The Impact of Lockdown on Couples’ Sex Lives

Abstract

Background: the aim of this study was to perform an Italian telematics survey analysis on the changes in couples’ sex lives during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Methods: a multicenter cross sectional study was conducted on people sexually active and in stable relationships for at least 6 months. To evaluate male and female sexual dysfunctions, we used the international index of erectile function (IIEF-15) and the female sexual function index (FSFI), respectively; marital quality and stability were evaluated by the marital adjustment test (items 10–15); to evaluate the severity of anxiety symptoms, we used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. The effects of the quarantine on couples’ relationships was assessed with questions created in-house. Results: we included 2149 participants. The sex lives improved for 49% of participants, particularly those in cohabitation; for 29% it deteriorated, while for 22% of participants it did not change. Women who responded that their sex lives deteriorated had no sexual dysfunction, but they had anxiety, tension, fear, and insomnia. Contrarily, men who reported deteriorating sex lives had erectile dysfunctions and orgasmic disorders. In both genders, being unemployed or smart working, or having sons were risk factors for worsening the couples’ sex lives. Conclusion: this study should encourage evaluation of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the sex lives of couples.

The Association Between Sleep Disturbances and Erectile Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…One study reported that 49% of the sample of 2149 individuals reported an improvement in their sexual activities. This trend was strongest in cohabiting couples, but men who reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their sex lives presented increased ED and orgasmic disorders that were associated with symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia 63 . However, other studies found that after the beginning of the pandemic, couples reported a reduced frequency of sexual engagement 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 .…”

The Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals' and Couples' Sexuality

“…Costantini et al ( 2021 ) found that improvement in sexual lives during lockdown was associated with spending time, sharing interests, and being happy and satisfied with their partner. In their study, conducted from May 4 to May 18, 2020, on an Italian sample, authors investigated the changes in sexual behavior of individuals in a stable relationship for at least 6 months, who were sexually active and aged over 18 (Costantini et al, 2021 ). Almost the half of responders (49%) reported an improvement in the couple's sex life during Italian Phase 1 of lockdown, while the remainder of participants reported a deterioration or no changes, 29 and 22% of respondents, respectively.…”

“…These results are in line with previous findings revealing that positive romantic relationships are associated with physical and mental health (Pietromonaco and Collins, 2017 ). Moreover, residents in central or south Italy, who had graduated, were aged over 40, and/or working at their usual workplace were more likely to report an improvement in the couple's sexual lives (Costantini et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Half of those who reported a decline of their sexual lives were living in the northern regions of Italy. Moreover, the worsening of sexual lives was more likely to be reported by those who attended high school and those who worked in smart working (Costantini et al, 2021 ).…”

“…People who reported a higher number of changes in sexual life during the pandemic seemed to experience more anxiety, depression, and stress (Panzeri et al, 2020). Costantini et al (2021) found that improvement in sexual lives during lockdown was associated with spending time, sharing interests, and being happy and satisfied with their partner. In their study, conducted from May 4 to May 18, 2020, on an Italian sample, authors investigated the changes in sexual behavior of individuals in a stable relationship for at least 6 months, who were sexually active and aged over 18 (Costantini et al, 2021).…”