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.
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
Pregnancy complications requiring management by Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)
Placed on pelvic rest
Advised by their provider to abstain from sexual intercourse
Parallel
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.
Change in Sexual Health Knowledge During Pregnancy
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.
Change in Comfort Discussing Sexual Health With Healthcare Providers
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.
Change in Sexual Function During Pregnancy
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.
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Loyola University
Lead sponsor
The international society for the study of women's sexual health
Collaborator
