Investigation of Sexual Function and Dyspareunia in Third Trimester Pregnant Women

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.

Keywords

• Sexual Function
• Dyspareunia.
• Pregnancy

Ethical Statement

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

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