Sexual Health and Sexual Myths During Pregnancy

Pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period are important processes in which expectant mothers and fathers experience many physiological, psychological and social changes. Pregnancy is also one of the periods when sexuality is most affected and sexual dysfunctions are commonly seen during this period. Despite the age of information and technology, sexual inexperience or lack of knowledge, growing up in a conservative society, deficiencies in sexual education and false beliefs and myths about sexuality are among the common causes of sexual dysfunction in women. These factors affect couples' attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality during a sensitive period such as pregnancy, causing couples to experience negativities in their sexual lives.

Sexual dysfunction in women is a complex problem affected by many biological, psychological and individual factors. It is stated that sexual dysfunction in women is a common problem that increases with age and affects 30% to 50% of women, but it is known that its prevalence is quite high among young women.

Sexual life quality can be defined as the individual's perception of their own sexual life in a culture and value system according to their personal goals, expectations, criteria and earnings. Almost all sexual myths consist of negative attitudes such as sexual intercourse during pregnancy being harmful, and these attitudes also negatively affect the quality of sexual life.

By receiving consultancy services on how to have sexual life during pregnancy and obtaining information from the right sources, the prevalence of sexual myths during pregnancy will decrease and the effect on the quality of sexual life during pregnancy will be minimized.

This study aims to provide training to the target group of pregnant women on issues such as reproductive health, changes that may occur due to pregnancy, sexual activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and hygiene. The aim of these trainings is to inform pregnant women about sexual health and to increase the quality of their sexual life.

Inclusion criteria

• At least primary school graduate
• Being in the 18-49 age group
• Being pregnant

Exclusion criteria

• Having a condition that prevents communication
• Receiving hospital treatment during the data collection process