Covid-19 and sexuality: italian data from international sexual health and reproductive (i-share-1) health survey during covid-19

OBJECTIVES: Covid-19 is an infectious disease that has affected many countries, changing daily life. Italy was one of the first Countries suffering Covid-19 social distancing restrictions and isolation. In partnership with a global consortium, we organized a survey to better understand sexual functioning during coronavirus. This presentation will present preliminary findings focused on sex and sexuality in Italy. METHODS: 342 participants were asked about sex life satisfaction in the three months prior to COVID-19 and the three months after COVID-19 measures. Satisfaction was categorized as very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, not very satisfied, or not at all satisfied. The primary outcomes focused on changes in sexual behaviors (frequency and satisfaction of sexual activity) and reported sexual problems prior to and during COVID-19 measures. RESULTS: The age range of the participants varied from 19 to 79 years old. 226 of them (66%) were women and 116 (34%) men. 255 (74,5 %) of them reported to be heterosexual, 27 (7,9%) bisexual, 34 (10%) gay and the remaining sample (26, 7,6%) used other definitions for their sexual orientation. Between those who reported to have sexual problems (186 participants, 54,4% of the total sample), the most reported were diminshed/loss sexual desire (106, 57%), difficulty in reaching orgasm (43, 21,3%), diminished/loss sexual excitement (41, 22%), pain during sexual intercourse (33, 17,7%), increasing sexual desire (30, 16,1%), erection problems (28, 15,1%), difficulties in vaginal and/or anal penetration (21, 11,3%), premature ejaculation (15, 8,1%). The proportion of participants who were not very satisfied or not at all satisfied increased from 31.6% (103/342) prior to COVID-19 measures compared to 63.4% (206/342) during COVID-19 measures. CONCLUSIONS: According also to a recent reviews on available literature, different sexual problems have been reported during and after COVID-19 restriction. Our data will help clinicians to help patients to recover their sexual satisfaction after this period CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: No conflict of interests exist for both the authors.