An Innovative Method for the Evaluation of Vaginal Lubrication in Pregnant Women: The Relationship Between Vaginal Lubrication Kit (VLK) Results, Vaginal Symptoms, and Sexual Function
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33719/sexscij.2512.24Keywords:
atrophic vaginitis, dyspareunia, pregnancy, sexual activityAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaginal symptoms, sexual function, and vaginal lubrication levels, measured objectively with the Vaginal Lubrication Kit (VLK), in pregnant women.
Material and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 105 pregnant women (age: 30.2 ± 5.8 years, height: 161.4 ± 5.6 centimeter (cm), weight: 68.1 ± 10.3 kg, Body Mass Index (BMI): 26.2 ± 4.4 kg/m2) admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between January and August 2024. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics were recorded, and participants were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for vaginal dryness, burning, and dyspareunia. The VLK scores were obtained using a modified Schirmer test strip adapted for vaginal application. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman’s rank test.
Results: The mean number of pregnancy weeks of participants was 20.5±11.4 weeks, and the mean parity was 2.0±1.4. The mean VLK score was 24.6±11.0 mm. The mean FSFI score was 16.6±11.2, whereas the mean VAS scores were 1.9±2.6 cm for vaginal dryness, 2.1±2.7cm for burning, and 1.9±2.7cm for dyspareunia. VLK scores were significantly positively correlated with FSFI scores (r=0.230, p=0.018) and moderate-to-strong negative correlations with VAS dryness (r=–0.680), burning (r= –0.530), and dyspareunia (r=–0.530), (p<0.001).
Conclusion: VLK is a safe and non-invasive method to evaluate vaginal lubrication in pregnant women, lower scores being associated with more symptoms and reduced sexual function.
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