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Chapter 5 - Demographics of Sexual Behavior in Pregnancy

from Section 1 - General Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2022

By
Hanna R. Goldberg  and
Karthika Devarajan
Edited by
Dan Farine  and
Pablo Tobías González
Dan Farine
Affiliation:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Pablo Tobías González
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina de Parla, Madrid
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Summary

Sexual behavior in pregnancy is affected by many factors, including biological, psychological, social, and environmental, that vary throughout its course. To assess the demographics of sexual behavior in pregnancy, several research tools have been developed. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a brief self-report measure that is commonly used to assess female sexual function in research studies. In general, the literature has shown that sexual frequency and sexual function decline over the course of pregnancy. Most studies demonstrate a decrease in the first trimester, no change or an increase in the second trimester, and then a sharp decrease in the third trimester and early postpartum period. In order to address the decline in sexual function over the course of pregnancy, it is important to understand and recognize the factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. Some of these factors include discomfort, nausea, fatigue, fear of harming the fetus or causing infection, and negative self-perception. Physicians should create a supportive environment in which patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns regarding sexuality in pregnancy. Exploring and addressing patient fears may alleviate unnecessary abstinence and the associated stress this places on a relationship.

Keywords

sexual behaviorsexual dysfunctionsexual functionsexual distresspregnancy
Type
Chapter
Information
Sex and Pregnancy
From Evidence-Based Medicine to Dr Google
 , pp. 27 - 31
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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