(118) Pilot Survey Study Evaluating Sexual Healthcare Delivery and Provider Habits for Pregnant Patients
Authors: Walker K , Casinelli E , Lynn M 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction affects many women throughout their lives and is associated with medical, psychological, and quality-of-life issues. Studies show an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. However, limited empirical data on sexual dysfunction in American pregnant women exist, and there is a lack of recommendations for intrapartum sexual healthcare screening. It is difficult to find concise screening resources to aid in detection and management. Studies have found that healthcare providers may not inquire about a patient’s difficulty due to known barriers, including a lack of knowledge and training.

Objective

This pilot survey study aims to assess current provider patterns and modalities surrounding screening patients for sexual dysfunction in pregnancy through a direct questionnaire.

Methods

This pilot study is an IRB-approved, observational cross-sectional survey conducted via REDCAP. The anonymous questionnaire contains approximately 20 items, including questions regarding provider demographics and screening practices. We identified perinatal care providers, including Physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), through Doximity. The data is largely quantitative and includes some qualitative responses to open-ended questions that are not powered. Descriptive summary statistics are reported overall and stratified by provider background.

Results

25 perinatal care providers completed the survey; 15 (60%) physicians and 10 (40%) APNs and CNMs. Male providers represented 8% (n=2) of responses. 16 (64%) providers reported that they regularly screen for sexual dysfunction in pregnant patients. Of those 16 providers, the age range most represented was the 41-50 age range (n=7, 43.75%), and they consisted of 10 (62.5%) physicians and 6 (37.5%) APNs or CNMs. Of the providers who regularly screen, 7 (43.75%) selected that the most important time to screen was in the postpartum period and 4 (25%) selected the initial obstetric visit. Physicians reported asking both patients and their partners about sexual dysfunction in pregnancy “almost always” (n=1, 6.25%), “sometimes” (n=4, 25%), “almost never” (n=6, 37.5%), or “never” (n=4, 25%). APNs and CNMs reported asking both partners about sexual dysfunction in pregnancy “sometimes” (n=3, 33.3%), “almost never” (n=3, 33.3%), or “never” (n=4, 44%). Qualitative data revealed these barriers to regularly screening for sexual dysfunction in pregnancy: a lack of time, other screening prioritizations, lack of training, and lack of knowledge surrounding screening in partners.

Conclusions

Approximately two-thirds (64%) of providers support screening for sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. A similar proportion of physicians (66%) and APNs/CNMs (60%) reported that they regularly screen for sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. Of the providers who regularly screen, providers selected that the most important time to screen is postpartum (43.75%) followed by the initial obstetric visit (25%). In general, providers report screening via open-ended questions or questionnaires. Some providers who support, but do not regularly screen detailed these specific barriers to screening: lack of time, other screening prioritizations, lack of training, and lack of knowledge surrounding screening in partners.

Disclosure

No