Sexual Dysfunction and Sexual Activity Related Concerns in Pregnant Women

Authors : İlkhan Keskin, İsa Yeşilyurt, Turan Şahin, Arzu Tekin

Pages : 792-799

Doi:10.35440/hutfd.1687446

View : 51 | Download : 170

Publication Date : 2025-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: This study aimed to obtain data on sexual behavior preferences, concerns regarding sexual activity, and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnant women, as well as to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted in a face-to-face questionnaire format with volunteers aged 18 to 50 years, whose pregnancy follow-up was performed in a training and research hospital. The questionnaire consisted of a personal information form, detailed information about sexual activity, \\\"Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI)”, and “Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12”. Results: The FSFI score of the participants was 17.32±8.15 (mean ± standard deviation). In 224 of the pregnant women (87.79%), the FSFI score was lower than the cut-off value of 26.5 for sexual dysfunction. 118 (46.5%) of the pregnant women indicated that they had concerns about sexual intercourse during pregnancy. The most important reason for concern (48.4%) was the thought that it would adversely affect her own or the baby\\\'s health. Low level of education, number of births, and concerns about sexual activity during pregnancy were found to be associated with low FSFI. It was observed that 173 participants (68.11%) scored above the threshold value on IUS-12. There is no relationship between IUS-12 and FSFI scale scores. Conclusion: Our study found that sexual desire decreases during pregnancy, and concerns related to sexual activity are common, most frequently associated with the health of the mother and the baby. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among pregnant women was found to be high; lower educational level, higher parity, and concerns about sexual activity during pregnancy were associated with this dysfunction. Although a considerable proportion of participants exhibited intolerance of uncertainty, no significant relationship was found between intolerance of uncertainty and sexual dysfunction. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the psychological, social, cultural, and other factors influencing sexual health during pregnancy.
Keywords : Cinsel aktivite, Gebelik, FSFI, IUS-12

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