Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes in social and marital dynamics, impacting the mental health, communication, and sex lives of couples who lived together in prolonged lockdown. Initial literature suggested contradictory effects, with increased intimacy in some cases and worsening marital and sexual satisfaction in others. Objective To evaluate the impact of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexuality and relationship quality of Brazilian couples who lived together before and during the lockdown period. Methods Cross-sectional study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 34034620.0.0000.0082), conducted between 2020 and 2021. Participants were recruited through an online form disseminated on social media. Inclusion criteria: individuals over 18 years of age, in a monogamous relationship initiated before the pandemic, and living together during isolation. Couples who began their relationship during the pandemic or who did not live together were excluded. The questionnaire consisted of 44 questions, including demographic data, mental health scales (DASS-21), and a comparative assessment of the relationship and sexuality before and during isolation. Results A total of 74 couples have completed full questionnary. The sample consisted mainly of participants aged 30 to 50 years, of both genders (33% male, 67% female), in long-term relationships (≥10 years), without children or with children who were already teenagers. Regarding mental health, 60% of participants reported symptoms of anxiety, stress, or sadness during isolation. As for marital relationships, 52% of couples reported improved communication, 48% increased unity, and 45% a reduction in the frequency of disagreements. In the sexual sphere, 38% of participants increased the frequency of sexual desire, 42% maintained the frequency of romantic activities, and 35% felt more satisfied with their sex life. However, 28% reported a worsening of relationship stability, 30% a reduction in intimacy, and 32% increased fatigue as a barrier to sex. The presence of young children was associated with greater difficulty in privacy and a reduction in sexual frequency. Conclusions The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic had mixed effects on the marital and sexual lives of Brazilian couples. While a significant portion reported gains in communication, unity, and sexual satisfaction, another segment experienced a decline in intimacy, emotional stability, and sex life. Mental health, the presence of children, and privacy at home were factors that significantly influenced the results. These findings reinforce the importance of psychosocial and sexual support policies for couples in crisis contexts. Disclosure No
Passos et al. (Mon,) studied this question.