Post-Recovery Sexual Function of Women with COVID-19 and Associated Factors

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Kaplan Ö., Mucuk S., Kaplan A., Şahin M. G., Çetinkaya A.

CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY, vol.15, no.Suplement 1, pp.355-364, 2023 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: Suplement 1
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.18863/pgy.1334857
  • Journal Name: CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY
  • Journal Indexes: Academic Search Premier, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), EBSCO Education Source, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.355-364
  • Kayseri University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the sexual function status and related factors in women after contracting COVID-19. The study comprised 261 women who had been infected with COVID-19. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Female Sexual Function Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Subdimension scores for desire (3.80 ± 1.16, 3.66 ± 1.17), arousal (4.25 ± 1.40, 4.11 ± 1.41), orgasm (4.36 ± 1.25, 4.29 ± 1.26), and sexual satisfaction (4.50 ± 1.49, 4.40 ± 1.49) in women, as well as the Female Sexual Function Scale total score (26.50 ± 6.79, 26.00 ± 6.93), decreased following COVID-19 infection. Moreover, the frequency of weekly intercourse decreased (2.78 ± 0.90; 2.60 ± 0.92) compared to the pre-infection levels, and the frequency of sexual dysfunction increased (FSFI < 26 = 38.7%, 46.0%). In this study, advanced age, high body mass index (BMI) value, low education, income level, unemployment, smoking, lack of physical activity, anxiety, decreased coital frequency, and COVID-19 infection were identified as risk factors for sexual dysfunction. There was no significant relationship between the time elapsed after recovery from COVID-19 and sexual function. In conclusion, this research suggests that COVID-19 infection may lead to sexual dysfunction in women. Based on these research findings, health practitioners should assess the sexual health of female patients who have had COVID-19 infections, ensuring that women feel comfortable discussing their sexual health issues and referring them to appropriate treatment and counseling services when needed.