This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction prior to and during the first pregnancy. This was a cross-sectional study using postpartum interviews with 778 primigravidae who were married or in stable unions and had given birth at the two maternity hospitals in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, from February 1st to July 31st, 2010. Median age was 20 years, 45% were adolescents, 19% had completed elementary school, 30% had paid jobs, and 86.5% had used public healthcare services (SUS) for childbirth. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 23.9% prior to pregnancy and 67.7% during pregnancy. Decreased libido was present in 20.2% prior to pregnancy and 51% during pregnancy. Decreased vaginal lubrication occurred in 29.1% during pregnancy. Dyspareunia was present in 1.2% prior to pregnancy and 14.4% during pregnancy. Some 3.3% reported sexual dissatisfaction prior to pregnancy, as compared to 10.8% during pregnancy. Women with more schooling showed higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction during (as compared to before) their first pregnancy.
Physiological Sexual Dysfunction; Sexual Health; Pregnancy; Women
