Changes in sexual activities, function, and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic era: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about the impact of the coronavirus on sexual behavior, function, and satisfaction. Aim The aim of the present study was to systematically review people’s sexual function and behaviors and their changes in sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were conducted with keywords in accordance with MeSH terms: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, sexual health, sexual function, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual activities, and premarital sex. Two reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to predefined criteria: original design, English studies, and investigating either the general population or sexual minorities. Results Risk of bias in the studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and data were pooled via random effects meta-analyses. We utilized the standardized mean difference to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity, functioning, and satisfaction. We included 19 studies in the analysis and 11 studies in the meta-analysis, with a sample size of 12 350. To investigate sexual activity changes, a sample size of 8838 was entered into the subgroup analysis, which showed a significant decrease in both genders (5821 women, P < .033; 3017 men, P < .008). A subgroup meta-analysis showed that the sexual function of men and women during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly declined (3974 women, P < .001; 1427 men, P < .001). Sexual desire and arousal decreased in both genders, though mainly in women. In investigating sexual satisfaction changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a meta-analysis with a sample size of 2711 showed a significant decrease (P < .001). The most indicative changes in sexual behaviors during the pandemic were the increase in masturbating and usage of sex toys. Greater COVID-19 knowledge was associated with lower masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal sex. The more protective behaviors were associated with less hugging, kissing, cuddling, genital touching, watching porn with a partner, and vaginal sex. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased challenges and changes for individuals’ sexual behaviors. Efforts for preventive strategies should therefore be concentrated between pandemics, while ensuring that there is information available to the population during a pandemic for help in times of psychological distress or crisis.

The burden of infectious diseases throughout and after the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020–2023) and Russo‐Ukrainian war migration

“…Several explanations of modified patterns of sexually transmitted infections during the COVID‐19 pandemic can be put forward. Firstly, the meta‐analysis of studies published in 2020 and 2021 shows that the sexual activity of men and women has generally decreased in the first pandemic years but with a later rebound 69 . Moreover, although there has been a magnification of risky sexual behaviors in conjunction with drug abuse, the frequency of activities increasing the odds of contracting the sexually‐transmitted diseases, for example, condomless anal sex in having sex with men, declined 70,71 .…”

Predictors of sexual satisfaction among patients with chronic pain

“…This arrangement likely yields increased availability of a familiar sexual partner. Of note, the timing of this study corresponded with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected partner availability, sexual behaviors, and sexual satisfaction for some [see ( 54 , 55 )]. Understanding reasons for sexual inactivity—whether due to personal preference, pain-related disability, etc.—would add valuable context to this study.…”

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Trends of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in a Tertiary Hospital of Madrid, Spain

“…During the pandemic, data from this study show that the prevalence was reduced to 0.77%. Sexual relationships were affected by factors such as stress, reduced libido, fear of pregnancy, social distancing, or the presence of children at home [ 28 ]. Diagnoses of STIs were impacted, especially those infections that are asymptomatic and rely on screenings for diagnosis and treatment [ 34 ].…”

“…Moreover, the psychological consequence of confinement among the general population and health professionals has become a concern [ 25 , 26 ]. In terms of sexual behavior, restrictive and containment policies triggered internet abuse, including an increase in pornography consumption and other behavioral changes [ 27 , 28 ], with a consequent impact on STI rates. Changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of more telemedicine visits, changes in sexual activity, the lower number of STI tests, or the greater impact on certain low-income groups that are more likely to acquire STIs [ 29 ], underscore the need to monitor the prevalence of STIs, including trichomoniasis.…”