Sexual Function in Pregnant Women in the Public Health System

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a unique situation and involves changes in sexuality. The aim is to evaluate sexual function and satisfaction in pregnant women under prenatal care provided by the public health system. Method: Cross-sectional study with pregnant women receiving ambulatory care in the public health system in the Southern region of Brazil conducted between November 2014 and September 2015. Results: 283 pregnant women were studied. The mean age was 27.7 ± 6.3 years; 64% were white and 31.1% were nulliparous. In the total sample, 8.50% were in the first trimester of pregnancy, 37.4% were in the second trimester, and 54.1% were in the third trimester. The rate of global sexual dysfunction (score < 26 points) was 55.5%, following the application of The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Sexual dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in the third trimester (62%) compared to the first (33.3%) and second (50.9%) trimesters (p = 0.015). There was a significant difference in all domains, except in the desired domain, according to the trimester. Pregnant women in the third trimester showed significantly lower scores compared to those in the first trimester in the domains with significance. Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among pregnant women in the public system was high. Knowing that more than 50% of the pregnant women presented sexual dysfunction, it is essential to approach sexuality during prenatal care involving the couple.

Correlation between depressive symptoms and sexual dysfunction in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…This rate is in accordance with the international literature, where 50–70% of sexual dysfunction is recorded in the third trimester of pregnancy [ 14 ]. In a previous study conducted by our group [ 15 ], a prevalence of sexual dysfunction of 51 % was found in pregnant women in the third trimester, similar to that found here.…”

Comparing the effect of face-to-face education and using educational films on couples' sexual dysfunction during pregnancy

“…However, in the control group, the mean score of sexual function before and after the intervention was 43.84 and 43.61, respectively, which was not significantly different [ Table 2 ]. Although in most of the studies, the older gestational age is, the less the score of sexual function is,[ 31 ] in the present study, not only this score has not decreased, but also it has increased due to the provided education.…”

Sexual intercourse during pregnancy as a source of anxiety in pregnant women

“…It should be emphasized that the influence of the emotional relationship and mutual relations of the partners or fatigue of the pregnant woman on her sexuality as well as effect on delivery and sexuality after pregnancy are constantly being discussed [33,34]. The role of doctors in this case is huge, because according to studies conducted by Barret et al, only 19% of women talked about sexual problems after giving birth [35].…”