Volume 35, Issue 254 (3-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 35(254): 67-75 |
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Zamaniyan M, Habibpour M, Hassan Zati Rostami M, Peyvandi S, Khademloo M. Evaluation of Female Sexual Health among Women Attending the Infertility Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 35 (254) :67-75
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22117-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22117-en.html
Marzieh Zamaniyan 
, Manizheh Habibpour , Maryam Hassan Zati Rostami , Sepideh Peyvandi , Mohammad Khademloo
, Manizheh Habibpour , Maryam Hassan Zati Rostami , Sepideh Peyvandi , Mohammad Khademloo
Abstract: (170 Views)
Background and purpose: Sexual health encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being, significantly influencing relationships and overall quality of life. Understanding sexual behaviors is essential for public health, particularly mental health, as poor sexual health can negatively affect both personal and social functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced substantial challenges that may have impacted women's sexual desire, function, and satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate women's sexual functioning during the pandemic to better understand its potential long-term effects and inform strategies to support their physical and mental well-being.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study assessed sexual functioning among 215 infertile women who attended the Infertility Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari in 2021. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling and completed demographic questionnaires as well as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.
Results: Of the 215 participants, 200 individuals (92.6%) reported sexual dysfunction. The highest prevalence was observed in the domains of pain (168 individuals; 78.7%), lubrication (128 individuals; 59.7%), orgasm (67 individuals; 31%), desire (61 individuals; 28.2%), arousal (49 individuals; 22.7%), and satisfaction (42 individuals; 19.4%). A significant association was found between sexual dysfunction and menarche after the age of 14 (P = 0.006), as well as middle-income status (P = 0.000).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction observed in this study highlights the substantial negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's sexual health. The significant association with middle-income status suggests that pandemic-related financial stress may be an important contributing factor. To prevent long-term consequences, proactive measures are essential, including routine screening, integrated psychosocial counselling, and structured referrals to specialized multidisciplinary care clinics for affected women.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study assessed sexual functioning among 215 infertile women who attended the Infertility Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari in 2021. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling and completed demographic questionnaires as well as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.
Results: Of the 215 participants, 200 individuals (92.6%) reported sexual dysfunction. The highest prevalence was observed in the domains of pain (168 individuals; 78.7%), lubrication (128 individuals; 59.7%), orgasm (67 individuals; 31%), desire (61 individuals; 28.2%), arousal (49 individuals; 22.7%), and satisfaction (42 individuals; 19.4%). A significant association was found between sexual dysfunction and menarche after the age of 14 (P = 0.006), as well as middle-income status (P = 0.000).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction observed in this study highlights the substantial negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's sexual health. The significant association with middle-income status suggests that pandemic-related financial stress may be an important contributing factor. To prevent long-term consequences, proactive measures are essential, including routine screening, integrated psychosocial counselling, and structured referrals to specialized multidisciplinary care clinics for affected women.
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Gynecology and Infertility
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