050 Feasibility of Adding a Sexual Function Questionnaire to a Preconception Cohort Study. (1st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bond, J.; White, K.; Wise, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sexual medicine. Volume 19(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: S144
• Page End: S144
• Publication Date: 2022-05-01
• Subjects: Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sex -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.69005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-6095

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is estimated to affect over 40% of women and influences intercourse frequency and enjoyment. Despite its critical role in conception, little research has focused on sexual function during the preconception period. Objective: We assessed the feasibility of adding a sexual function questionnaire to an ongoing preconception cohort study. Methods: The [blinded preconception cohort study] began in 2013 and has prospectively enrolled over 15, 000 women aged 21-45 years to date. Women planning a pregnancy are recruited primarily via online advertisements on social media. In March 2021, a supplemental survey module on sexual health and wellness was added to the study protocol. This survey included 32 questions on a range of topics related to sexual health, including the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index, questions about orgasm, and patient-provider communication about sexual health during preconception health care visits. The supplemental survey takes approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. Participants were invited to complete the supplemental questionnaire 30 days after enrolling and completing the baseline questionnaire. Results: Of the 406 participants who started the survey, 397 (97.8%) completed it. The sample was primarily between 25 and 34 years old, with 54% having been trying to conceive for 0-1 months. The vast majority of the sample (87.1%) had been trying to conceive for 6 months or fewer. Eighty percent of the participants lived in the United States, and 20% lived in Canada. The vast majority (84.2%) were married. One-hundred thirty-seven participants (34.3%) reported experiencing painful intercourse at least sometimes in the past four weeks. Ninety-nine (24.5%) participants reported no, very low, or low sexual desire or interest in the past four weeks. Sixty-seven (16.5%) participants reported low or very low levels of arousal during sexual activity. Seventy (17.5%) participants reported being very or moderately dissatisfied with their sex lives in the past four weeks. The majority of women (80.9%) reported seeing a healthcare provider for a preconception counseling visit at some point prior to enrollment. Of these, 238 (74.1%) did not discuss sexual issues during the visit, even though 35% were experiencing them. Participants readily provided details in the open-ended text fields, indicating a willingness to share their information with investigators. Conclusions: Our results suggest that incorporation of a detailed questionnaire about sexual function was acceptable to a large number of participants in a preconception cohort study. Our preliminary results will provide valuable insights into the sexual function and health of women in the preconception period. Disclosure: Work supported by industry: yes, by This cohort study has received in-kind donations from Swiss Precision Diagnostics, Sandstone Diagnostics, Fertility‐ Friend.com, and Kindara.com for primary data collection. A consultant, employee (part time or full time) or shareholder is among the authors (Lauren Wise has served as a consultant for AbbVie, Inc).