Effects of demographic and obstetric variables with body image on sexual dysfunction in pregnancy: A cross‐sectional and comparative study

Aim This study was conducted to determine the effects of demographic and obstetric variables with body image on sexual dysfunction in pregnant women. Background Sexual dysfunction is frequent in pregnant women. To what extent body image plays a role is incompletely understood. Methods In the research, a cross‐sectional and comparative study was conducted. A personal information form, body image scale, and female sexual function index were applied to 472 pregnant women. Descriptive statistics, the Student t‐test, the χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis were employed for evaluating the data. Results Sexual dysfunction was found in 54.7%. The frequency of sexual dysfunction in the first trimester was lower. In addition, factors like the place of residence of the pregnant women and number of pregnancies were found to be related to sexual dysfunction in pregnant women. Each unit decrease in body image score resulted in women being 0.98 times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Conclusion It was determined that approximately one in two pregnant women experienced sexual dysfunction, and body image, place of residence, trimester of the pregnancy, and number of pregnancies were important factors affecting sexual function. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about this topic? Many factors cause sexual dysfunction, and one of these factors in women is pregnancy. In addition to the anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes caused by pregnancy, some demographic and obstetric variables can affect sexuality during pregnancy. To what extent body image plays role on sexual dysfunction in pregnancy is incompletely understood. What this paper adds? Approximately one in two pregnant women experienced sexual dysfunction in this study. We determined body image, living place, trimester of the pregnancy, and number of pregnancies were important factors affecting sexual function. The implications of this paper: The integration of findings with prenatal care services can be used to assess risk factors and provide protective services. Sexual dysfunction in pregnancy should be considered in the presentation of prenatal care services. Body image and all other variables should be considered as part of holistic follow up of pregnant women.