Examination of the effect of COVID-19 on sexual dysfunction in women

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of COVID-19 on sexual dysfunction in women.

Material and methods: The women diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalised at a tertiary hospital were included. They completed the Introductory Data Form, the Female Sexual Function Index-(FSFI) and the Short Form-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36).

Results: Fifteen women between the ages of 19-49 who completed the treatment protocol, discharged at least 14 days before and who had not been diagnosed as sexual dysfunction; sexually active earlier were included in the study. It was detected that weekly sexual intercourse before and after COVID-19 significantly differed (P = .047). The frequency of relationships decreased statistically after COVID-19. The mean value of the FSFI satisfaction score differs from COVID-19 before and after diagnosis (P = .012). The mean satisfaction score before COVID-19 was 3.47, and after COVID-19 was 2.93. The score of the subgroups of FSFI did not differ from COVID-19 before and after diagnosis (P > .050). The median value of SF-36 pain differs from COVID-19 before and after diagnosis (P = .008).

Conclusion: It was concluded that the frequency of sexual intercourse and sexual satisfaction in women decreased after COVID-19 disease, and the quality of life scores did not change in a statistically significant way.