Genital self-image, sexual function and pelvic floor discomfort in COVID-19 pandemic scenario
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/fm.2022.356011Abstract
Introduction: Sexual health is an important area of women's health, comprising aspects that can be affected by stressors, such as in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Objective: To investigate genital self-image, sexual function and pelvic floor discomfort in young female university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing these factors with their sexual activity. Methods: This study is a quantitative and cross-sectional survey of young female university students during the COVID-19 pandemic period, carried out through an online form. To assess the variables, the Female Sexual Function Index, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, and Female Genital Self-Image Scale were used. Results: 182 women participated in the study, and the general mean age was 22.06 ± 2.75 years. Sexually active women (n = 128) had significantly better genital self-image compared to inactive women (22.87 ± 2.92 vs. 20.85 ± 4.41; p = 0.004). Likewise, better genital self-image was also observed in women without sexual dysfunction (23.36 ± 2.72 vs. 21.11 ± 2.96; p < 0.001) and in those who reported fewer symptoms of pelvic floor discomfort (p = 0.014). Conclusion: A positive genital self-image was associated with fewer sexual dysfunctions, better sexual function, and fewer symptoms of pelvic floor discomfort. Furthermore, sexual activity is associated with a better genital self-image.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
The authors guarantee that the works submitted to this journal are original and were not prepared in violation of any third party rights, having obtained all the necessary authorizations to include complementary content, such as, but not restricted to, translations, illustrations, tables and citations, whose precise sources the author also undertakes to indicate. The authors also declare that the works do not contain defamatory statements that violate morals, good customs and/or that violate intellectual property rights.
When submitting your paper, the Copyright Assignment signed by all authors must be attached.