Abstract Introduction Sexual health issues during pregnancy and postpartum are usually neglected, even though they considerably affect the couple's relationship and their living standards. The prevention of postpartum sexual dysfunction relies on the maintenance of sexual well-being and correct information. The PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) offers a systematic approach to sexual counseling that can be tailored to meet the individual's specific needs. This research explored the influence of sexual education and counseling based on the PLISSIT model on the sexual functions of couples during pregnancy and postpartum. Objective To measure the impact of PLISSIT-based sexual counseling on the sexual function scores (FSFI and IIEF) of couples throughout the preconceptional period and up to six months postpartum. Methods Seventy couples suffering from sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤26.55) participated in this prospective, randomized, controlled study. In total, 35 couples were assigned to the intervention group (IG), where they received two PLISSIT-based sexual counseling sessions that were structured along with their partners, and the other 35 couples made up the control group (CG) that received routine antenatal care. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to measure female sexual function, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used for male function across six time points: preconception, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, and at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc analyses were performed. Results There were no differences in FSFI and IIEF scores between groups (p0.05) at baseline. Both scales showed significant group × time interaction (FSFI: F(5,330)=14.82, p0.001, η2=0.41; IIEF: F(5,360)=11.57, p0.001, η2=0.38). The control group experienced a gradual decline in FSFI and IIEF scores, which began in the first trimester and reached their lowest point in the third trimester (FSFI = 20.6 ± 6.9; IIEF = 46.1 ± 10.8), followed by a slight recovery postpartum. On the other hand, couples from the intervention group were consistently scoring significantly higher, especially during the second trimester (FSFI=27.1±4.3; IIEF=58.6±7.9) and six months postpartum (FSFI=28.1±4.3; IIEF=56.7±8.9). Out of the PLISSIT couples, 74.3% regained their normal sexual function by the 6th month postpartum, whereas only 31.4% of couples from the control group had done so (χ2=10.82, p0.001). All these improvements were reflected in the desire, arousal, satisfaction, and orgasm subscales, which give evidence of a multidimensional recovery in sexual health. Conclusions The sexual function experienced a substantial drop throughout the pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Still, PLISSIT sexual counseling based on the model managed to uphold this decline effectively and even appropriated the recovery later on after childbirth. These results draw attention to the necessity of systematic sexual education and counseling as part of the routine antenatal and postnatal care to maintain sexual health and relationship satisfaction. The incorporation of the PLISSIT model in the perinatal care may act as a preventive measure against long-term sexual dysfunction. Disclosure No
Demirel et al. (Mon,) studied this question.