Impact of pregnancy on sexuality in an african urban environment concerning 400 cases collected at the Yopougon university hospital, in Abidjan (Côte d'ivoire)

Abstract

Introduction : In Africa, sexuality is a taboo or even a myth. This conception maintains many prejudices and can alter the quality of sexual life during pregnancy. Improving the quality of life of pregnant women requires, on the one hand, an assessment of the level of knowledge and opinion of pregnant women on this issue; and on the other hand by the appreciation of the impact of pregnancy on the sexual life of pregnant women

Patients and Method: We have led a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey concerning 400 pregnant women received in consultation at Yopougon traiding hospital (northern Abidjan) from November 2017 to April 2018.

Results: Almost all pregnant women (98.25%) estimated that it was possible to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Of these, 97% continued to have sexual intercourse and 3% observed abstinence. The frequency of sexual intercourse was more observed in the second trimester of pregnancy and represented 69.82%.

The libido was reduced in 66% of cases in pregnant women and in 51.03% we noticed that the sexual intercourse was less satisfactory than before pregnancy. The frequency of sexual intercourse of pregnant women was reduced in 85.2%. Continued intercourse was favored by maternal age below 35 years (p = 0.0013), nulliparity (p < 0.001), monogamous family (p < 0.001) and level of education (p = 0.016).

Conclusion: the pregnancy has a negative impact on the sexuality of pregnant women. Medical staff should reassure more pregnant women about the safe practice of sexual intercourse during normal pregnancy.