Search Results (7)

Background and Objectives: Sleep disruption and reduced physical activity are common in pregnancy and may impair sexual function through mood, body-image, and relational pathways. We prospectively examined whether sleep quality and physical activity predicted third-trimester sexual function in a Romanian antenatal cohort, and explored psychosocial correlates. Materials and Methods: In a single-center cohort, 102 pregnant adults were enrolled ≤ 20 weeks and followed to the third trimester. Sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index–Romanian version, FSFI-RO), physical activity (IPAQ-SF), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), body-image avoidance (Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire, BESAQ), and perceived social support (MSPSS) were assessed. Groups were defined by mid-/late-pregnancy sleep (good, PSQI ≤ 5; poor, PSQI > 5). Analyses used t-tests, Pearson correlations, multivariable linear regression for FSFI-Total, and logistic regression for FSFI-Total < 26.55. Results: Compared with good sleepers (n = 56), women with poor sleep (n = 46) had lower third-trimester FSFI-Total (24.4 ± 3.9 vs. 27.9 ± 4.3; p < 0.001) and higher odds of FSFI-defined dysfunction (adjusted OR 121.1; 95% CI 19.2–763.0; p < 0.001). FSFI-Total correlated with worse sleep (PSQI r = −0.42), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 r = −0.36), social support (MSPSS r = 0.40), body-image avoidance (BESAQ r = −0.34) and physical activity (IPAQ-SF r = 0.24; all p ≤ 0.015). In adjusted models (R² = 0.42), higher MSPSS (β = 0.26; p = 0.004) was protective, whereas PSQI (β = −0.24; p = 0.008), ΔPHQ-9 (β = −0.19; p = 0.023), BESAQ (β = −0.17; p = 0.031), and higher BMI (β = −0.14; p = 0.049) predicted lower FSFI-Total. Conclusions: In this antenatal cohort, poor sleep was strongly and independently associated with lower sexual function, with meaningful contributions from social support, mood, body-image cognition, and physical activity, highlighting sleep as a clinically actionable target for preserving sexual well-being in pregnancy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is common in PCOS, yet mean group comparisons can mask variability at the individual level. We aimed to identify and characterize person-centered profiles of sexual function from the six FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) domains, and secondarily to describe the distribution of PCOS across profiles. Methods: In an age- and anthropometry-matched case–control sample, unsupervised clustering on FSFI domains was performed; clinical and psychosocial correlates were compared, and logistic regression tested prediction of FSFI-defined FSD. Results: Two profiles emerged—Sexual Dysfunction vs. Preserved Function—with clear multivariate separation. Dysfunction showed lower FSFI, higher adiposity, and worse body-image discomfort. PCOS was more frequent in Dysfunction but not significantly. Cluster membership predicted FSD. Conclusions: Person-centered profiling reveals clinically meaningful heterogeneity that transcends diagnosis and highlights adiposity and body-image distress as salient, potentially modifiable correlates. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sexual function often fluctuates during pregnancy, yet the contributions of body image-related quality of life (BI-QoL)—operationalized via body image instruments such as the Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ) and pregnancy-specific body image scales—and relationship satisfaction remain inconsistently quantified. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the associations between BI-QoL, relationship satisfaction, and female sexual function in pregnant women. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to 23 August 2025. Eligible studies enrolled pregnant women and reported quantitative data on BI-QoL and/or relationship satisfaction alongside sexual outcomes. Risk-of-bias used design-appropriate tools; findings were narratively synthesized due to heterogeneity. Results: Thirteen studies met criteria (predominantly cross-sectional; sample sizes 107–472; one RCT; several couples/longitudinal cohorts). Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) means clustered in the mid-20s; in a randomized trial, the intervention arm improved FSFI by +1.76 points (22.95 → 24.71; p = 0.002). Overall female sexual dysfunction reached 54.7% in the largest cross-sectional sample. Higher body exposure anxiety was associated with ~4.24-fold greater odds of dysfunction across trimesters. Marital satisfaction explained ≈36% of FSFI variance in multivariable models. Pregnancy context factors related to BI-QoL included planned pregnancy (β = −0.273) and third trimester (β = −0.280) indicating better BI-QoL, while more children predicted worse BI-QoL (β = +0.317). In one cohort, BI during sexual activity worsened postpartum versus pregnancy (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Across diverse settings, poorer BI-QoL and lower relationship satisfaction were consistently linked to reduced sexual function during pregnancy, with desire/arousal most affected. Routine screening and couple-sensitive counseling should be considered as promising, yet still under-tested, strategies that warrant further evaluation in intervention studies. Full article

This comparative cross-sectional study conducted at the “Pius Brinzeu” healthcare center in Timisoara explored the differential impacts of pregnancy planning status on sexual function, body image, and relationship satisfaction among pregnant women. Employing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the study analyzed responses from 107 participants divided into groups of planned (n = 59, mean age 28.5 ± 5.2) and unplanned (n = 48, mean age 27.3 ± 4.8) pregnancies. In the first trimester, unplanned pregnancies reported higher median scores in desire (4.7 vs. 3.6, p = 0.005), arousal (4.5 vs. 3.8, p = 0.001), and lubrication (4.6 vs. 3.7, p = 0.015) compared to planned pregnancies. Satisfaction scores also favored unplanned pregnancies in the first trimester (4.8 vs. 3.9, p = 0.009). Similar trends were observed in subsequent trimesters, with unplanned pregnancies consistently reporting higher FSFI scores, indicating a robust sexual function. Risk factors significantly associated with sexual dysfunction were a higher BMI in the first trimester (beta coefficient: −0.124, p = 0.019), unmarried civil status (beta coefficient: −0.323, p = 0.045), history of previous abortion (beta coefficient: −0.451, p = 0.012), irregular menstrual cycles (beta coefficient: −0.384, p = 0.026), and rural living area (beta coefficient: −0.278, p = 0.034). Notably, unplanned pregnancy itself was not a significant risk factor for sexual dysfunction (beta coefficient: −0.054, p = 0.095). Regarding relationship dynamics, planned pregnancies exhibited significantly higher satisfaction with partner support (4.1 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1, p = 0.041) and communication within the couple (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.020), whereas unplanned pregnancies reported higher satisfaction with emotional closeness (4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 1.0, p = 0.004). Concerns about managing professional activities and household chores were significantly more prevalent in the unplanned pregnancy group (62.50% vs. 33.90%, p = 0.014). Unplanned pregnancies demonstrated better initial sexual function but faced greater challenges in relationship satisfaction and managing pregnancy demands. Identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction can provide targeted interventions to improve the well-being of pregnant women, regardless of pregnancy planning status. Full article

The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of sexual function throughout pregnancy and highlight the predicting factors of sexual dysfunction in pregnant women. Our study included 144 participants, aged 16 to 45. Patients were evaluated three times during pregnancy by filling out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Body Exposure in Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ). At the time of the last evaluation, we asked patients to also fill out Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and a questionnaire regarding their psychological status and relationship satisfaction. We observed that the FSFI lubrication, satisfaction, and pain domains and the FSFI total score significantly decreased from the 1st to the 3rd evaluation. We observed that an increase in BDI score and the presence of abortion in the patient’s history increase the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Higher BMIs were found to be a protective factor against FSD, as was being unmarried. The relationship satisfaction score was found to be an independent predictor of FSD. These findings support previous studies that indicate that pregnancy and postpartum sexuality are multifaceted phenomena and that psycho-social factors have a greater impact on sexuality than biological factors. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hyperandrogenic endocrinological disorder associated with chronic oligo-anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology. Compared to women without PCOS, women with PCOS have a risk of sexual dysfunction that is more than 30% higher. Although alterations in sex hormones and psychosocial wellbeing have been proposed, the precise mechanisms of FSD in PCOS remain unclear. The aim of our study was to analyze how the hormonal, clinical and psychometric parameters of PCOS patients are involved in the development of sexual dysfunction. The study group consisted of 54 women, aged between 21 and 32 years, diagnosed with PCOS. We collected the following parameters: age, body mass index (BMI), the Ferriman–Gallwey score (FG), maximum duration of oligomenorrhea, abdominal circumference (AC), free testosterone value (FT), luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio value, serum cortisol value and ovarian ultrasound appearance. At the time of the examination, patients were asked to fill in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ). Statistically significant differences were observed between normal weight and overweight women regarding BESAQ (p-value = 0.02) and FSFI total (p-value <0.001). Elevated BMI, AC or BESAQ scores correlated with a lower FSFI score. The most involved domains of the scale were orgasm, arousal, and desire. Elevated BESAQ scores increase the risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) by 4.24 times. FT, BESAQ score, BMI, and LH/FSH ratio were found to independently predict FSD. The cutoff point for the BESAQ score in detecting FSD was found to be 1.97. Weight, body image and anxiety related to sexual activities seem to be significant components in the development of sexual dysfunction in PCOS patients, beyond the effect due to hyperandrogenism. FT value has a U-shape effect in sexual dysfunction, because both in the case of deficit and in the case of excess, sexual function is impaired. BESAQ is a strong predictor for sexual dysfunction in women with PCOS, along with FT value, LH/FSH ratio and BMI. Full article

Background: Maintaining sexual life in older women might be perceived as a measure of healthy and successful aging. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) based on the DSM-5 criteria and predictors of sexual performance in older women. Methods: A total of 185 women between 55 and 79 years old were included in the study. Validated scales were used to assess sexual function (Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ)), the propensity for sexual excitation/inhibition (Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women), and sexual anxiety/avoidance (Body Exposure during Sexual Activity Questionnaire (BESAQ)). Multiple regression was used to assess the factors affecting sexual function and the prevalence of FDS. Results: Sexual distress was diagnosed in 14.1% of women, and FSD in 16.2% (n = 53), whereas sexual problems (CSFQ) were diagnosed in 33.3% of women, and distressing sexual concerns in 35.1%. Women with a lower number of male sexual partners (β = −0.22), a better attitude toward sex (β = 0.25), higher importance of sex (β = 0.31), a higher level of sexual excitation (β = 0.34), and that were sexually active (β = 0.39) had better sexual function, as evaluated by CSFQ. Conclusions: Most older women remain sexually active. The diversity of sexual activity in later life should be affirmed to encourage women to be sexually active and to strengthen the response to sexual stimuli. Full article