Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois, 60153, United States
Not Yet Recruiting
NCT Number: NCT07497971
Utilizing Electronic Modules to Educate on Sexual Health Practices During Pregnancy
This study looks at whether an interactive online education module can improve knowledge, comfort, and communication about sexual health during pregnancy. Many pregnant individuals experience changes in sexual function and intimacy but may feel uncomfortable discussing these topics or may have misconceptions about what is safe during pregnancy.
Participants who are pregnant and receiving routine prenatal care will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will complete an interactive, evidence-based educational module focused on sexual health and intimacy during pregnancy. The other group will review a standard educational article from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) about sexual activity during pregnancy.
Participants will complete surveys before and after reviewing the educational material, as well as a follow-up survey two weeks later. These surveys will measure knowledge about sexual health during pregnancy, comfort discussing sexual concerns with healthcare providers, and sexual function. The goal of this study is to determine whether an interactive educational approach can better support pregnant individuals' understanding of sexual health and encourage open communication with healthcare providers during pregnancy.
Not Yet Recruiting
Trial opening soon.
Get NotifiedKey information
Conditions
Age range
18 year and older
Sex eligibility
Female
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
About this study
This is a prospective, randomized controlled study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive educational module on sexual health knowledge, comfort with communication, and sexual function during pregnancy.
Pregnant participants receiving routine prenatal care at the Loyola University Medical Center outpatient women's health clinic will be recruited during clinic visits. Eligible participants will be adults aged 18 years or older with a low-risk pregnancy at or beyond 12 weeks' gestation who are English-speaking and able to read English. Individuals with pregnancy complications requiring management by maternal-fetal medicine or with contraindications to sexual activity during pregnancy will be excluded.
Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two study arms. The intervention group will complete a pre-test survey, view an interactive, evidence-based educational module addressing sexual health, intimacy, and common misconceptions during pregnancy, and then complete an immediate post-test survey. The control group will complete a pre-test survey, review a standard ACOG educational article on sexual activity during pregnancy, and then complete an immediate post-test survey. All participants will receive a follow-up survey two weeks after the initial intervention.
Primary outcomes include changes in knowledge about sexual health during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes include changes in comfort discussing sexual concerns with healthcare providers and changes in sexual function as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Survey data will be collected electronically using REDCap and analyzed using a per-protocol approach.
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Pregnant individuals at or beyond 12 weeks gestation
- Age 18 years or older
- English speaking with English reading proficiency
- Experiencing a low risk pregnancy with no major complications
- Not currently followed by Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) for high risk pregnancy management
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy complications requiring management by Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)
- Placed on pelvic rest
- Advised by their provider to abstain from sexual intercourse
Treatment and study plan
Standard ACOG Educational Article
BehavioralA publicly available educational article from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) titled "Is it Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?" providing general guidance on sexual activity during pregnancy
Interactive Sexual Health Educational Module
BehavioralAn interactive, web-based educational module designed to educate pregnant individuals on sexual function, intimacy, and safe sexual practices during pregnancy. The module addresses common myths, physiological changes, communication with partners and healthcare providers, and evidence-based guidance regarding sexual activity during pregnancy.
Primary outcomes
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Change in Sexual Health Knowledge During Pregnancy
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention, and 2 weeks post-intervention
Change in participant knowledge regarding sexual health, intimacy, and safety of sexual activity during pregnancy, as measured by a study-specific knowledge survey administered before and after the educational intervention. The outcome is defined as the number of correct responses, with scores ranging from 0 to the total number of survey questions; higher scores indicate greater sexual health knowledge.
Secondary outcomes
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Change in Comfort Discussing Sexual Health With Healthcare Providers
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately post-intervention, and 2 weeks post-intervention
Change in participant-reported comfort discussing sexual health concerns with healthcare providers, as measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Not at all comfortable") to 5 ("Extremely comfortable"). Higher scores indicate greater comfort discussing sexual health with healthcare providers.
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Change in Sexual Function During Pregnancy
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and 2 weeks post-intervention
Change in sexual function as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a validated 19-item questionnaire assessing female sexual function. Total FSFI scores range from 2 to 36, with higher scores indicating better sexual function. Change in FSFI total score will be assessed following exposure to the educational intervention or control article.
Study contacts
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Loyola University
Other
Collaborators
- The international society for the study of women's sexual health
Registry information
Important dates
- Study start
- 2026
- Primary completion
- 2027
- Study completion
- 2027
- First posted
- Mar 27, 2026
- Registry last updated
- Apr 16, 2026
OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.
View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.