Over 70% of pregnant women experience sexual dysfunction, with nearly three-quarters not seeking guidance on these issues from their health-care providers, according to a recent study.
Researchers explored beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among pregnant women in Tunisia. The cross-sectional study, published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, was conducted between March and August 2022 and included 34 pregnant women, with a mean age of 31.56 ± 3.25 years. Participants were recruited through online pregnancy-related forums and completed a self-administered questionnaire in French distributed via Google Forms. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual dysfunction, with a validated total cutoff score of 26.55 or more indicating dysfunction.
The FSFI score results demonstrated that 70.6% of participants experienced sexual dysfunction, with median scores across domains revealing impairments in desire (median score = 3.6), arousal (3.6), lubrication (3.9), orgasm (4.2), satisfaction (4.8), and pain (3.6). No statistically significant associations were observed between sexual dysfunction and sociodemographic or clinical variables, including age, parity, or trimester of pregnancy (P > .05).
The study also assessed beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy. Among participants, 20.6% believed sexual intercourse could harm the fetus, while 17.6% thought it could adversely affect maternal health. Despite these concerns, 64.7% felt sexual activity could be safely continued during pregnancy, though 41.2% suggested limits should be observed. Information-seeking behaviors were limited, with 73.5% of women not consulting their midwives or gynecologists for more information on sexual health during pregnancy, and only 41.2% receiving unsolicited guidance from health-care providers. Participants primarily relied on scientific articles (58.8%) and gynecologists (44.1%) for information.
The findings highlight the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction during pregnancy and highlight gaps in communication and education about sexual health. The researchers emphasized the need for health-care professionals to address sexuality proactively during prenatal care, provide culturally sensitive education, and dispel misconceptions. Integrating sexual health discussions into routine care to improve maternal well-being and promote a more comprehensive approach to prenatal care is also recommended.
Full disclosures can be found in the published study.