Sexuality during pregnancy

Abstract

Background and Aims:The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual satisfaction during pregnancy using the Hudson's Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) questionnaire.Methods:One hundred and thirty seven couples who met the study criteria were recruited by voluntary participation. Participants anonymously completed a self-administered questionnaire (demographic questions, Hudson's Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Demographic data, ISS and HADS scores were analyzed and compared among trimesters.Results:Data of 38 couples for the first (28%), 40 for the second (29%) and 59 for the third (43%) trimesters of pregnancy were collected for the analysis. The median age was 28 (25 – 30 years) for women and 29 (26-32 years) for men. Women's ISS score was influenced by age of woman (b=0,12), woman's HADS score (b=0,25), and ISS score of the partner (b=0,55).Women's HADS score (b=-0,18), women's ISS score (b=0,63) and men's HADS score (b=0,25) were factors influencing men's ISS score. Women's level of sexual satisfaction (ISS scores) didn't differ among trimesters. For men, the highest level of sexual satisfaction was reported in the third trimester.Conclusions:Our results don't support previous observations that the level of sexual satisfaction decreased significantly throughout pregnancy.