Sexual dysfunction: Evaluation of women during the third trimester of gestation

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is characterized by lack, excess, discomfort and/or pain in the development of the sexual response cycle, manifesting persistent or in recurring basis. Objective: To determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions in low risk pregnant women in the third quarter and its association with risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 102 women with low risk pregnancy during the third trimester of pregnancy and sexually active, who had been monitored in the health centers of the cities of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA), Brazil, between September, 2013 and March, 2014. To do so it was used the Personal Data Sheets with the members’ demographic and clinical characteristics and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI). The prevalence and possible associations using χ2 test were calculated. In all analysis, it was used a significance level of p<0.05. Confidence intervals (95%CI) when determined were accurate. Results: Of the total sample, 45.1% reported sexual dysfunction with an average rate of female sexual function 26.15%. The lowest scores were in the areas of desire and arousal. The association of sexual dysfunction with parity also occurred. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a moderate rate of women with sexual dysfunctions in the third gestational quarter, highlighting significant decrease in all FSFI domains. Furthermore, it was verified significant statistical difference in the association of sexual dysfunctions with the parity variable. However, it was not found significant difference on sexual dysfunctions with age, body mass index, schooling and family income variables.