Published On: 06 Nov, 2024 12:37 PM | Updated On: 06 Nov, 2024 1:05 PM
A correlation between Female sexual function and distress and time-to-pregnancy
Few studies have examined the relationship between preconception sexual function and time-to-pregnancy (TTP), despite the fact that fertility success in mixed-sex couples frequently depends on the frequency and timing of sexual activity.
The study aimed to examine the impact of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), sexual distress, and painful intercourse on TTP among mixed-sex couples trying to conceive.
Researchers followed 2,500 participants from the Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) cohort, who completed a questionnaire after 30 days about their sexual health and function, including measures for a modified version of the 6-item Female Sexual Function and the Female Sexual Distress Scale.
The findings revealed:
- Exposure prevalence was 20.1% for female sexual dysfunction, 8.8% for distress, and 29.6% for any pain with intercourse.
- While no significant association was found between female sexual dysfunction and TTP when using a clinically validated definition, lower sexual function scores in the first three quartiles were linked to delayed conception.
- Notably, those experiencing sexual distress had an 18% lower fecundability compared to those without distress.
- Participants reporting frequent painful intercourse also experienced longer TTP.Â
- Exploratory analyses indicated that issues in the orgasm and lubrication domains of sexual function were associated with delayed conception.
The study concluded that preconception sexual dysfunction, particularly distress and frequent painful intercourse, is associated with delayed conception, suggesting the importance of clinical assessment and discussion of sexual function before attempting to conceive.
Source: Bond JC, Heaton B, White KO, Abrams JA, Kuohung W, Fisher RR, Wesselink AK, Fox MP, Wise LA. Female sexual function and distress and time-to-pregnancy in a prospective preconception cohort. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Oct 5:S0002-9378(24)01048-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.09.117. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39374749.
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