Soumaya ELAREM, MD
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
amina karker, MD
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
Ikram Haddada, dr
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
Aymen haj Salah, MD
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
Hela Dahmeni, MD
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
Mouna Sghir, MD
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
Wassia Kessomtini, MD
dr
taher sfar hospital
mahdia, Al Mahdia, Tunisia
This study aims to examine pregnant women's perceptions of their sexuality, as well as any changes in their sexual practices during pregnancy.
Design: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in the obstetrics gynecology department over a two-month period (January-February 2024). Participants, recruited, completed an anonymous questionnaire about their sexual activity during pregnancy, their desires, concerns and experiences. We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function.
Results:
Sixty-six pregnant women participated in the study, with an average age between 20 and 45 years. Pregnancy was planned in 44% of cases and desired in 83.3%. Participants had an average of 4.48 ± 3.6 intercourses per month. Sixty-eight percent of women had sexual dysfunction, with a mean overall score of 19.08 ± 9.33. The lowest scores were observed for arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Sexual dysfunction was associated with unwanted pregnancy, high body mass index and pregnancy term.
Conclusions:
Sexuality during pregnancy is often surrounded by taboos and prejudices, and is often neglected during prenatal consultations, although it may represent a major concern for many pregnant women anxious to preserve harmony within their couple.
It's important to take pregnant women's sexual needs and concerns into account to ensure a positive experience during this period of transition to motherhood.
