Comparison of overall sexual function, sexual intercourse/activity, sexual satisfaction, and sexual desire during the three trimesters of pregnancy and assessment of their determinants

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy affects women's sexual function. However, few reports have addressed this phenomenon.

Aim: To examine overall sexual function and three dimensions of the Taiwan version of the Female Sexual Function Index and to assess their determinants during the three trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods: Cross-sectional investigation of 663 pregnant women using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Body Image Scale for Pregnant Women, and demographics questions.

Main outcome measures: Urinary incontinence, body image, obstetrical history, demographics, and other factors potentially influencing overall sexual function, intercourse/activity, satisfaction, and desire during pregnancy.

Results: Mean scores for overall sexual function, intercourse/activity, and satisfaction differed significantly among the three trimesters (P = or <0.02), whereas mean scores for sexual desire did not. Mean scores for overall sexual function and intercourse were significantly lower during the third trimester than during the first trimester (P < 0.001) or second trimester (P < 0.001). Mean score for satisfaction was significantly higher during the third trimester than during the first trimester (P = 0.01). Significant effects included the following: (i) the discomfort and infertility experiences on overall sexual function and on intercourse, the interaction between body image and artificial abortion on satisfaction, spontaneous abortion on desire during the first trimester; (ii) the full-time work and infertility experiences on overall sexual function and on intercourse, the interactions between body image and medical condition on desire during the second trimester; and (iii) the interaction between gestational age and HoLou ethnicity on overall sexual function, the interaction between body image and discomfort on overall sexual function and on intercourse, the interactions between body image and infertility experiences and gravidity on satisfaction, urinary incontinence on desire during the third trimester.

Conclusions: Results demonstrated that biopsychosocial and cultural factors affected Female Sexual Function Index (FSFIT) scores throughout pregnancy.