Correlation between Female Sexual Function, Distress, and Time-to-Pregnancy

Few studies have explored the relationship between preconception sexual function and time-to-pregnancy (TTP), despite the critical role that frequency and timing of sexual activity play in fertility among mixed-sex couples.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), sexual distress, and painful intercourse on TTP in couples attempting to conceive.

Researchers followed 2,500 participants from the Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) cohort. Participants completed a questionnaire after 30 days assessing sexual health and function, including a modified 6-item Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale.

Key Findings:

• Prevalence of exposure: 20.1% for FSD, 8.8% for sexual distress, and 29.6% for any painful intercourse.
• No significant association was observed between clinically defined FSD and TTP. However, participants in the lower three quartiles of sexual function scores experienced delayed conception.
• Women reporting sexual distress had an 18% lower fecundability than those without distress.
• Frequent painful intercourse was associated with longer TTP.
• Exploratory analyses indicated that dysfunction in the orgasm and lubrication domains was particularly linked to delayed conception.

Conclusion:

Preconception sexual dysfunction—especially sexual distress and frequent painful intercourse—is associated with delayed conception. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and discussing sexual function in clinical care before couples attempt conception.

Source:

  Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Oct 5:S0002-9378(24)01048-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.09.117. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39374749.