Depressive symptoms as a predictor of sexual function during pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Biopsychological and sociocultural factors have been reported to be associated with sexual function in pregnancy. To date, very few studies have focused on the relationship between sexual function and depression during pregnancy.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether depressive symptoms predict overall sexual function, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain during pregnancy by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).


METHODS
Pregnant women undergoing prenatal examinations were randomly selected for this cross-sectional investigation. The study included 555 pregnant women who completed the Taiwanese versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), FSFI, and a demographic questionnaire during pregnancy.


METHODS
CES-D scores for depressive symptoms, scores for overall sexual function on the FSFI, and the FSFI domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.


RESULTS
After adjusting for demographic factors, CES-D scores during the first trimester negatively predicted overall sexual function (P=0.0004), arousal (P=0.0104), lubrication (P=0.0016), orgasm (P=0.0022), and pain (P<0.0001). Moreover, CES-D scores during the third trimester negatively predicted sexual desire (P=0.0005) and satisfaction (P<0.0001). Furthermore, gestational age negatively predicted overall sexual function, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain (all P<0.0001). Parity was a positive predictor of overall sexual function, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm (all P<0.0005). Medical conditions were positive predictors of sexual desire (P=0.0023).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study revealed that depressive symptom scores during early and late pregnancy were significant negative predictors of sexual function during pregnancy.
School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. srchang@ntu.edu.tw
Shiow-Ru
SR
Chang
Hong-Nerng
HN
Ho
Kuang-Ho
KH
Chen
Ming-Kwang
MK
Shyu
Lian-Hua
LH
Huang
Wei-An
WA
Lin
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D009948:Orgasm; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan