Research Article
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Investigation of Sexual Function and Dyspareunia in Third Trimester Pregnant Women

Year 2025, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 54 - 59, 30.04.2025

Abstract

Abstract
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate sexual function and dyspareunia in third-trimester pregnant women living in Turkey.
Methods:
Forty pregnant women in their third trimester (age: 30.70 years, body mass index: 27.39 kg/m²) participated in this study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), both validated and reliable in Turkish, were used to assess sexual function and dyspareunia. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, and Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05.
Results:
Based on the FSFI total scores, sexual dysfunction was identified in 37 out of 40 pregnant women (92.50%), and dyspareunia was reported by 15 women (37.50%). A statistically significant weak negative correlation was found between FSFI and VAS dyspareunia total scores (r: -0.241, p<0.05).
Discussion:
Sexual function is negatively affected in the third trimester of pregnancy. Addressing sexual function during pregnancy is important for improving quality of life.

Ethical Statement

İstanbul Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Klinik Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu, GNO:360

References

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  • 2. Malary M, Moosazadeh M, Amerian M, Sabetghadam S, Keramat A. Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in different pregnancy trimesters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Holistic Nurs Midwifery. 2022;32(2):98-108.
  • 3. Bermas BL. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: musculoskeletal changes and pain. Uptodate Database Syst Rev. Available from: https://www.medilib.ir/uptodate/show/427.
  • 4. Ribeiro MC, de Tubino Scanavino M, do Amaral MLSA, de Moraes Horta AL, Torloni MR. Beliefs about sexual activity during pregnancy: A systematic review of the literature. J Sex Marital Ther. 2017;43(8):822-32.
  • 5. Bø K, Berghmans B, Mørkved S, Van Kampen M. Evidence-based physical therapy for the pelvic floor: Bridging science and clinical practice. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2014.
  • 6. Fuchs A, Czech I, Sikora J, Fuchs P, Lorek M, Skrzypulec-Plinta V, et al. Sexual functioning in pregnant women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(21):4216.
  • 7. Khalesi ZB, Bokaie M, Attari SM. Effect of pregnancy on sexual function of couples. Afr Health Sci. 2018;18(2):227-34.
  • 8. Miranda CC, Perez AV, Bossardi BR, Brust LC, Grossi FS, Valério EG, et al. Sexual function in pregnant women in the public health system. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;9(6):764-74.
  • 9. Mobasher A, Ismail SA, Habib D, Abu-Taleb D, Saleh S, Abbas AM. The effect of pregnancy on female sexual function: a cross-sectional study. J Curr Med Res Pract. 2019;4(2):170.
  • 10. Naldoni LM, Pazmiño MA, Pezzan PA, Pereira SB, Duarte G, Ferreira CH. Evaluation of sexual function in Brazilian pregnant women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2011;37(2):116-29.
  • 11. Napso T, Yong HE, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. The role of placental hormones in mediating maternal adaptations to support pregnancy and lactation. Front Physiol. 2018;9:1091.
  • 12. Daud S, Zahid AZM, Mohamad M, Abdullah B, Mohamad NAN. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019;300:1279-85.
  • 13. Aslan G, Aslan D, Kızılyar A, Ispahi C, Esen A. A prospective analysis of sexual functions during pregnancy. Int J Impot Res. 2005;17(2):154-7.
  • 14. Johannes B, Judith A. Sexuality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. J Sex Educ Ther. 2000;25(1):49-59.
  • 15. Sydow KV. Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies. J Psychosom Res. 1999;47:27-49.
  • 16. Tennfjord MK, Hilde G, Stær-Jensen J, Ellström Engh M, Bø K. Dyspareunia and pelvic floor muscle function before and during pregnancy and after childbirth. Int Urogynecol J. 2014 Sep;25(9):1227-35. doi: 10.1007/s00192-014-2373-2. Epub 2014 Apr 1. PMID: 24687365.
  • 17. Ertem G, Sevil Ü. Gebeliğin Cinselliğe Etkisi. Dirim Tıp Gazetesi. 2010;85(1):40-7.
  • 18. Brott AA, Ash J. The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be. New York: 1995. p. 114-5.
  • 19. Salih F. Uterin Leiomyom İle Dismenore, Disparoni Ve Non-Siklik Pelvik Ağrı İlişkisinin Değerlendirilmesi. JGON. 2013;10(38):1577-81.
  • 20. Rosen CB, Heiman J, Leiblum S, Meston C, Shabsigh R, Ferguson D, D'Agostino R. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): A multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26(2):191-208.
  • 21. Aygin D, Eti Aslan F. Kadın cinsel işlev ölçeğinin Türkçe’ye uyarlanması. Türkiye Klinikleri J Med Sci. 2005;25:393-9.
  • 22. Schober P, Boer C, Schwarte LA. Correlation coefficients: Appropriate use and interpretation. Anesth Analg. 2018;126:1763-8.
  • 23. Tosun Güleroğlu F, Gördeles Beşer N. Evaluation of sexual functions of the pregnant women. J Sex Med. 2014;11(1):146-53.
  • 24. Lee JT, Lin CL, Wan GH, Liang CC. Sexual positions and sexual satisfaction of pregnant women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2010;36(5):408-20.
  • 25. Allen L, Fountain L. Addressing sexuality and pregnancy in childbirth education classes. J Perinat Educ. 2007;16(1):32.
  • 26. Von Sydow K. Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies. J Psychosom Res. 1999;47(1):27-49.
  • 27. Bartels HC, Terlizzi K, Cooney N, Kranidi A, Cronin M, Lalor JG, Brennan DJ. Quality of life and sexual function after a pregnancy complicated by placenta accreta spectrum. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021;61:708-14.
  • 28. Gadelha IP, Diniz FF, Aquino PDS, Silva DD, Balsells MM, Pinheiro AKB. Social determinants of health of high-risk pregnant women during prenatal follow-up. Rev Rene. 2020;21(1):1-8.
  • 29. Maharramova A. Gebelikte Risk Algısı ve Stres Düzeyinin Karşılaştırılması. Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Ebelik Anabilim Dalı, Erzurum: Atatürk Üniversitesi; 2022.
  • 30. Sydow KV. Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies. J Psychosom Res. 1999;47:27-49.
  • 31. Naim M, Bhutto E. Sexuality during pregnancy in Pakistani women. J Pak Med Assoc. 2000;50:38-44.
  • 32. Oruç S, Esen A, Laçin S, Adıgüzel H, Uyar Y, Koyuncu F. Sexual behavior during pregnancy. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 1999;39:48-50.
  • 33. Erenel AS, Eroğlu K, Vural G, Dilbaz B. A Pilot study: In what ways do women in Turkey experience a change in their sexuality during pregnancy. Springer Sci + Bus Media. 2011;29:207-16.
  • 34. Liu HL, Hsu P, Chen KH. Sexual activity during pregnancy in Taiwan: A qualitative study. Sex Med. 2013;1(2):54-61.
  • 35. Ertem G, Sevil Ü. Gebeliğin cinselliğe etkisi. Dirim. 2010;2(7):40-47.
  • 36. Karakuş A, Yanıkkerem E. Gebelikte cinselliği etkileyen faktörler. Uluslararası Hakemli Hemşirelik Araştırmaları Dergisi. 2015;2(3):91-112.
  • 37. Gökyıldız Ş, Beji NK. The effects of pregnancy on sexual life. J Sex Marital Ther. 2005;31(3):201-15.
  • 38. Adinma JI. Sexuality in Nigerian pregnant women: perceptions and practice. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995;35:290-3.
  • 39. Leite AP, Campos AA, Dias AR, Amed PM, De Souza E, Camano L. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction during pregnancy. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2009;55(5):563-8.
Year 2025, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 54 - 59, 30.04.2025

Abstract

References

  • 1. Naldorellas E, Crane JM, Daley M, Bennett KA, Hutchens D. Sexuality and sexual activity in pregnancy. BJOG. 2000;107(8):964-8.
  • 2. Malary M, Moosazadeh M, Amerian M, Sabetghadam S, Keramat A. Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in different pregnancy trimesters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Holistic Nurs Midwifery. 2022;32(2):98-108.
  • 3. Bermas BL. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: musculoskeletal changes and pain. Uptodate Database Syst Rev. Available from: https://www.medilib.ir/uptodate/show/427.
  • 4. Ribeiro MC, de Tubino Scanavino M, do Amaral MLSA, de Moraes Horta AL, Torloni MR. Beliefs about sexual activity during pregnancy: A systematic review of the literature. J Sex Marital Ther. 2017;43(8):822-32.
  • 5. Bø K, Berghmans B, Mørkved S, Van Kampen M. Evidence-based physical therapy for the pelvic floor: Bridging science and clinical practice. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2014.
  • 6. Fuchs A, Czech I, Sikora J, Fuchs P, Lorek M, Skrzypulec-Plinta V, et al. Sexual functioning in pregnant women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(21):4216.
  • 7. Khalesi ZB, Bokaie M, Attari SM. Effect of pregnancy on sexual function of couples. Afr Health Sci. 2018;18(2):227-34.
  • 8. Miranda CC, Perez AV, Bossardi BR, Brust LC, Grossi FS, Valério EG, et al. Sexual function in pregnant women in the public health system. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;9(6):764-74.
  • 9. Mobasher A, Ismail SA, Habib D, Abu-Taleb D, Saleh S, Abbas AM. The effect of pregnancy on female sexual function: a cross-sectional study. J Curr Med Res Pract. 2019;4(2):170.
  • 10. Naldoni LM, Pazmiño MA, Pezzan PA, Pereira SB, Duarte G, Ferreira CH. Evaluation of sexual function in Brazilian pregnant women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2011;37(2):116-29.
  • 11. Napso T, Yong HE, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. The role of placental hormones in mediating maternal adaptations to support pregnancy and lactation. Front Physiol. 2018;9:1091.
  • 12. Daud S, Zahid AZM, Mohamad M, Abdullah B, Mohamad NAN. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019;300:1279-85.
  • 13. Aslan G, Aslan D, Kızılyar A, Ispahi C, Esen A. A prospective analysis of sexual functions during pregnancy. Int J Impot Res. 2005;17(2):154-7.
  • 14. Johannes B, Judith A. Sexuality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. J Sex Educ Ther. 2000;25(1):49-59.
  • 15. Sydow KV. Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies. J Psychosom Res. 1999;47:27-49.
  • 16. Tennfjord MK, Hilde G, Stær-Jensen J, Ellström Engh M, Bø K. Dyspareunia and pelvic floor muscle function before and during pregnancy and after childbirth. Int Urogynecol J. 2014 Sep;25(9):1227-35. doi: 10.1007/s00192-014-2373-2. Epub 2014 Apr 1. PMID: 24687365.
  • 17. Ertem G, Sevil Ü. Gebeliğin Cinselliğe Etkisi. Dirim Tıp Gazetesi. 2010;85(1):40-7.
  • 18. Brott AA, Ash J. The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be. New York: 1995. p. 114-5.
  • 19. Salih F. Uterin Leiomyom İle Dismenore, Disparoni Ve Non-Siklik Pelvik Ağrı İlişkisinin Değerlendirilmesi. JGON. 2013;10(38):1577-81.
  • 20. Rosen CB, Heiman J, Leiblum S, Meston C, Shabsigh R, Ferguson D, D'Agostino R. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): A multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26(2):191-208.
  • 21. Aygin D, Eti Aslan F. Kadın cinsel işlev ölçeğinin Türkçe’ye uyarlanması. Türkiye Klinikleri J Med Sci. 2005;25:393-9.
  • 22. Schober P, Boer C, Schwarte LA. Correlation coefficients: Appropriate use and interpretation. Anesth Analg. 2018;126:1763-8.
  • 23. Tosun Güleroğlu F, Gördeles Beşer N. Evaluation of sexual functions of the pregnant women. J Sex Med. 2014;11(1):146-53.
  • 24. Lee JT, Lin CL, Wan GH, Liang CC. Sexual positions and sexual satisfaction of pregnant women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2010;36(5):408-20.
  • 25. Allen L, Fountain L. Addressing sexuality and pregnancy in childbirth education classes. J Perinat Educ. 2007;16(1):32.
  • 26. Von Sydow K. Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies. J Psychosom Res. 1999;47(1):27-49.
  • 27. Bartels HC, Terlizzi K, Cooney N, Kranidi A, Cronin M, Lalor JG, Brennan DJ. Quality of life and sexual function after a pregnancy complicated by placenta accreta spectrum. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021;61:708-14.
  • 28. Gadelha IP, Diniz FF, Aquino PDS, Silva DD, Balsells MM, Pinheiro AKB. Social determinants of health of high-risk pregnant women during prenatal follow-up. Rev Rene. 2020;21(1):1-8.
  • 29. Maharramova A. Gebelikte Risk Algısı ve Stres Düzeyinin Karşılaştırılması. Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Ebelik Anabilim Dalı, Erzurum: Atatürk Üniversitesi; 2022.
  • 30. Sydow KV. Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies. J Psychosom Res. 1999;47:27-49.
  • 31. Naim M, Bhutto E. Sexuality during pregnancy in Pakistani women. J Pak Med Assoc. 2000;50:38-44.
  • 32. Oruç S, Esen A, Laçin S, Adıgüzel H, Uyar Y, Koyuncu F. Sexual behavior during pregnancy. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 1999;39:48-50.
  • 33. Erenel AS, Eroğlu K, Vural G, Dilbaz B. A Pilot study: In what ways do women in Turkey experience a change in their sexuality during pregnancy. Springer Sci + Bus Media. 2011;29:207-16.
  • 34. Liu HL, Hsu P, Chen KH. Sexual activity during pregnancy in Taiwan: A qualitative study. Sex Med. 2013;1(2):54-61.
  • 35. Ertem G, Sevil Ü. Gebeliğin cinselliğe etkisi. Dirim. 2010;2(7):40-47.
  • 36. Karakuş A, Yanıkkerem E. Gebelikte cinselliği etkileyen faktörler. Uluslararası Hakemli Hemşirelik Araştırmaları Dergisi. 2015;2(3):91-112.
  • 37. Gökyıldız Ş, Beji NK. The effects of pregnancy on sexual life. J Sex Marital Ther. 2005;31(3):201-15.
  • 38. Adinma JI. Sexuality in Nigerian pregnant women: perceptions and practice. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995;35:290-3.
  • 39. Leite AP, Campos AA, Dias AR, Amed PM, De Souza E, Camano L. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction during pregnancy. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2009;55(5):563-8.
There are 39 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Physiotherapy
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Hatice Gülşah Kürne 0000-0002-6719-2954

Türkan Akbayrak 0000-0001-5840-5252

Publication Date April 30, 2025
Submission Date November 1, 2024
Acceptance Date March 20, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 3 Issue: 2

Cite

Vancouver Kürne HG, Akbayrak T. Investigation of Sexual Function and Dyspareunia in Third Trimester Pregnant Women. JHUPTR. 2025;3(2):54-9.