The relationship between pregnant women and their spouses' belief in sexual myths during pregnancy, relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction

Abstract

Aim: Pregnancy, birth and post-partum period is an important process in which many physiological, psychological and social changes are experienced by mothers and fathers. Pregnancy is also one of the periods when sexuality is most affected, and sexual dysfunctions are common during this period. The aim of this study is to investigate the sexuality and sexual myths of pregnant women and their partners.
 Material and Method: This research was conducted in an university hospital in Turkey with a total of 128 participants, 77 pregnant women and 51 spouses who agreed to participate.
 Results: There was a statistically significant relationship in terms of working status, having a history of miscarriage in the family, and sexual knowledge adequacy before marriage. Men's employment rate and pre-marital sexual knowledge adequacy status were higher than women. A statistically significant difference has been achieved in the "Sexuality/Attractivess" sub-dimension in Sexual Myths During Pregnancy Scale (SMDPS) and the "Avoidance" and "Communication" sub-dimensions in Glombock - Rust sexual satisfaction Scale (GRSSS). An inverse low correlation between sexual myths during pregnancy and GRSSS in men and low-level lineer relationship between GRSSS and Relationship Satisfaction Scale(RSSS) scores in women are detected.
 Conclusions: Exaggerated, false beliefs that are considered true but not actually related to sexuality, sexual myths negatively affect the relationship of couples. The prevalence of sexual myths during pregnancy will decrease and the impact on the quality of sexual life during pregnancy will be minimized by obtaining consultancy services.