Received: 3 April, 2008 Accepted: 28 Jan, 2009

  Abstract

 Background & Aims: Pregnancy is a sensitive period of life in women sexual and coital relationships can change because of physical and psychological changes during this period. This study was done to determine sexual behavior and some of its related factors in pregnant women.

 Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, sexual behaviors and some related prevalent factors during pregnancy were studied in 350 pregnant women through two randomly stratified selection stages. Data gathering were done using a questionnaire. Chi-squared test was used to analyze the data. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

 Results: A majority of pregnant women reported a diminished libido (58.6%) and a declined frequency of sexual intercourse (61.1%) during pregnancy. The Main reasons for the decrease were mentioned the fear of trauma to the fetus and infection. There were significant differences between sexual intercourse, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and orgasm with fear of trauma to the fetus with (p=0.02), (p=0.008), (p<0.001), (p<0.001) respectively.

 Conclusion: Considering the importance of sexual health during pregnancy, consultation services and attendance of experts in sexual behaviors during pregnancy in healthcare centers is mandatory.

 Keywords: Pregnancy, Sexuality, Sexual behavior, Psychology, Satisfaction,

  Address : Ghamar Banihashem Hospital, Khoy, Iran Tel: (+98) 09144613044 

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  Source: UMJ 2009: 20(1): 075 ISSN: 1027-3727