Abstract
PurposeThe present study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression and sexual function in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.MethodsIn a cross-sectional correlational study, 130 consecutive patients with history of recurrent pregnancy loss were included who referred to Avicenna Fertility Center in Tehran, Iran during November 2018–February 2019. The outcomes were sexual dysfunction (Assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index) and depression (Evaluated with the Beck’s Depression Inventory). The study data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsThe study findings revealed that 40.8% of the participants suffered from some degrees of depression. The data analysis revealed that depression had a significant inverse correlation with sexual function and its domains (r = − 0.392, p < 0.001, R2= 0.15). The spouse’ education level and economic status demonstrated a significant relationship with women’s sexual function (p = 0.01, p = 0.033). A significant relationship was also detected between women’s depression and economic status (p = 0.028).ConclusionsThe study findings showed that women with RPL who had severe depression indicated lower score of sexual function. Since psychological and sexual problems are not reported to health care providers due to giving priority to fertility issues or considering such issues as taboos, the assessment of sexual and mental health needs to be part of the consultation in women with history of RPL, whether the patient seeks help for depression and sexual dysfunction or not.
Highlights
The experience of pregnancy loss may alter women’s physical, psychological and mental health [1]
Some studies have investigated the psychological consequences of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and revealed that depression is prevalent in women with a history of RPL [6, 9, 10]
A comparative study was conducted in Iran and revealed that women who have undergone RPL, experience a lower quality of life as well as more depression and anxiety compared to women without a history of miscarriage [1]
Summary
The experience of pregnancy loss may alter women’s physical, psychological and mental health [1]. Depression, emotional stress, anxiety, fear and sleep disorders have been reported within women with RPL history [4,5,6]. The psychological consequences of previous miscarriage sustain in subsequent pregnancies [8]. Some studies have investigated the psychological consequences of RPL and revealed that depression is prevalent in women with a history of RPL [6, 9, 10]. The depression prevalence has been reported 41.3% within pregnant women with RPL history in a study carried out in Brazil [9]. A comparative study was conducted in Iran and revealed that women who have undergone RPL, experience a lower quality of life as well as more depression and anxiety compared to women without a history of miscarriage [1]
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