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Khanjari Z, Iravani M, Abedi P, Ghanbari S. Effect of Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on sexual function of pregnant women: a double blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Impot Res 2024; 36:414-421. [PMID: 35854106 PMCID: PMC9295880 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00598-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on female sexual function during pregnancy. The present study was a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial performed on 124 pregnant women (62 people in each group) at 16-22 weeks of gestation who referred to health centers in Ilam in 2020 to receive prenatal care. The intervention group received 300 mg of omega-3 supplements and the control group received placebo once a day for 8 weeks. Data collection tools in this study included a demographic questionnaire, three 24-h dietary recall (24HR), female sexual function index (FSFI), and Van den Bergh Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ). Before intervention, the total score of sexual function in the intervention group and control groups, showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.123). However, 4 and 8 weeks after intervention, the mean total score of sexual function in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group after intervention (P < 0.0001). Before intervention, the total score of gestational anxiety in the intervention and control groups, showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.149). However, 4 and 8 weeks after intervention, the mean total score of gestational anxiety in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.0001). Based on three 24-h dietary recall, regardless of daily intake of 300 mg of omega-3 supplement, the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake from daily energy intake was not statistically significant between the intervention and control groups from baseline to follow-up (P > 0.01). Based on the results of this study, omega-3 supplementation could improve sexual function in pregnant women by preventing increased pregnancy anxiety. However, more studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of omega-3s on female sexual function during pregnancy. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (Ref. ID: IR.AJUMS.REC.1398.935) and registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Ref. ID: IRCT20200415047078N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Khanjari
- Midwifery Department, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mina Iravani
- Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Midwifery Department, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Parvin Abedi
- Menopause Andropause Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghanbari
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Daneshnia N, Chechko N, Nehls S. Do Parental Hormone Levels Synchronize During the Prenatal and Postpartum Periods? A Systematic Review. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s10567-024-00474-7. [PMID: 38615295 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-024-00474-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Physiological synchrony is the phenomenon of linked physiological processes among two or more individuals. Evidence of linkage between dyads has been found among a broad range of physiological indices, including the endocrine systems. During the transition to parenthood, both men and women undergo hormonal changes that facilitate parenting behavior. The present review sought to address the question as to whether hormonal synchronization occurs among expecting or new parents. A systematic literature search yielded 13 eligible records. The evidence of cortisol synchrony during the prenatal period, with additional testosterone, prolactin, and progesterone covariations in the time leading up to childbirth, was found to be most significant. During the postpartum period, parental synchrony was reported for oxytocin, testosterone, and cortisol levels. The implications of these covariations were found to translate into adaptive parenting behaviors and the facilitation of romantic bond. Associations with infant development were also reported, suggesting far-reaching effects of hormonal synchrony outside the parental dyad. The results highlight the importance of physiological interrelatedness during this sensitive period, underscoring the need for further research in this field. In view of the limited data available in this research domain, we have put forward a framework for future studies, recommending the adoption of standardized research protocols and repeated collections of specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Daneshnia
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Natalia Chechko
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine: JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behavior (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Susanne Nehls
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine: JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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Fernández-Carrasco FJ, Batugg-Chaves C, Ruger-Navarrete A, Riesco-González FJ, Palomo-Gómez R, Gómez-Salgado J, Rodriguez Diaz L, Vázquez-Lara MD, Fagundo-Rivera J, Vázquez-Lara JM. Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 44:1606308. [PMID: 38312526 PMCID: PMC10835432 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1606308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Pregnancy is a stage in which different physical and psychological changes take place that can affect the sexuality of the couple. The aim of the study is to identify how the physical and psychological changes derived from pregnancy affect the sexual desire of women and men. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in five databases, from which a total of 16,126 documents were obtained. After applying the PRISMA selection criteria, a total of 19 documents were selected. Results: Levels of sexual desire fluctuate during pregnancy, being the second trimester of gestation the period in which desire is at its highest and in which physical limitations and emotional changes decrease. Women have lower levels of sexual desire in the first trimester, while men have the lowest levels of desire in the third trimester. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a stage marked by physiological and psychological changes that modify several areas, including sexuality. Healthcare professionals should promote a healthy sexuality, avoiding the appearance of fears or sexual dysfunctions caused by the changes that occur during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cirenia Batugg-Chaves
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Azahara Ruger-Navarrete
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Riesco-González
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, La Linea de la Concepción Hospital, Andusian Health Service, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Luciano Rodriguez Diaz
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Clephane K, Lorenz TK. Putative Mental, Physical, and Social Mechanisms of Hormonal Influences on Postpartum Sexuality. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2021; 13:136-148. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-021-00321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Aspillaga-Cid A, Vera DC, Ebensperger LA, Correa LA. Parental care in male degus (Octodon degus) is flexible and contingent upon female care. Physiol Behav 2021; 238:113487. [PMID: 34087278 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Parents in many animal species provide care to their offspring as a mechanism to enhance their own fitness. In mammals, this behavior is expressed mostly by the females, but also by males of some species. Proximally, rates of paternal offspring care have been linked to organizational and activational effects of testosterone. Specifically, intrauterine position of male fetuses is associated with differential exposure to testosterone, leading to development of males with different levels of masculinization (assessed through differences in the length of the anogenital distance (AGD). The relative roles played by organizational and activational effects of testosterone on male parental care remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine if male sex-biased uterine environment and testosterone levels across the breeding period explain variation in paternal care in the social rodent, Octodon degus. Neither quantity (time with the offspring) nor quality (frequency of grooming and retrieving) of paternal care was affected by male sex-biased uterine environment, nor did paternal care significantly differ across the different stages of male reproduction. In contrast, paternal care was associated with maternal care. Quantity of male care decreased with increasing quantity of maternal care, and quality of male care increased with increasing quality of maternal care. While serum testosterone did not differ between males with different sex-biased uterine environment, male testosterone tended to increase during mating and decrease when pregnant females or offspring were present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Aspillaga-Cid
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela C Vera
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis A Ebensperger
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Loreto A Correa
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias. Universidad Mayor, Camino la Pirámide 5750, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile.
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Pieters S, Brett BE, Beijers R, Kessels RPC, de Weerth C. Working memory from pregnancy to postpartum: Do women really change? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 126:105169. [PMID: 33611134 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies indicate that pregnancy is associated with declines in working memory (WM), potentially due to intense pregnancy hormonal fluctuations. These declines extend into the postpartum period and may even be worsened due to sleepless nights and continued hormonal changes. However, previous studies finding WM stability from pregnancy to postpartum have not used a control group to examine practice effects on WM tests. The current study used a well-matched control group, fathers, to examine a) whether mothers and fathers differ on tests of WM during pregnancy and postpartum, and b) whether mothers show a postpartum WM decline, taking into account the practice effects of fathers. Results revealed that mothers (N = 75) and fathers (N = 44) performed equally well on a WM task at both time points and improved across time at a statistically equivalent rate. Use of a Reliable Change Index and a regression-based sensitivity analysis bolstered these results, indicating that taking practice effects into account, the majority of women did not improve or decline in WM from pre- to postpartum. These findings add to the literature on pregnancy-related changes in cognition and raise new questions about potential cognitive changes in men during the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pieters
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Bonnie E Brett
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Roseriet Beijers
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands.
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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