Sexual health of pregnant women in a basic healthcare unit: a descriptive study

ABSTRACT

Aim: To assess the sexual health of pregnant women, and identify possible risk factors. Method: Exploratory and descriptive study with 40 pregnant women at a Health Center in Quixadá – CE, from December, 2011 to February, 2012. Results: Findings show an average sexual initiation age of 16; 55% had sexual relations with more than one partner. Contraceptive methods used prior to pregnancy were condoms (60%) and oral contraceptives (57.5%). During pregnancy, 75% did not use condoms during sexual relations. Main gynecological complaints were pelvic pain (77.5%), dysuria (70%) and vaginal discharge (65%); 70% had not done a cytopathological test during the pregnancy. Discussion: Women are initiating their sex lives and becoming pregnant prematurely without proper information and awareness of STD prevention and the importance of the cytopathological testing. Conclusion: The study showed that pregnant women were significantly vulnerable to STDs, and discussed how this issue must be addressed and treated during prenatal care.