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

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. Sub-dimension 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.

Keywords

• covid-19
• sexual function
• women sexual health
• anxiety