The Effect of Exposure to Sexual Violence on Sexual Dysfunction and Sexual Distress in Pregnant Women

Background: Sexual dysfunction and sexual distress are common during pregnancy, but the effects of exposure to sexual violence on sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in pregnant women is unknown. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sexual violence on female sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Methods: This is a descriptive study. Data were collected between December 2019 and April 2020 from 605 pregnant women. Outcomes: The data were collected with a Data Collection Form (The socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics and exposure to sexual violence were evaluated with questions.), Female Sexual Function Index, and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Results: In our study, sexual dysfunction was found in 72.9% of the pregnant women, and sexual distress was found in 38.2%. It was found that 11.6% of the women were exposed to sexual violence in their then-current pregnancy. While the rate of sexual distress was found to be significantly higher in women who were exposed to sexual violence during pregnancy (P