The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Female Sexual Function

Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of life involving sexual functioning. Methods: This prospective, noninterventional, observational research was performed from July 2020 to August 2020, involving a total of 644 patients. Female sexual function index (FSFI) scores of those women were compared in relation to results of our research from April 2020. Questionnaires were collected concerning socio-demographic characteristics of patients as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives. Results: Every domain significantly decreased in the first month of the lockdown. Before the pandemic, the total FSFI was reported at 30.1 ± 4.4, while in the first month of the pandemic it was at 25.8 ± 9.7 (p < 0.001). The lowest FSFI score was reported by women who lived in average conditions. There was a statistically significant increase in the overall FSFI score in the fifth month of the pandemic (27.5 ± 6.8) when compared to the FSFI score in the first month of the pandemic (25.8 ± 9.7). The scores in arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain were reported as higher (respectively p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.05), while desire was reported lower (p < 0.001). The satisfaction score remained almost the same (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study indicates a significant decrease in FSFI scores across all domains. There are still many questions whether the statue from the vaccinated person or convalescents affects the sense of security and, thus, increases sexual satisfaction.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 pandemic; female sexual function; sexual dysfunction; sexuality.

Figure 1

Percentage of sexual intercourse before, in the first month and in the fifth month of the pandemic.