In Vitro Fertilization: Sexuality and Pregnancy

After the long medical preparatory process and the stress of waiting for the results of fertilization procedures, every pregnant woman undergoes changes in endocrine function, anatomical changes, and psychosomatic symptoms that mark each trimester of pregnancy, limiting her sexual response [1]. The increase in prolactin and oxytocin levels during pregnancy indirectly influence genital arousal and subjective sexual arousal, while perceived anxiety and stress can negatively affect desire, passion, and quality of life. However, higher levels of estrogen and progesterone in the second trimester increase blood flow to the genitals and can lead to an increase [2] in sexual desire. The process of building motherhood involves a lot of anxiety and primal fears, such as doubts about labor, the ability to produce a healthy child, and new relationships with the arrival of a new family member. In addition to this process, there are still adjustments to the new body, physical discomfort, and fatigue, which, combined with cultural factors, can affect the couple’s sexual life [3].