Sexual Changes During Pregnancy in a Middle-Eastern Population

Abstract

Several studies reported a progressive decrease in sexual activity, interest and enjoyment throughout pregnancy. These changes in sexual life are influenced by changes in body image, alterations in the neurological, vascular, endocrine and other systems, as well as psychological and emotional disturbances that may affect the couple’s sexual relationship. The aim of our study is to understand the effect of pregnancy on sexual activity in a Middle-Eastern population, and to understand, as healthcare providers, the patient’s perception of sexual activity during pregnancy. A modified Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory questionnaire was filled by 60 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic or the pre-admission unit in one public and two private Lebanese hospitals. The results showed decreased levels of sexual activity, sexual desire, frequency of orgasm in women and decreased level of partnered sexual activity of the spouse during pregnancy as compared to prior to pregnancy. Pain during sexual intercourse was unchanged prior to and during pregnancy. Our study highlighted the many concerns pregnant women had about their sexual life during pregnancy. Those concerns should not be ignored by the obstetricians who should discuss sexual health matters during the antenatal visits.