Sexual Function and Activity in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the impact of pregnancy on sexual function and activity. Factors associated with sexual dysfunction were also evaluated.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included Thai pregnant women of any gestational age who had prenatal care at Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital during September 2009 to October 2009. Sexual functions at pre-pregnancy period and during pregnancy were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire using the Thai version of the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI). Questions involving the couple’s demographic data and socioeconomic status were also added to the questionnaire.

Results: Mean age of 237 patients included in the study was 27.5 ± 5.8 years. Mean FSFI scores in pre-pregnancy period was higher than the score during pregnancy: 23.4 ± 4.6 compared to 18.4 ± 8.0. Using FSFI < 26.5 as a cut off score for sexual dysfunction, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 71.2% in pre-pregnancy and 87.7% in pregnancy periods. Comparing sexual function during pregnancy to pre-pregnancy, higher percentage of decreased FSFI scores was observed. The decreased scores were more frequently found as pregnancy progressed: 65.3%, 73.6% and 74.3% in first, second, and third trimester, respectively. High family income, women’s worrisome and concern towards effect of sexual activity on pregnancy outcome were significantly associated with decreased FSFI score. Age > 25 years, higher education and late pregnancy were also associated with decreased FSFI score but without statistically significant.

Conclusion: Sexual function and sexual activity decreased significantly throughout pregnancy. Significant factors associated with sexual dysfunction were high family income, women’s worrisome and concern towards effect of sexual activity on pregnancy outcome.