Sexualidade e função sexual de gestantes de alto risco atendidas em um ambulatório obstétrico

Abstract

Introduction: The sexuality and sexual function of pregnant women, especially those in the high-risk group, is still under-addressed in prenatal care, despite its impact on women's quality of life. Changes throughout pregnancy and lack of guidance can compromise sexual health and well-being. Objective: To analyze the sexuality, sexual health, and sexual function of high-risk pregnant women attending an obstetrics outpatient clinic, through a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Method: An analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted with 146 pregnant women followed in a gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the Triângulo Mineiro region. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0, with a significance level of 1% (p<0.01). Results: Most participants maintained an active sex life (84.9%), however 57.5% presented sexual dysfunction (mean FSFI score = 21.85 ± 9.70). Regarding sexual function, the highest average scores among the FSFI domains were satisfaction (4.44 ± 1.87) and arousal (2.30 ± 1.22), while the lowest scores were arousal (2.30 ± 1.22) and desire (3.39 ± 1.39). Most participants (68.5%) reported never having received guidance on sexuality and sexual health during prenatal care. Regarding self-esteem data, 66.4% of pregnant women presented a score of good self-esteem and 33.6% low or unsatisfactory self-esteem. Conclusion: The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its relationship with emotional aspects and self-esteem highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to sexuality in the care of high-risk pregnant women, promoting humanized care and health education during prenatal care. Keywords: Sexuality; Sexual function; Sexual health; High-risk pregnancy.