Sexual Function in Pregnancy in a Nigerian Population: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: Studies are abound from low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs) on postpartum sexual dysfunction but very limited in pregnancy. The data will help clinicians in providing women with evidence‑based information and counseling in these regards. Aim: To determine the effects of different trimesters of pregnancy on sexual functions and the possible risk factors for sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. Patients and Methods: The study was longitudinal in design, and study population consisted of 270 pregnant women attending antenatal care at the two largest tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. The recruitment was in the first trimester, and each recruited participant served as her own control. Interviews were conducted at specific times in the three trimesters, and data regarding sexual functions were obtained using validated questionnaires. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean total and domain female sexual function index (FSFI) scores between the three trimesters, and Bonferroni’s test for significant association between any two trimesters as may be applicable. The risk factors were determined via multivariate logistic regression analysis. A P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The FSFI means total score decreased as pregnancy advanced. It was significantly lower in second trimester (T2) than in first trimester (T1) (P < 0.001), and significantly lower in third trimester (T3) than T1 (P < 0.001), but no difference between T3 and T2 (P = 0.759). Similarly, the mean frequency of coitus per week declined across the trimesters; lower in T2 than T1 (2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.4 ± 0.6; P < 0.01), and lower in T3 than T1, but no difference between T3 and T2. The overall rate of sexual dysfunction was 50.7% and the risk factors age ≥35 years (AdjOR: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1–1.9; P: 0.01), multiparity (AdjOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2–2.5; P: 0.013) and a previous history of cesarean section (AdjOR: 2.1; 95%CI: 1.7–2.6; P: 0.004). Conclusion: Sexual function declines as pregnancy advances and the rate of sexual dysfunction is high in Enugu, Nigeria. Obstetricians are encouraged to discuss sexual health issues during antenatal care services and make more efforts towards reducing the modifying obstetric risk factors.