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Phenotype-based profiling of female sexual function in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study
Roberta Scairati1, Nunzia Verde1, Guendalina Del Vecchio1
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia, Andrologia e Nutrizione, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Female sexual function during pregnancy shows distinct patterns, not just overall decline. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) did not influence these sexual phenotypes, suggesting a need for nuanced understanding beyond simple dysfunction definitions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Sexual function during pregnancy is often oversimplified as a general decline or prevalence of dysfunction.
- Existing research may overlook the heterogeneity of sexual experiences across different domains of female sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct sexual function phenotypes among pregnant women.
- To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and sexual function profiles during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 83 pregnant women undergoing GDM screening.
- The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and clinical data were used.
- K-means cluster analysis identified multidomain sexual function phenotypes.
Main Results:
- 61.4% of women experienced sexual dysfunction.
- Three phenotypes emerged: preserved function (n=49), global impairment (n=25), and desire-satisfaction dissociation (n=9).
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was not associated with sexual dysfunction or specific phenotypes; however, factors like age, pre-pregnancy weight, hypertensive disorders, twin pregnancy, and ART were linked to certain phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Female sexual function during pregnancy is heterogeneous, presenting as distinct multidomain phenotypes.
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) does not explain this heterogeneity.
- Phenotype-based profiling offers a more nuanced approach to understanding pregnancy sexuality than dichotomous dysfunction definitions.
