Sexual function of pregnant women in the third trimester

Abstract

Introduction: Physical, hormonal and psychological changes during pregnancy can affect a woman's sexuality as well as a couple's sexual relationship. The aim of this study was to examine sexual function of pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: The data of descriptive and cross-sectional study was collected via a questionnaire form and Female Sexual Function Index. A score <= 26.55 is classified as female sexual dysfunction. A total of 125 volunteer healthy and married pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy who admitted to the antenatal policlinics were included in this study.

Results: The determined that 92% of participants had sexual dysfunction. The Female Sexual Function Index and domains scores in the 28th-31st, 32nd-35th and 36th and higher gestational weeks of pregnancy were as follows: sexual desire scores, 2.50, 2.77 and 2.40; sexual arousal scores, 2.26, 2.72 and 1.69; lubrication scores, 2.61, 3.42 and 1.97; orgasm scores, 2.51, 2.85 and 1.78; sexual satisfaction scores, 3.17, 3.77 and 2.66; pain scores, 2.44, 2.72 and 1.66, and total Female Sexual Function Index scores were 15.51, 18.29, 12.26, respectively. Sexual arousal (p = 0.008), lubrication (p = 0.001), orgasm (p = 0.031), sexual satisfaction (p = 0.005), pain (p = 0.049) and total Female Sexual Function Index score (p = 0.004) were the lowest in 36th and higher gestational weeks, and only sexual desire did not differ (p = 0.191).

Conclusions: Sexual function of pregnant women in the third trimester were negatively effected. Health professionals should be trained to evaluate sexual difficulties in pregnant women and to recommend possible solutions. (C) 2017 Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.