Document Detail


Effects of pregnancy on female sexual function and body image: a prospective study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18547388     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
INTRODUCTION: Sexual function through pregnancy and the postpartum period is an important aspect of quality of life. Despite this, prospective studies are limited, and the impact of body image on sexual function has not been explored. AIM: To prospectively assess the effects of pregnancy on sexual function, and explore causative factors for sexual function alterations such as body image and pelvic floor symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women completed the questionnaires in the first and third trimester and at 6 months postpartum. These included general information, questions regarding sexual activity and practices, and five validated indices: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire, short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: An assessment of the FSFI domains through the 6 months postpartum and relationships between sexual function, body image, and pelvic floor symptoms. RESULTS: One hundred seven women were enrolled, 63 completed the final questionnaire. Sexual function declined through pregnancy and was not recovered by postpartum (P = 0.017); sexual frequency was highest prior to becoming pregnant (P < 0.0005). Sexual practices changed during pregnancy but returned to early pregnancy levels in the postpartum period. Although body image during sexual functioning did not significantly change during pregnancy, it worsened in the postpartum period (P = 0.01). In early pregnancy, low sexual function was associated with impaired body image, while in the postpartum period, worse urinary symptoms correlated with poor FSFI. CONCLUSION: Sexual function worsens during pregnancy and is not recovered by the 6 months postpartum; poor scores may be attributable to low body image and urinary complaints.
Authors:
Rachel N Pauls; John A Occhino; Vicki L Dryfhout
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2008-06-10
Journal Detail:
Title:  The journal of sexual medicine     Volume:  5     ISSN:  1743-6109     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2008 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-09-08     Completed Date:  2008-12-24     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101230693     Medline TA:  J Sex Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1915-22     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Women's Center for Specialized Care, Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. Rachel_Pauls@trihealth.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Body Image*
Cohort Studies
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Gestational Age
Humans
Postpartum Period / psychology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications / psychology
Prospective Studies
Puerperal Disorders / psychology
Quality of Life / psychology
Questionnaires
Sexual Behavior*
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / psychology
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / psychology
Young Adult

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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