Differences in sexual activities and information seeking behaviors between women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and who conceived without IVF

Sexual activities changes between partners is a common issue during pregnancy because of physical and psychological transformation. Moreover, couples who have infertility problems have more doubts and uncertainties about sexual life during pregnancy. This longitudinal study sought to understand the differences of sexual activities, information source and health status during gestation between married couples who underwent In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and who conceived without IVF (NI). Within three time points, we mailed questionnaires to 75 couples who conceived without IVF and 70 couples with IVF. The questionnaires were completed separately by the husband and the wife. The proportion of couple's sexual activity in the IVF group was significantly lower than that in the NI group (p < 0.05) during the first trimester. Most couples seek sexual health information from unprofessional resources. For preventing the misunderstanding of the information which may lead to inaccurate interpretations, healthcare professionals should take sexual health-related issues into considerations during the fertility treatment. LAY SUMMARY More than 90% of married couples have sexual activity during pregnancy, hugging is the top activity, and sexual intercourse frequency decreases. The sexual activities are similar between women who conceived with IVF or not in most trimesters. Couples seeking sexual health information from healthcare providers were less than 30%.