Sexual satisfaction in pregnancy: a cross section study in Japan

Abstract

Sexuality is one of the most important quality of life issues for both men and women. Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent women's sexual response is characterized as highly variable and influenced by a wide range of determinants, including physiologic, psychosocial, and contextual factors. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual satisfaction in pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study involving 685 Japanese pregnant women aging between17-43 years, who were recruited from January 01, 2012 – January 01, 2014 at the antenatal clinic of Jichi Medical University Hospital. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess sexual function. Overall, 284/685, 41.45% of the 685 pregnant women were at risk for sexual dysfunction symptoms (FSFI scores ≤26); this rate was significantly higher among pregnant women in 3rd trimester (187/254, 73%; P<0.05). Furthermore, our present study showed that the 3rd trimester of pregnancy had lower mean scores in sexual satisfaction, desire, lubrication, orgasm, arousal and dyspareunia than 1st and 2nd trimester. According to these results, pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy have lower female sexual function scores than 2nd and 1st trimester of pregnancy.