Investigation of Sexual Function and Dyspareunia in Third Trimester Pregnant Women

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate sexual function and dyspareunia in third-trimester pregnant women living in Türkiye.

Method: Forty pregnant women in third trimester (age: 30.70 years, body mass index: 27.39 kg/m²) participated in this study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), both validated and reliable in Turkish, were used to assess sexual function and dyspareunia. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, and Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.005.

Results: Based on the FSFI total scores, sexual dysfunction was identified in 37 out of 40 pregnant women (92.50%), and dyspareunia was reported by 15 women (37.50%). A statistically significant weak negative correlation was found between the VAS dyspareunia total scores and FSFI total and subscale (excluding pain) scores (r: -0.241, p<0.005). In addition, a weak positive correlation was found between the FSFI pain score and the VAS dyspareunia score (r: 0.241, p<0.005).

Discussion: Sexual function is negatively affected in the third trimester of pregnancy. Addressing sexual function during pregnancy is important to improve quality of life.

Key Words: Pregnancy, Sexual Function, Dyspareunia.