cross-sectional study among couples in Turkey

“…In another Italy-based study conducted on reproductive-age women, it was shown that both the FSFI score and the frequency of sexual intercourse decreased during pandemic [ 56 ]. It was found in an online survey study including 3500 individuals that the frequency of sexual intercourse decreased in 41% of the participants, and frequency of masturbation increased in 30% of those [ 57 ]. Lastly, in a recent study from China conducted in the period of COVID-19, it was shown that total sexual satisfaction and frequency ratio decreased, which is in accordance with the current study [ 58 ].…”

COVID-19 impact in abortions’ practice, a regional French evaluation

“…The containment had a general impact on the personal lives of all entire population worldwide, especially on their emotional relationships and sexual behavior. COVID-19 also caused disruptions in reproductive health services such as prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth and abortion services, contraception availability, and the management of sexually transmitted infections [ 1 ]. In Europe, there were wide disparities in access to abortion care since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced access in a number of countries due to government inaction in lifting abortion regulations to enable safe abortion care amid healthcare system disruptions [ 2 ].…”