Sexual Function and Related Endocrinological and Psychological Aspects in Pregnancy: A Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction:Sexuality is an important part of women's physical & psychological health. Female sexual function is affected during pregnancy. Aim: we aimed to assess and compare sexual function & related endocrinological & psychological aspects in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Methods: A total of sexually active 40 women included two groups: 20 pregnant women and 20 non- pregnant women who served as controls. Sexual function (using Female Sexual Function Index), the psychological status (using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) and Serum total testosterone & estradiol levels were assessed. Results: The studied women’s age ranged from 19 to 35years. The mean of desire, arousal, orgasm, and total score domains in pregnant women (2.97±0.98, 3.00±0.82, 3.53±0.93, 21.77±3.89 respectively) were significantly lower when compared to non- pregnant women (p < 0.05).In pregnant women,the depression & stress axis showed significant negative correlations with desire, satisfaction, and total score domains (p < 0.05). Bothaxes showed also significant negative correlations with total testosterone in both pregnant & non-pregnant women(p < 0.05).There were negative correlations between satisfaction in pregnant women and each of female age, husbands’ age, duration of marriage and parity (r=-0.6 p=.00.5, r=-0.59 p=.006, r=-0.72 p=.001, r=-0.59, p=.005 respectively). Conclusions: Sexual function is affected in pregnant women more than non- pregnant women. Hormonal changes, depression and stress are interrelated factors along with other factors such as age, husband’s age and duration of marriage affect the sexual function in pregnant women. So, when evaluating pregnant women, sexual function along with all these factors should be considered and assessed.