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Sexuality During Pregnancy

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Sexuality is an important part of health and well-being. Sexual behavior modifies as pregnancy progresses, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. To evaluate changes in sexual perceptions and activities during pregnancy and to determine sexual dysfunctions in that period. Sexual perceptions (desire from the partner, feelings of attractiveness, and fear of sexual intercourse), sexual activities during pregnancy (sexual intercourse frequency, the most frequent sexual intercourse trimester, sexual activity during the birth week, type(s) of sexual intercourse, changes in sexual satisfaction and desire compared with the pre-pregnancy period, and changes in sexual intercourse frequency during each trimester compared with the pre-pregnancy period), and sexual dysfunctions. Puerperal women were asked to anonymously complete a self-administered and structured questionnaire at the day of discharge from hospital. One hundred and eighty-eight women, aged between 17 years and 40 years with a mean age of 28.9 years, were analyzed. The first trimester was considered the most frequent period of sexual intercourse (44.7%), followed by the second trimester (35.6%). Fifty-five percent reported a decrease of sexual activity during the third trimester. Fear of sexual intercourse was referred by 23.4% of the women questioned. Sexual satisfaction was unchanged in 48.4% of the subjects and decreased in 27.7% (P < 0.0001); sexual desire is reported to be unchanged in 38.8% and decreased in 32.5% (P = 0.196) of the population. Vaginal, oral, anal sex, and masturbation were performed by 98.3%, 38.1%, 6.6%, and 20.4% of the women, respectively. We determined in our study that sexual satisfaction do not change in pregnancy compared with the pre-pregnancy patterns despite a decline of sexual activity during the third trimester. A discussion of expected changes in sexuality should be routinely done by the doctor in order to improve couples' perception of possible sexual modifications induced by pregnancy.
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH—WOMEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH
Sexuality During Pregnancyjsm_1538 136..142
Joana Rocha Pauleta, MD,* Nuno Monteiro Pereira, MD, PhD,and Luís Mendes Graça, MD, PhD*
*Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Santa Maria University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal;
Association for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, Lusófona University and iSex, Lisbon, Portugal
DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01538.x
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Sexuality is an important part of health and well-being. Sexual behavior modifies as pregnancy
progresses, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
Aim. To evaluate changes in sexual perceptions and activities during pregnancy and to determine sexual dysfunc-
tions in that period.
Main Outcome Measures. Sexual perceptions (desire from the partner, feelings of attractiveness, and fear of sexual
intercourse), sexual activities during pregnancy (sexual intercourse frequency, the most frequent sexual intercourse
trimester, sexual activity during the birth week, type(s) of sexual intercourse, changes in sexual satisfaction and desire
compared with the pre-pregnancy period, and changes in sexual intercourse frequency during each trimester
compared with the pre-pregnancy period), and sexual dysfunctions.
Methods. Puerperal women were asked to anonymously complete a self-administered and structured questionnaire
at the day of discharge from hospital.
Results. One hundred and eighty-eight women, aged between 17 years and 40 years with a mean age of 28.9 years,
were analyzed. The first trimester was considered the most frequent period of sexual intercourse (44.7%), followed
by the second trimester (35.6%). Fifty-five percent reported a decrease of sexual activity during the third trimester.
Fear of sexual intercourse was referred by 23.4% of the women questioned. Sexual satisfaction was unchanged in
48.4% of the subjects and decreased in 27.7% (P<0.0001); sexual desire is reported to be unchanged in 38.8% and
decreased in 32.5% (P=0.196) of the population. Vaginal, oral, anal sex, and masturbation were performed by
98.3%, 38.1%, 6.6%, and 20.4% of the women, respectively.
Conclusions. We determined in our study that sexual satisfaction do not change in pregnancy compared with the
pre-pregnancy patterns despite a decline of sexual activity during the third trimester. A discussion of expected
changes in sexuality should be routinely done by the doctor in order to improve couples’ perception of possible sexual
modifications induced by pregnancy. Pauleta JR, Pereira NM, and Graça LM. Sexuality during pregnancy. J Sex
Med 2010;7:136–142.
Key Words. Female Sexual Function; Sexual Perceptions; Sexual Activities; Sexual Dysfunctions; Pregnancy; Sexual
Intercourse Frequency
Introduction
Pregnancy is a special period in the life of
women that is characterized by physical, hor-
monal, and psychological changes that, in conjuga-
tion with social and cultural influences, affect
women’s sexuality and couples’ sexual relationship.
This reinforces the role of pregnancy as a stimulus
for partners to search for new ways to enhance
mutual emotional connection, intimacy, and close
physical affinity, in order to share physical sexual
pleasure and satisfy each other’s sexual needs. A
healthy sexuality during pregnancy is necessary for
the parental transition that occurs in that period [1].
Specific changes that occur in each pregnancy
trimester have significant influences on sexual
behavior. A reduction in sexual intercourse fre-
quency, desire, and satisfaction occurs in many
136
J Sex Med 2010;7:136–142 © 2009 International Society for Sexual Medicine
women as pregnancy progresses, particularly
during the third trimester, compared with pre-
pregnancy [2–11]. There are numerous physical
and psychological factors that may justify this
[12,13]. Hormonal changes (increased estrogen,
progesterone, and prolactine) cause nausea and
breast tenderness, which, in addition to fatigue,
exhaustion, and anxiety, may contribute to general
feebleness and difficulty to become aroused. As
sexual desire and arousal influence sexual satis-
faction [14] and intercourse frequency, it is
understandable that sexual practices decreased.
Moreover, self-consciousness about a growing
girth leads to a gradual change in a pregnant
woman’s self-image that influence her self-
confidence, while posing physical limitations to
perform some sexual positions. Length of inter-
course and ability to experience orgasm decrease
during the later phases of pregnancy compared
with pre-pregnancy, and dyspareunia increases
significantly throughout pregnancy [4]. Both the
women and their partners have concerns regarding
complications in the pregnancy as a result of sexual
intercourse [2–4].
Aim
The objective of this study is to evaluate the sexual
patterns (perceptions, activities, and dysfunctions)
during pregnancy and to assess changes in sexual
desire, satisfaction, and frequency compared with
the pre-pregnancy period.
Methods
Design and Data Collection
A descriptive and quantitative study was conducted
in our department between July and September
2008. The study was approved by the committee
of ethics. Women whose birth occurred in our
department were informed about the purpose of
the study and were invited to participate volunta-
rily. We gathered the data using an anonymous
written questionnaire that was given at the day of
discharge from the hospital. We performed a pilot
study on 15 puerperal women prior to the begin-
ning of the research to ensure understanding of
the questions and participation. The majority of
women refused to answer the question about the
duration of sexual intercourse and to specify oral
sex as cunnilingus or fellatio. Then, we developed
the final version of the questionnaire without these
questions and we decided to not discriminate if
oral sex was performed by man or woman. The
questionnaire was filled by each of the puerperal
women and we have assured confidentiality.
Women whose sexual partners lived away from
them, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
seropositive women, and women that had obstetric
conditions that imposed a long period of sexual
abstinence (placenta previa, multiple pregnancy,
cervical incompetence, and risk of premature
labor) were excluded from the study.
Details of the Questionnaire
The questionnaire included two sections. The first
section is composed by questions about socio-
demographic aspects: age, ethnic group and educa-
tion of the couple; marital status; parity; nationality,
and religion of women. The second section
included questions concerning sexual perceptions
and activities during pregnancy: feeling less sexual
desire from the sexual partner (yes or no); feeling
less attractive or sensual (yes or no); feeling fear of
sexual intercourse (yes or no); mean of sexual inter-
course frequency during the whole pregnancy
period (!1 time a month; 2–3 times a month;
1 time a week; 2–3 times a week; 4–7 times a
week); the most (more) frequent sexual intercourse
trimester(s); sexual intercourse frequency in each
trimester (first, second, and third) compared with
the pre-pregnancy period (increased, decreased,
or unchanged); sexual satisfaction and sexual
desire compared with the pre-pregnancy period
(increased, decreased, or unchanged); type(s) of
sexual intercourse performed (anal, vaginal, oral,
and masturbation—one or more choices are pos-
sible); sexual activity during the third trimester (yes
or no) and during the birth week (yes or no); sexual
dysfunctions (lower desire, dyspareunia, anor-
gasmy, difficulty in lubrication—one or more
options are possible); need to talk about sexuality
with doctors (yes or no); and next 6 months per-
spective about sexual activity (increased, decreased
or unchanged). All questions were closed ended,
except the question about feeling of fear during
sexual activity that is open ended and in which we
asked respondents to specify.
Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-
square test. Statistical significance was considered
as P<0.05.
Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures are sexual percep-
tions (desire from the partner, feeling less attrac-
tive or sensual, and fear of sexual intercourse) and
sexual activities during pregnancy (mean of sexual
Change of Sexual Patterns During Pregnancy 137
J Sex Med 2010;7:136–142
intercourse frequency, the most frequent sexual
intercourse trimester, type(s) of sexual intercourse
performed, sexual activity during the third trimes-
ter and during the birth week, changes of sexual
satisfaction and sexual desire compared with the
pre-pregnancy period, and changes of sexual inter-
course frequency during each trimester compared
with the pre-pregnancy period). We also analyzed
sexual dysfunctions, need to talk with doctors
about sexuality, and 6 months perspective about
changes in sexual activity.
Results
A total of 194 women were enrolled in the study.
Six women were excluded: one was HIV seroposi-
tive, one had placenta previa, one lived away from
her husband, one had a twin pregnancy with risk of
premature labor, and two women had a risk of
premature labor. One hundred and eighty-eight
women, aged between 17 years and 40 years with a
mean age of 28.9 years, were analyzed. Table 1
shows the demographic data of women and their
sexual partners. One hundred and eight women
(57.4) had their first child. Nearly all (93.6%) said
that their pregnancy was desired, but 27.1% stated
that the pregnancy was not planned. Forty-nine
patients (26.1%) had a previous abortion.
Forty-four (23.4%) women reported fear of
sexual intercourse: 18 revealed fear of “harming
the baby,” 11 of miscarriage, 4 of dyspareunia, 2 of
preterm labor, and 2 were concerned about their
partner’s worry. Seven women did not explain
their concerns regarding sexual intercourse.
Feeling less sexual desire from partners during
pregnancy compared with pre-pregnancy was
reported by 46 women (24.5%). Feeling less
attractive or sensual during the pregnancy period
was stated by 78 women (41.5%). Results are sum-
marized in Table 2.
As showed in Table 3, sexual activity decreased
significantly throughout pregnancy. The first tri-
mester was considered the most frequent period of
sexual intercourse (44.7%), followed by the second
trimester (35.6%). Table 4 lists changes in sexual
activities during pregnancy compared with the
period prior to pregnancy. Many women reported
a constancy in sexual activities during the first
and second trimesters (46.8% and 50.5%, respec-
tively), and a decrease during the third trimester
(55.3%). There were no statistical differences
between the first and second trimesters; however,
statistical differences were evident between the
second and third trimesters, and between first and
third trimesters in all analyzed parameters
(Table 5).
Table 1 Demographic characteristics
N=188
Women age (years); mean (SD) 28.9 (5.68)
Partner age (years); mean (SD) 31.4 (6.65)
Women ethnic group, N (%)
White 155 (82.5)
Black 24 (12.8)
Asian 2 (1.1)
No answer 7 (3.7)
Partner ethnic group, N (%)
White 157 (83.5)
Black 21 (11.2)
Asian 1 (0.59)
No answer 9 (4.8)
Women education, N (%)
Primary school 20 (10.6)
High school 93 (49.5)
University 60 (31.9)
Master/graduate 9 (4.8)
No answer 6 (3.2)
Partner education, N (%)
Primary school 37 (19.7)
High school 91 (48.4)
University 43 (22.9)
Master/graduate 8 (4.3)
No answer 9 (4.8)
Marital status, N (%)
Marital relation 138 (73.4)
Single 44 (23.4)
Divorced 4 (2.1)
No answer 2 (1.1)
Para, N (%)
1 108 (57.4)
2 63 (33.5)
"3 15 (8.0)
No answer 2 (1.1)
Women religion, N (%)
Christian 158 (84.0)
Muslim 3 (1.6)
Hindu 1 (0.5)
Agnostic 3 (1.6)
Other 14 (7.5)
No answer 9 (4.8)
Women nationality, N (%)
Portugal 161 (85.6)
Cape Verde 6 (3.2)
Angola 5 (2.7)
Brazil 7 (3.7)
Guine-Bissau 2 (1.0)
Albania 1 (0.5)
No answer 6 (3.2)
SD =standard deviation.
Table 2 Psychological changes and beliefs of women
during pregnancy
Yes No No answer
Fear of sexual intercourse,
N (%)
44 (23.4) 143 (76.1) 1 (0.5)
Feeling less sexual desire
from partner, N (%)
46 (24.5) 141 (75.0) 1 (0.5)
Feeling less sensual/
attractive, N (%)
78 (41.5) 107 (56.9) 3 (1.6)
138 Pauleta et al.
J Sex Med 2010;7:136–142
Sexual satisfaction was unchanged in 48.4% and
decreased in 27.7% (P<0.0001), and sexual desire
is reported to be unchanged in 38.8% and
decreased in 32.5% (P=0.196) compared with the
pre-pregnancy period.
Eighty percent of respondents reported sexual
activities during the third trimester, but 61.0% did
not engage in any type of sexual intercourse during
the birth week.
Data regarding the types of sexual activity per-
formed during pregnancy are shown in Table 6.
Seven women did not answer the question. Among
the respondents, three did not engage in vaginal
intercourse during pregnancy. However, two of
these women had oral sex and one had oral sex
and masturbation. Oral and anal intercourse were
performed by 38.1% and 6.6% of the women,
respectively.
Only 182 women answered the question about
mean sexual intercourse frequency during preg-
nancy. The results are listed in Table 7. Among the
respondents, 32.4% reported having sex once a
week, and 25.8% reported having sex two to three
times a week.
In respect to sexual dysfunctions, lower desire
was reported by 20 (10.9%) women, dyspareunia
by 18 (9.8%) women, anorgasmy by 12 (6.6%)
women, and difficulty in lubrication by 8 (4.4%)
women. One hundred and thirty-eight (75.4%)
respondents did not complain about sexual dysfunc-
tions. Five women did not answer the question.
Of 180 respondents, 160 (88.9%) said that they
do not need to talk about sexuality with their
doctors. In relation to the next 6 months after
delivery, 109 (60.6%) women stated that their
sexual activity will not change, 40 (22.2%) stated
that it will decrease, and 31 (17.2%) referred a
possible increase in their performance compared
with pre-pregnancy. Eight women did not answer
this question.
Discussion
Our findings indicate a substantial decrease in the
frequency of sexual intercourse throughout preg-
nancy. These results are consonant with other
authors [2–11,15].
The majority of women referred no change in
sexual activities in the first or second trimesters
(46.8% and 50.5%, respectively). In a meta-
analysis of 59 studies, von Sydow demonstrated
that coital frequency did not change or changed
only slightly in the first trimester and it was quite
variable in the second [16].
Although 80.1% reported engaging in sexual
intercourse during the third trimester, it was con-
sidered the most frequent trimester of sexual
Table 3 Trimester(s) in which sexual intercourse was
more frequent
N (%)
First trimester 84 (44.7)
First and second trimesters 7 (3.7)
Second trimester 67 (35.6)
Second and third trimesters 2 (1.1)
Third trimester 19 (10.1)
No answer 9 (4.8)
Table 4 Changes of sexual functions during pregnancy compared with pre-pregnancy, N (%)
Increased Decreased Unchanged No answer
Sexual activity during first trimester 33 (17.5) 54 (28.7) 88 (46.8) 13 (6.9)
Sexual activity during second trimester 37 (19.7) 40 (21.3) 95 (50.5) 16 (8.5)
Sexual activity during third trimester 19 (10.1) 104 (55.3) 49 (26.1) 16 (8.5)
Sexual satisfaction 28 (14.9) 52 (27.7) 91 (48.4) 17 (9.0)
Sexual desire 42 (22.3) 61 (32.5) 73 (38.8) 12 (6.4)
Table 5 Changes in sexual activities during pregnancy
Increased
P
Decreased
P
Unchanged
P
First vs. second trimesters 0.60 0.095 0.47
Second vs. third trimesters 0.009 0.0000 0.0000
First vs. third trimesters 0.0365 0.0000 0.0000
Table 6 Type(s) of sexual activity during pregnancy (one
or more choices)
N (%)
Anal intercourse 12 (6.6)
Vaginal intercourse 178 (98.3)
Oral intercourse 69 (38.1)
Masturbation 37 (20.4)
Table 7 Sexual intercourse frequency during pregnancy
N (%)
!1 time a month 29 (15.9)
2–3 times a month 35 (19.2)
1 time a week 59 (32.4)
2–3 times a week 47 (25.8)
4–7 times a week 12 (6.6)
Change of Sexual Patterns During Pregnancy 139
J Sex Med 2010;7:136–142
intercourse only by 10.1%. Moreover, we found
decreased sexual activities in 55.3% of the women
during this trimester compared with pre-
pregnancy. It is interesting to note that 38.9%
continued engaging in sexual intercourse during
the birth week. Coitus late in pregnancy is not
related to bacterial vaginosis [17], and does not
increase preterm labor, premature rupture of
membranes, low birthweight, or perinatal death
[18–20]. Sexual positions, such as woman on top,
side by side, or rear entry, were used more fre-
quently as pregnancy progresses [2,4,15,21].
Eryilmaz et al. pointed some reasons that may
explain the decrease of sexual frequency during
pregnancy as exhaustion, fatigue, fear of harming
the fetus, causing abortion, inducing preterm
labor, and waning of sexual desire. They also
reported a positive correlation between changes in
sexual life during pregnancy and the duration of
marriage, educational level, and parity [12].
Three women did not engage in vaginal inter-
course, however, performed other types of sexual
activities. These women did not complain about
fear of sex or sexual dysfunctions. In a Spanish
population [21], 14% of the women practiced
masturbation during pregnancy. Our results are
similar (20.4%), but very different from an Iranian
population [15] where only 6% reported this type
of sexual activity. We cannot discard the social,
cultural, and religious influences on the analysis of
this fact.
Fear of sexual intercourse was referred by
23.4% of the women. As pointed by other studies
[2,15,22], our results indicated that women often
fear that sexual intercourse might harm the fetus,
induce miscarriage, or premature birth, although
our results were less expressive. Interestingly,
some women were said to fear sexual intercourse
because of partners’ worry and because they were
afraid to have dyspareunia. Gökyildiz et al. found
that fear of intercourse was experienced through-
out pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester
[4]. Cultural factors and inadequate knowledge
influence attitudes toward and fears of intercourse.
In a study performed in Pakistan [22] and Nigeria
[23] women were convinced that sexual inter-
course during pregnancy widens the vagina and
facilitates labor, and in a study realized in Iran [15]
women pointed fear of causing rupture of the
female fetus hymen or fetal blindness. Fok et al., in
a study of 298 Chinese pregnant women, reported
that over 80% of women and their partners
worried about the adverse effects of sexual activity
on the fetus [6].
Changes in the body image developed as preg-
nancy progresses. This change has an important
influence on women’s perception of pregnancy
and sexuality. Pauls et al. reported an impairment
in body image in pregnant women, although it did
not significantly change during the pregnancy
period [11]. In our study, 41.5% of the women felt
less attractive. However, 75% did not report
diminished sexual interest from their partner.
Bogren [7] found that sexual satisfaction
declined during pregnancy, 35%, 30%, and 56%
in the first, second, and third trimesters, respec-
tively. We did not analyze this parameter over
time, although 27.7% referred a decrease in sexual
satisfaction compared with the period before preg-
nancy. In our study, sexual desire was described to
be maintained (38.8%) or declined (32.5%). Other
authors have reported a more significant decrease
in sexual desire. Shojaa et al. [15] found a reduc-
tion in 73% of the 51 women studied, and Bar-
tellas et al. [2] found a reduction in 58% of the 141
analyzed women.
Erol et al., who analyzed 589 healthy women,
demonstrated that decrease in sexual function and
sexual desire, most commonly found in the third
trimester, was not associated with lower androgen
hormone (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone
sulphate, free testosterone) levels [24].
Concerning sexual dysfunctions, almost one-
quarter of women reported sexual dysfunctions,
such as low desire, dyspareunia, anorgasmy, and
difficulty in lubrication; many complained of more
than one sexual dysfunction. However, only 11.1%
of women felt the necessity to discuss sexuality
with their doctors. As Bartellas et al. found, the
majority of women was not always comfortable
raising this topic with doctors [2].
Our population seems to have good expecta-
tions about their sexual lives during the first 6
months postpartum, although published data
suggest a decrease in sexual life [8–11,25–29],
especially in women who were breastfeeding [30].
In a review, Reamy and White pointed some
reasons to explain it: episiotomy discomfort,
fatigue, vaginal bleeding, discharge, dyspareunia,
decreased lubrication, fear of awakening the baby
or not hearing him/her, fear of injury, and
decreased sense of attractiveness [31]. An increase
in sexual dysfunctions during the postpartum
period compared with pre-pregnancy is also
described [26,31,32]. Mostly, dyspareunia occurs
in women with assisted (vacuum extraction or
forceps) vaginal deliveries [33,34], particularly if
they had an episiotomy, perineal lacerations
140 Pauleta et al.
J Sex Med 2010;7:136–142
[33,35], or anal sphincter lacerations [29]. There is
a positive correlation between dyspareunia and
perineal lacerations degree [33]. Despite these
results, overall sexual dysfunction of men was not
affected by their partners’ parity and mode of
delivery [36].
There are some limitations in our study. We
only assessed sexual activities among women who
participate voluntarily in the study, and many
women refused to enroll. People are not used to
talk about their sexual lives, and many taboos
persist in our population, which are evidenced by
the number of women who did not answer some
questions of the questionnaire. In the question
about the types of sexual activities, we decided not
to specify whether oral sex was performed by man
or woman, as we felt that our population was not
prepared to answer this question, based on nega-
tive feedback from the pilot study. As most sexu-
ality researchers, another limitation of our study is
the fact that the data were self-reported and we did
not confirm the information with partners. More-
over, some bias could be found as it is a retrospec-
tive study and we did not use a validated
questionnaire.
As Basson explained, many interpersonal, per-
sonal, psychological, and biological factors cause
sexual dysfunctions [37]. A lot of these factors
change inevitably during pregnancy, explaining
the rise of sexual dysfunction as pregnancy
progresses. Changes in couple relationship,
marital adjustment, developing a parental relation
or consolidating a previous one, planned/
unplanned and desired/undesired pregnancy, first
pregnancy, history of previous pregnancies or
abortions, physical and hormonal changes that can
promote low self-image, mood instability, diffi-
culty and discomfort in performing vaginal sex,
modifications on neurotransmitters’ concentra-
tions, and so on may all influence the sexual life of
the couple in pregnancy.
Doctors play an important role and should
counsel all couples during prenatal care and preg-
nancy follow up. They should inform that physi-
ological and hormonal changes may promote
fluctuations in sexual desire and satisfaction, and,
consequently, in sexual performance, as we know
that couples who are experiencing sexual problems
are more likely to discontinue sexual activity. Also,
it is essential to reassure that sex is safe in healthy
pregnancies and could be done until the end of
that period, and that it does not necessarily have to
be finished with a vaginal intercourse. This infor-
mation may decrease anxiety, and enhance couple
relationship stability and sexual satisfaction. Fur-
thermore, this attitude increases empathic confi-
dence that can contribute to the couple looking for
clinical management when and if needed.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all the women that participated
and other contributors who made this trial possible.
Corresponding Author: Joana Rocha Pauleta, MD,
Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina
da Reprodução, Hospital de Santa Maria, Av. Prof.
Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal. Tel:
00351217805078; Fax: 00351217805621; E-mail:
jrpauleta@gmail.com
Conflict of Interest: None.
Statement of Authorship
Category 1
(a) Conception and Design
Joana Rocha Pauleta
(b) Acquisition of Data
Joana Rocha Pauleta
(c) Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Joana Rocha Pauleta
Category 2
(a) Drafting the Article
Joana Rocha Pauleta
(b) Revising It for Intellectual Content
Joana Rocha Pauleta; Nuno Monteiro Pereira; Luís
Mendes Graça
Category 3
(a) Final Approval of the Completed Article
Joana Rocha Pauleta; Nuno Monteiro Pereira; Luís
Mendes Graça
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... It is important to note that two studies closely examine sexual expectations about sexuality post-childbirth (Pauleta et al., 2010;Rosen et al., 2022). Pauleta et al. (2010) focused solely on expectations of sexual frequency, and Rosen et al. (2022) took a multi-faceted approach and assessed "how much will the following things affect your sex life once you are a parent?" with "things" including constructs such as fatigue, time for sex, and body image. ...
... It is important to note that two studies closely examine sexual expectations about sexuality post-childbirth (Pauleta et al., 2010;Rosen et al., 2022). Pauleta et al. (2010) focused solely on expectations of sexual frequency, and Rosen et al. (2022) took a multi-faceted approach and assessed "how much will the following things affect your sex life once you are a parent?" with "things" including constructs such as fatigue, time for sex, and body image. The current study is focused on sexual expectations for sexuality during pregnancy and asserts that while pregnancy is a temporary condition, it is a unique and impactful period worthy of understanding more deeply. ...
... Several aspects of sexual function decline during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester (Adinma, 1995;Aslan et al., 2005;Bartellas et al., 2000;Erol et al., 2007;Eryilmaz et al., 2004;Fok et al., 2005;Gökyildiz & Beji, 2005;Jawed-Wessel & Sevick, 2017;Naim & Bhutto, 2000;Pauleta et al., 2010;Pauls et al., 2008;Robson et al., 1981). Studies have found genito-pelvic pain to be one of the areas of sexual function most affected during pregnancy (Erol et al., 2007;Pauls et al., 2008;Robson et al., 1981;Rossi et al., 2019;von Sydow, 1999) with between 22 and 58% of women reporting at least some degree of genito-pelvic pain (Bartellas et al., 2000;Erol et al., 2007;Glowacka et al., 2014). ...
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A number of studies have examined women’s and couples’ sexual experiences during pregnancy; few studies, however, have explored how pregnant couples expect their sex lives to change despite the possible relationship between sexual expectations and sexual function and satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of two scales: the Maternal Pregnancy Impact Expectations Scale (PIES-M) and the Partner Pregnancy Impact Expectations Scale (PIES-P), which measure newly pregnant couples’ sexual expectations later in the pregnancy. The current project was split into three distinct phases across two data collection points: 1. language elicitation, 2. item development and revision, and 3. empirical validation. A total of 242 participants were included in Phase 1, and a total of 241 data points in 124 dyads for Phase 3 were obtained via a cross-sectional, web-based survey administered in 2011 and 2012. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the PIES-M and PIES-P. Multilevel modeling was used to understand the variability of PIES-M and PIES-P scores. Measures on sexual motivation, sexual interest, sexual anxiety, attitudes to sex, and somatic pregnancy symptoms were used to further assess the test scales. Findings demonstrated a two-factor structure for the PIES-M with sexual expectations and pain expectations loading on separate factors. For PIES-P, all items loaded onto one factor as no pain expectation items were included for partners. Both the maternal and partner versions of the scales demonstrated acceptable construct validity and internal consistency, providing evidence for the validity of these measures of sexual expectations during pregnancy. A greater understanding of sexual expectations during pregnancy has social, clinical, and research implications. Policy makers and practitioners should assess and incorporate sexual expectations into their practice, especially with marginalized and minoritized populations.
... Cultural, social, religious, and emotional factors play important roles in it. 1,2 Most women admit that their libido changes in some way during pregnancy. 3 However, sexuality is very individual and influenced by different biological, psychological, and sociological factors. ...
... 4 Studies have shown that during pregnancy, there is often a change in a woman's sexuality. 2,5 This topic is often trivialized as it is thought a taboo in a male-dominated society like Nepal, hence it needs to be explored. 5 The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of sexual intercourse among postpartum women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics in a tertiary care centre. ...
... 55% reported decreased sexual activity in the third trimester of pregnancy. 2 The findings of the study showed that it was mostly husbands who initiated intercourse during the pregnancy. There is a decrease in the solitary desire as the pregnancy advances in the women. ...
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Introduction Pregnancy is a time when women's bodies and minds go through a lot of changes. Sexuality is an important part of a woman's health and well-being, and it often changes during pregnancy. Most women admit that their libido changes in some way during pregnancy. However, the sexuality of a pregnant woman is very individual and influenced by a variety of different factors. This is a very important topic that is often taboo, especially in a male-dominated society, and it needs to be explored more. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of sexual intercourse among postpartum women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics in a tertiary care centre. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among postpartum women admitted to a tertiary care centre after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. The study was carried out from 1 January 2021 to 30 December 2021. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results Among 97 pregnant women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics, the prevalence of sexual intercourse was 36 (37.11%) (27.50-46.72, 95% Confidence Interval). A total of 34 (94.44%) were sexually active in the first trimester while 13 (36.11%) and 4 (11.11%) were sexually active in the second trimester and third trimester respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of sexual intercourse during pregnancy was lower than other studies done in similar settings.
... A várandósság alatti szexuális élet minőségét befolyásoló tényező a nem kielégítő párkapcsolat volt [18]. Pauleta és mtsai a szexuá lis diszfunkciót vizsgálták, és a válaszadó gravidák közül 10,9% alacsonyabb vágyról, 9,8% dyspareuniáról, 6,6% anorgazmiáról és 4,4% lubricatiós nehézségről számolt be, míg 75,4% nem jelzett funkciózavart [19]. A 2. trimeszterben a szexuális érdeklődés (képzelet és erotikus álom) általában megnő, csakúgy, mint a szexuális szükségletek kielégítésével kapcsolatos elvárások. ...
... 98,3% hüvelyi penetrációt, 38,1% orális, 6,6% anális közösülést folytatott, 20,4%-uk maszturbációt végzett. A szexuális gyakoriságot illetően a gravidák 32,4%-a heti 1 alkalommal, 6,6%-uk heti 4-7 alkalommal, míg 15,9%uk kevesebb mint havi 1 alkalommal él nemi életet [19]. ...
... Pauleta és szerzőtársai vizsgálatában a várandósok 23,4%-a arról számolt be, hogy fél a nemi érintkezéstől, mert aggódtak, hogy károsodik a magzat, és féltek a vetéléstől, a dyspareunia kialakulásától, a koraszüléstől. 41,5%-uk kevésbé érezte magát vonzónak és érzékinek várandósság alatt, és 24,5% arról számolt be, hogy partnere felől kevesebb szexuális vágyat érzett [19]. ...
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A legtöbb nő nincs felkészülve arra, hogy a várandósság alatt, illetve szülés után megváltozik a szexuális egészsége, működése. Tanulmányunk célja, hogy átfogó összegzést adjunk nemzetközi közlemények és a jelenleg rendelkezésre álló hazai kutatások alapján arról, hogy a várandósság alatt zajló normatív változások, amelyek szomatikus és pszichés szinten éreztetik hatásukat, hogyan befolyásolják az egyén és a pár szexuális működését. Áttekintjük a várandósság alatti szexuális egészség jellegzetességeit, kitérve arra, hogy a várandósság előrehaladása során az egyes trimeszterekben hogyan változik meg a gravida szexuális aktivitása és érdeklődése, mik a jellegzetes szexuális diszfunkciók, és hogyan alakul át a párok szexuális szokása, pozitúraválasztása, milyen jellegzetes aggodalmak és hiedelmek térítik el a párokat a szexuális élet gyakorlásától. A szülés utáni hatások közül tanulmányunk kitér arra, hogy a szexuális működést miként befolyásolja a szülés módja, a gáttrauma és az episiotomia, továbbá hogy a szoptatás, a hormonális változások hogyan hatnak a szexuális életre. Javaslatokat fogalmazunk meg a reprodukcióval összefüggő szexuális problémák prevenciós és intervenciós lehetőségeivel kapcsolatban. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(46): 1807–1816.
... From pregnancy and throughout TTP, sexuality is a particularly vulnerable and disrupted sphere of the couple's life (de Pierrepont & Polomeno, 2014). For the first time, pregnant people undergo hormonal changes that can lead to sexual difficulties (Pauleta et al., 2010). In addition, physical changes caused by pregnancy can affect, hinder, and sometimes prevent sexual intercourse (e.g., pain, difficulty reaching orgasm; Beveridge et al., 2018;Drozdowskyj et al., 2019;Jawed-Wessel & Sevick, 2017). ...
... Sexual satisfaction is "an affective response arising from one's subjective evaluation of the positive and negative dimensions associated with one's sexual relationship" (Lawrance & Byers, 1995, p. 268). Pauleta et al. (2010) revealed in their study that sexual satisfaction decreased for 27.7% of pregnant women but remained unchanged for almost half (48.4%) of them. A study by Condon et al. (2004) of 204 expectant and new fathers found that the number of men reporting low levels of sexual satisfaction increased from 27% to 37% between the prenatal period and 12 months postpartum. ...
Article
The transition to parenthood (TTP) is an exciting yet destabilizing time for couples. First-time parents may experience changes in their sexual satisfaction during the TTP, but little is known about the factors associated with these changes. Romantic attachment might help understand why some new parents experience a decrease in sexual satisfaction while others do not. This prospective and dyadic study aimed to examine new parents' sexual satisfaction trajectories through the moderator role of prenatal attachment anxiety and avoidance in these trajectories. A total of 221 primiparous Canadian couples completed four online questionnaires from the second trimester of pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Dyadic latent growth curve analyses revealed that although pregnant people present lower prenatal sexual satisfaction than their partners, both parents show an increase in their sexual satisfaction from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. For both parents, partners' attachment anxiety was related to one's own steeper increase in sexual satisfaction from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Finally, both parents' attachment avoidance was related to their own lower sexual satisfaction during pregnancy. These findings will help educate and support expectant parents about anticipated fluctuations in sexual satisfaction.
... Pregnancy is one of the most challenging phases in a woman's life, featured by deep changes exposing to psycho-physical adjustments that affect the couple's needs [6]. Overall, sexual function tends to decline during pregnancy [7] when nearly half of women experience sexual dysfunction [8]. ...
... The normal sexual function of women including sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction leads to well-being and favorable quality of life [9]. Variations and decreased sexual function during pregnancy not only affect women but also have a negative effect on their sex partners/spouses, leading to low libido and thus affecting couples' interactions [2,10]. A healthy sexual condition during pregnancy is key to couples' role as parents [7]. ...
Article
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Background: Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive periods in a woman’s life, which sexual activity and intercourse are affected by the variations in physical, hormonal, and mental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the variations in sexual response before and during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women at Rasht city (northern Iran), 2018. The data were collected using the pregnancy sexual response inventory (PSRI). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential tests by SPSS 25 at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The mean total score of sexual activity and response of the subjects before and during pregnancy were 73.04 ± 14.81 and 46.88 ± 16.51, respectively. The variations in the total score of sexual activity and response during pregnancy decreased by 26.16 points during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy. There was a positive correlation between the number of children and the score of the variations in sexual activity and response before and during pregnancy (r=0.143). Conclusion: Couples with a higher level of education and a lower number of children had fewer variations in their sexual response. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the couples’ sexual health through encouraging them to appropriately plan for childbearing, to share the responsibilities of taking care of their children, and to continue their education at higher levels. [GMJ.2019;8:e1531]
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Background: Pregnancy is a process characterized by intense physical, biological, psychological and social changes. Aims: To describe and discuss the main impacts of pregnancy on female sexual function. Method: Narrative review from June to September 2022, in PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs electronic databases. The PICOT strategy "Does pregnancy have an impact on female sexual function?" descriptors were selected and cross-referenced in Portuguese and English, including clinical trials, prospective, cross-sectional, and retrospective descriptive studies, with a population of pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years in any gestational period. Results: 11 studies were included; showed that pregnancy has a negative impact on female sexual function, with an increase in sexual dysfunction as gestational age increases, with a higher prevalence in the third trimester. The second trimester represents the peak of sexual function during pregnancy. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a factor that directly influences the appearance of sexual dysfunctions, with high prevalence and at higher levels in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Chapter
Although pregnancy and postpartum are only temporary periods in the life of women, healthy sexual activity during pregnancy and after delivery is one of the cornerstones in maintaining a good relationship for couples. Changes in sexual function during pregnancy and after delivery may increase couples’ concern for the maintenance of healthy sexual activity and a good relationship after these periods. The prepregnancy sexuality could be protective of the sexual function during pregnancy and after delivery. These topics are discussed in this chapter.
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Sexual function in women in the reproductive age years is under psychological, sociocultural, and relationship influences, as well as the influence of sex hormones. To examine the data relating to sexual function in women in the reproductive age group, particularly the influence of sex hormones. To examine, in particular, the influence of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the oral contraceptive pill and endogenous and exogenous testosterone. Review of the literature on female sexual function, confining the search to the reproductive age range. Population studies of sexual function identify sexual disinterest as being the most common sexual complaint in premenopausal women. Most studies of menstrual cyclicity identify a periovulatory increase in sexual desire or activity. All prospective studies of sexuality in pregnancy document a decline in sexual function with progression of pregnancy. Studies of the influence of the oral contraceptive pill on sexual function are contradictory with most prospective controlled studies showing no deleterious effect. Studies of the influence of endogenous androgens on sexuality are also contradictory with one large cross-sectional study showing no correlation, but some case-controlled studies show low androgens in women with sexual dysfunction. Studies of testosterone therapy in premenopausal women are ambiguous, with no clear dose-response effect. Sexual disinterest is prevalent in premenopausal woman despite being hormone replete. The assessment of androgen contribution is hampered by the unreliability of the testosterone assay in the female range. Large cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have not identified a correlation between testosterone and sexual function in women. Sexual dysfunction in the premenopausal age range is common. Sex hormones have a modifying effect on sexual function but social influences and learned responses are as important. The role of testosterone requires further study.
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This study examined the influence of role quality, relationship satisfaction, fatigue, and depression oil women's: sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth. Questionnaire data were obtained from 138 women pregnant with their first child, of whom 104 responded at 12 weeks postpartum, and 70 responded at 6 months postpartum. women reported sign flcant reductions in sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum. Relationship satisfaction explained levels of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, and was a predictor of sexual desire in the postpartum. Depression was an important predictor of reduced sexual desire and sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, and of reduced frequency of intercourse at 12 weeks postpartum. At 6 months postpartum, the quality of the mother role strongly related to measures of sexuality. Throughout the perinatal period, fatigue impacted on measures of sexuality, either directly or/and indirectly. The iniplications of these results in terms of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on relationships and sexuality are discussed.
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Information about sexual activity, enjoyment and libido was obtained at intervals from 119 primiparous women during a longitudinal survey of maternal emotional health in pregnancy and for a year after delivery. Most subjects described some reduction in the frequency of sexual intercourse and a diminution of libido and sexual enjoyment during pregnancy; this was most marked in the third trimester. After delivery, about a third of subjects had resumed intercourse by six weeks and nearly everyone had done so by three months. Nevertheless, 77 % and 57 % of the women were having intercourse less often at three and 12 months after delivery respectively, in comparison with the month before they became pregnant. Selected variables were examined for relationships with a low, or reduced frequency of intercourse and with a lack of enjoyment. Significant associations were found with aspects of maternal personality and childhood relationships, marital conflict, maternal depression, previous miscarriages, difficulties in conceiving and fears of harming the fetus. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, the mode of delivery and related obstetric and medical variables, breast-feeding and characteristics of the baby, did not appear to significantly influence maternal sexuality.
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Introduction: Recent surveys showed that the major reasons for avoiding vaginal delivery were the fear of childbirth and the concern for postpartum sexual health. Although sexual dysfunction is a disorder that affects a couple rather than an individual, all studies investigating the relationship between the mode of delivery and sexual problems have been conducted only in cohorts of women. Aim: To determine the effect of mode of delivery on quality of sexual relations and sexual functioning of men by using the Golombock-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Main outcome measure: Mean score of sexual function and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in overall and specific areas of the GRISS were compared among the three groups. Methods: A total of 107 men accompanying their wives in outpatient clinics of obstetrics and gynecology met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Three groups of men were defined; men whose partners had: (i) "elective cesarean delivery" (N = 21; mean age 32.2 +/- 3.8 years); (ii) "vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy" (N = 36; mean age 31.4 +/- 4.5 years); and (iii) "not given birth" (N = 50; mean age 28.8 +/- 4.0 years). Results: Mean overall sexual function score (normal value < 25 points) was 20.5 +/- 8.2 in the elective caesarean group, 19.3 +/- 6.5 in the vaginal delivery group, and 18.8 +/- 9.3 in the nulliparae group (P = 0.731). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men was 28.6% in the elective caesarean group, 19.4% in the vaginal delivery group, and 30.0% in the nulliparae group (P = 0.526). Conclusion: Overall sexual function of men was not affected by their partner's parity and mode of delivery. An elective cesarean section simply because of concerns about sexual function would not provide additional benefit to men, and could deny women a possible vaginal delivery, which is generally assumed to be safer than cesarean section.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the sexual functions during pregnancy using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Pregnancies were recorded in a prospective cohort study comprising 40 healthy pregnant women. Pregnant women who had a stable relationship with their partner were enrolled in the study when were first diagnosed to be pregnant. During their antenatal visits, subjects were asked to complete the FSFI questionnaire and other information about their sexual life in each trimester. Each FSFI domain score was calculated and mean scores in each domain were compared according to the trimesters of pregnancy. Data of 37 subjects for the first, 36 for the second and 34 for the third trimesters of pregnancy were eligible for the analysis. The mean age was 25.5+/-4.5 y; mean parity was 0.4+/-0.7 and mean gravity was 1.6+/-0.9. The frequency of intercourse attempts during the last 4 weeks was 8.6+/-3 before pregnancy, and 6.9+/-2.5, 5.4+/-2.6 and 2.5+/-1.4 in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. In all domains of FSFI, significant decline in domain scores was determined during pregnancy. The comparison of satisfaction and pain domain scores between first and second trimesters showed significant differences. All of the domain scores significantly decreased in the third trimester of pregnancy. Our results showed that sexual functions are significantly decreased during pregnancy and worsen as the pregnancy progresses. Childbearing couples should be given information about the sexual problems and fluctuations in the patterns of sexuality during pregnancy.
Article
To identify the prevalence of vulvar and vaginal symptoms during pregnancy and at 3 months post partum. A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study of 103 pregnant women was undertaken in which a self-administered questionnaire was completed at each trimester and 3 months post partum. Retrospective data was collected from 122 women, queried using similar tools, who comprised a nonpregnant control group. Descriptive and comparative statistics were employed. The prevalence of vulvar burning, itching, pain, and vaginal discharge generally increased during pregnancy, and improved postpartum. Dyspareunia increased during pregnancy, but remained elevated post partum. Compared with the historical nonpregnant group (adjusted for age, marital status, education, and smoking), dyspareunia was reported less often in the first trimester (P=0.03) and more often post partum (P<0.01). Furthermore, reports of vulvar pain and vaginal discharge were significantly greater during the second and third trimesters. Vulvar and vaginal symptoms are common during pregnancy, and the prevalence of some, but not all, increase during gestation and decrease post partum.
Article
Pregnancy is the best time in a woman's life. Hormonal and physiological changes influence women's well-being, mood, and sexual behavior. The aim of this study was to explore women's sexual behavior during pregnancy. Open-ended interviews were conducted with pregnant women who were referred to the teaching clinic in Gorgan. All of the interviews were tape recorded. The data were coded and categorized as is usual in qualitative methods. The data were categorized as "low sex desire", "anxious of harmfulness", and "sexual myths". Seventy-three percent of the women reported low libido during pregnancy. Most of the participants changed their coitus positions. Forty-five percent of them preferred the "rear position". None of the women sought counseling or information from a doctor or midwife, due mainly to shyness in talking about sex. Many women experience some problems in their sex life during pregnancy, which can contribute to significant emotional distress. However, women may not seek professional expertise in their attempt to alleviate this condition. It is important to assess the beliefs and experiences of all women, including the pregnant ones.
Article
In a longitudinal study of couples expecting their first child many women experienced a diminished sexual desire, most commonly in the third trimester. Among men it was common only during the third trimester. Decrease in sexual desire influenced sexual frequency and in turn sexual satisfaction. During the first and second trimester there was no relation between the perceived change in sexual desire between women and men. The same was true for sexual satisfaction during the first and third trimester. In women there was a relation between experienced change in sexual behavior during pregnancy and background variables such as age, education, rapport with parents, mood, and worry concerning pregnancy and parturition. This was most marked during the first and third trimesters. In the men, only age, rapport with parents, and worry concerning the fetus were related to changes in sexual behavior.
Article
Sexual and marital relationships change throughout marriage and the transition to parenthood can be seen as a psychosocial crisis. Recent studies do not support the finding of Masters and Johnson (1966) that there is a mid-trimester rise in sexual responsiveness. Sexual behaviour decreases towards the end of pregnancy and a number of studies have found that in the majority of mothers there is only a slow return to pre-pregnancy levels in the first postnatal year. Some of the factors influencing the rate of return are discussed. Breast-feeding is important because of the hormonal changes it produces and it has been said to stimulate sexual feelings in both mother and baby. There is some evidence that breast-feeding has an adverse effect on sexuality in the first postnatal year. It is not clear whether this could be related to differences in hormone levels or differences in feeding behaviour. Fatigue and contraception have largely been ignored in studies of factors influencing postnatal sexual behaviour. Women who went on to breast-feed were found to be very similar on antenatal measures of sexual behaviour to those who went on to bottle-feed. The method of feeding is the major influence on the hormonal status, and the experience of painful intercourse reported by breast-feeding mothers may be related to low oestrogen levels. Breast-feeding persistence is influenced by both social and psychological factors and its effect on sexual behaviour is discussed.