What changes in sexual function during pregnancy?
Although sexual function during pregnancy significantly affects the quality of life, we know from previous studies that significant difficulties arise in this area. A new study investigated the changes that usually occur per trimester.
According to 663 pregnancies, arousal/ lubrication and orgasm are progressively reduced, as the woman moves from the first to the third trimester. However, sexual desire remains the same in all three trimesters.
Moreover, while several problems occur in various parts of sexual function in the secondary and especially the third trimester, overall sexual satisfaction is higher in the third trimester!
It seems that, sexual satisfaction during pregnancy is influenced by factors that are not limited to sexual function. The increase that is often experienced in sexual satisfaction, as the pregnancy progresses, may be due to the mental and emotional state of the woman.
Which factors hinder sexual function during pregnancy?
The same study showed that individual factors that negatively affect sexual function during pregnancy are: a) the woman’s level of distress, b) previous experiences of abortion or miscarriage, c) a full-time job, d) difficulties to conceive e) poor body image, f) health problems (especially urinary incontinence) and g) problems in fetal development.
It seems that sexual functioning during pregnancy is adversely affected by a large number of factors related to the woman.
Of course, when these are added to those relating to the quality of the relationship and characteristics of the partner, then we understand that sexual functioning during pregnancy is very complex and vulnerable.
Chang SR, Chen KH, Lin HH et al. (2011) Comparison of overall sexual function, sexual intercourse / activity, sexual satisfaction, and sexual desire during the three trimesters of pregnancy and assessment of their determinants. J Sex Med 8: 2859-2867.
