The Prognostic Factors of Sexual Dysfunction among Selected Pregnant Women in Tehran City, Iran

Background: Pregnancy affects women’s sexual function. Although previous studies have introduced various factors affecting sexual function, but few studies have examined the prognostic factors on sexual dysfunction during pregnancy. These factors are influenced by cultural issues of each society. This study aimed to determine the prognostic factors of sexual dysfunction in selected pregnant women in Tehran City, Iran. Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 250 pregnant women in Tehran selected using convenience sampling method. The data collection instrument consisted of a questionnaire for individual and midwifery information, female sexual function index, Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire (short version), female sexual distress scale, and prenatal distress questionnaire. The data were analyzed via SPSS software using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression (Enter method) statistical tests. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05. Findings: The mean (standard deviation) of sexual function score was 22.27 (9.73), and the majority of pregnant women (72%) had sexual dysfunction. Among the areas of sexual function, women had the highest rates of sexual dysfunction in the area of “pain”. The duration of marriage, prenatal distress, and sexual distress were significantly predictive factors of sexual dysfunction in pregnant women (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The duration of marriage, prenatal distress, and sexual distress significantly predicted sexual dysfunction in pregnant women. Knowing these factors is an important achievement for better prenatal care and designing interventional studies to improve sexual health during pregnancy.