What to Expect When You're Expecting: Perinatal Sexual Education Is Linked with Couples' Sexual Well-Being in Pregnancy and the Postpartum

J Sex Res. 2023 Nov-Dec;60(9):1269-1282. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2193570. Epub 2023 Apr 26.

Abstract

Up to 88% of expectant and new parents report problems with their sexual well-being, yet less than 30% of individuals receive information about potential sexual problems from health-care professionals. Lack of information may contribute to difficulty adjusting to sexual challenges, and in turn, to poorer sexual well-being. The current study examined the following: 1) the amount of perinatal sexual health information individuals receive/access; 2) gaps between desired and received information; 3) barriers to accessing information; and 4) links between the quantity of information received/accessed and sexual well-being outcomes in one sample of pregnant couples (N = 102) and another sample of couples in the postpartum (N = 102). Results revealed that most participants reported receiving/accessing little-to-no sexual health information, despite most participants wanting to receive a variety of information related to their perinatal sexuality. On average, expectant and new parents were indifferent regarding how easy/comfortable they felt discussing their sexuality with health-care professionals. Overall, when gestational parents received/accessed more pregnancy-related sexual health information and when either parent received/accessed more postpartum-related sexual health information, both members of the couples reported greater sexual well-being. Access to information might not only address couples' needs and concerns but may also bolster sexual well-being during a vulnerable period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postpartum Period*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexuality