Introduction The physiological changes during each trimester of pregnancy have a significant impact on women's sexual behavior. Aim The aim of the work was to assess changes in the sexual function during pregnancy. Methods The prospective study encompassed 520 pregnant women aged between 18 and 45, of whom 168 were qualified for the final analysis. The research tool was a purpose-designed research questionnaire and the standardized Female Sexual Function Index. Main Outcome Measures To assess changes in the sexual function among pregnant women aged 18–45 in the three pregnancy trimesters. Results All the studied parameters, i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, decreased significantly with the progression of pregnancy. Analyzing the frequency of sexual intercourse in the studied group before and during pregnancy, a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.000001) was observed. Sexual desire changed statistically significantly (P = 0.0004). The direction of change concerned decreased sexual desire in the three trimesters compared with the situation before pregnancy. Statistical significance was demonstrated for: decreased sexual desire (P = 0.00007), partner's reluctance (P = 0.002), and pregnancy-related changes in appearance (P = 0.03). Conclusions Sexual function was compromised and sexual activity decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Changes in the domains of arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were particularly notable in primaparae in the third trimester of pregnancy. Unsatisfying partner relationship was a significant factor affecting the quality of sexual life during pregnancy.

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Objectives: With the considerable increase of female participation in youth sports, it has become crucial for medical professionals, coaches and parents to improve their competitiveness by understanding the conditions for which these females are at elevated risk and mitigating possible health consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect competitive sports have on the disorders of the menstrual cycle, to investigate the frequency of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)/PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric order) in professional female athletes and to identify risk factors predisposing for PMS and PMDD. Additionally, the levels of selected hormones such as serum estradiol, FSH, LH and prolactin were investigated to identify any hormonal perturbances that might have influence or be the risk factors for menstrual dysfunctions. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 75 professional athletes (girls and young women at the age of 16-22) who lived on the territory of Silesia. The control group consisted of 50 girls and young women at the same age, who did not practice any sport. The research tools included daily diary of PMS symptoms created in line with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendations and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, daily diary of PMDD symptoms created according to DSM-V diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST). Results: The analysis of menstrual cycle disorders showed statistical significance for heavy menstrual bleeding (p = 0.01) and longer breaks between menstrual bleeds (p = 0.01). PMDD was diagnosed in 8% and PMS in more than 42% of respondents. The incidence of PMDD was not at significant variance between the groups (9.33% in contrast to 6.0%), while incidence of PMS was statistically different in both groups (p = 0.045) (49.33% vs 32.0%). A significant correlation between PMS, average age (p = 0.00001) and menarche age (p = 0.03) in young active athletes has been shown. The risk of PMS increased with age (by 1.71 with each year) (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: A number of other risk factors predisposing for PMS and PMDD has also been identified. The findings of these researches will enable the athletic care network to provide better care for young female athletes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anxiety on women's sexuality during pregnancy. Material and methods:The prospective study involved 520 pregnant women at the age of 18-45. 168 of them were qualified for the final analysis. The research tools were: a self-designed questionnaire for women and standardized STAI scale. Results:The state and trait anxiety in pregnant women was evaluated during all trimesters of pregnancy. State anxiety was stronger among women with a strong tendency to feelings of anxiety. The authors also tried to determine the correlation between women's assessment of their relationship with the partners and its impact on state and trait anxiety during all three trimesters of pregnancy. Self assessment of relations between partners had statistically significant impact on the increase in state anxiety (p = 0.04) in multiparous women, who reported impairment of their relations with the partner, and had statistically significant impact on the increase in the trait anxiety in primiparous women (p = 0.02) and multiparous (p = 0.05) women, who reported deterioration of partnership especially in the second trimester of their pregnancy. Lower anxiety level in the second trimester contributed to the increased sexual activity. Conclusions:Anxiety level during pregnancy significantly affected the quality of sexual activity. Lower anxiety level in the second trimester contributed to the increased sexual activity.