Community Health Journal

Community Health Journal

Comparison of Sexual Desire and Menstrual Status in Women with and Without COVID-19: A Descriptive Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Z Sahebi 1
P Allahbakhshi Nasab 1
Z Ghorashi 2
S Riahi 3
1 Instructor, Dept. of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
3 - MSc in Midwifery Education, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
10.22123/chj.2025.546700.2219
Abstract
 
Introduction: COVID-19 represents an unprecedented global health crisis, and evidence regarding its impact on reproductive health is growing. To contribute to the growing knowledge, the present study aimed to compare sexual desire and menstrual characteristics between women with and without a history of COVID-19 infection.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to September 2022 among 276 married women of reproductive age in Rafsanjan, selected through convenience sampling. Menstrual cycle characteristics were assessed using a structured checklist, and sexual desire was evaluated using the Halbert Sexual Desire Questionnaire. Comparisons were made between affected and unaffected groups (138 participants each). Data were compared in infected and non-infected groups employing the independent t-test, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact test.
Results: The amount of menstrual bleeding during the three months following infection was significantly greater (p<0.001). These women also experienced a significant delay in menstruation (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed in the duration of menstrual bleeding (p=0.067). Intermenstrual spotting was more frequent among infected women (p=0.027). Moreover, the mean sexual desire score was significantly lower in women who had contracted COVID-19 than in those who had not (p=0.002).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that women who had COVID-19 experienced a significant reduction in sexual desire three months after infection, accompanied by heavier menstrual bleeding, more frequent intermenstrual spotting, and delayed of menstruation compared to non-infected women.
Keywords
COVID-19
Sexual desire
Menstrual status
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Community Health Journal
Volume 19, Issue 3
Winter 2026
Pages 14-24