Women’s Sexual Health During the Pandemic of COVID-19: Declines in Sexual Function and Sexual Pleasure

Abstract

Purpose of the Review The World Health Association declared COVID-19 a pandemic more than 1 year ago. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the topic of women’s sexual health during the pandemic, with a focus on sexual function and sexual pleasure. Our aim is to describe current findings and to discuss implications for women’s sexual health during this period. Recent Findings Thirty-four articles, from 18 countries, were identified. These studies addressed topics ranging from individual aspects, such as cognitive, emotional, and personality factors affecting sexuality during the pandemic, to contextual factors, including relationship, childrearing, and employment status in this period. Summary Research identified a deterioration of women’s sexual function across countries, with an emphasis on sexual desire. Most studies found decreases in the frequency of sexual intercourse during the pandemic and increases in solitary sexual behavior. Many women also experienced declines in sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. Findings suggested that gender inequalities contributed to lower indices of sexual function and satisfaction, and might have exacerbated the pleasure gap between men and women.

A Longitudinal Study on Maternal Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Strict Lockdown Measures and Social Support

“…However, few studies have examined how these changes occur over time as new parents adjust to new parenthood while navigating a global crisis. A systematic review of the literature from 18 countries assessing women’s sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic showed deteriorations on sexual desire, sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction [ 21 ]. In first-time mothers and fathers, COVID-19-related concerns and personal psychological difficulties caused by the pandemic were identified as precursors of dyadic and sexual alterations [ 10 , 22 , 23 ].…”

COVID-19 and Romantic Relationships

“…Throughout the world, various studies showed that people reported less sex during the pandemic, a result that was consistent among participants from Australia, Spain, Turkey, the UK, the USA and Taiwan [7,[49][50][51][52][53][54]. Women seemed to be particularly affected by the changes [55][56][57]. On the contrary, solo sexual activity increased, behaviors such as masturbation or using adult online sites becoming more prevalent for both men and women [7,49,50].…”

Is There a Direct Link between Sexual Satisfaction and Restrictions during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

“…Some previous studies suggested that changes in sexual behavior (in particular, a decrease in sexual activity, e.g., reduction in frequency and in casual sex) and an increase in sexual dysfunction were dependent on the social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic 51,52]. Moreover, two reviews and one meta-analysis found higher rates of sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual activity during COVID-19-related restrictions [53][54][55].…”

“…A meta-analysis indicated that change in sexual functioning was more significant in women than in men [55]. The scoping review also showed that gender inequalities contributed to lower sexual function and satisfaction during the pandemic [54]. However, most previous research referred to sexual behavior rather than sexual satisfaction, which is more related to subjective assessment of sexual life, relatively independent of the current situation.…”