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. 2022 Oct;10(4):714-753.
doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2022.06.005. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Nana Ernst Toldam  1 , Christian Graugaard  2 , Rikke Meyer  3 , Louise Thomsen  4 , Sabine Dreier  4 , Emmanuele A Jannini  5 , Annamaria Giraldi  6
Affiliations

Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Nana Ernst Toldam et al. Sex Med Rev. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted profoundly on the wellbeing and social interactions of the world population, and all dimensions of sexual health were potentially affected by globally implemented preventive measures.

Objectives: The scoping review aimed to compile existing research investigating possible effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on adult sexual health, that is, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction. Further, studies on the interplay between mental health and sexual well-being during the pandemic were reviewed.

Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. On October 11-12, 2021, PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Cochrane, Sociological Abstracts and Scopus were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers employing quantitative methodology. Additionally, unpublished ("grey") research studies on the subject were retrieved. The screening, data extraction, and analysis of evidence were conducted by 4 independent reviewers using an iterative approach.

Results: Based on 107 studies included, the scoping review showed that the pandemic had had a wide impact on all dimensions of sexual health. Except for solo sex activities, mainly negative COVID-19 implications were identified, although findings were, in sum, characterized by complexity and unpredictability. Thus, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction during the pandemic appeared to be mitigated by a broad range of sociodemographic and contextual factors. Finally, sexual health seemed deeply entwined with overall mental health.

Conclusion: The scoping review revealed a broad range of COVID-19-related effects on sexual health, including an overall decline in partnered sex and a concurrent increase in solo sex activities. It also emphasized a need for future research to shed light on possible long-term consequences of the pandemic in various population groups and on all aspects of sexual health. Toldam NE, Graugaard C, Meyer R, et al. Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:714-753.

Keywords: COVID-19; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction; Sexual Function; Sexual Health.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Prisma Flow Chart depicting reports identified, screened, and included.
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