Investigation of Changes in Female Sexual Function in COVID-19 Pandemic with Male Partners

Authors : Orhan Sahin, Mehmet Gökhan Çulha

Pages : 75-79

Doi:10.52827/hititmedj.1126567

View : 29 | Download : 19

Publication Date : 2023-06-28

Article Type : Research Article

Abstract :Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sexual behaviors of females in Turkey by also evaluating their male partners. Method: This study included females (>18 years of age) who were married or had a regular sexual life in the last 6 months and had documented sexual functional status based on the Female Sexual Function Index FSFI) before the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was performed on May-July 2020. The participants were interviewed via telephone call or e-mail. The sexual functions of the females were evaluated using the FSFI and erectile functions of their male partners were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). The scores obtained before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. Results: The study included 116 females with a mean age of 39.83±9.38 years. The total FSFI score of the females during the pandemic was 20.98±7.53. A significant improvement was observed in all subscale scores and in the total score of FSFI as compared with the pre-pandemic period (p<0.001 for each). A significant improvement was also observed in the IIEF-5 scores of male partners during the pandemic period as compared with the pre-pandemic period (12.57±3.67 vs. 22.57±5.43; p<0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the FSFI scores (subscale and total scores) of the participants and IIEF-5 scores of their male partners (r=0.276-0.413, p<0.001). Conclusion: Female sexual functions improved significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared with the pre-pandemic period and were positively correlated with the sexual functions of their male partners.
Keywords : COVID-19, kadın cinsel işlevi, cinsellik, partner