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Sexual and Reproductive Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Jule Räuchle

    (Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Peer Briken

    (Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Johanna Schröder

    (Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
    Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Olena Ivanova

    (Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany
    German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic’s diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using quantitative methods, and it is also aimed at identifying the underlying reasons, using qualitative methods. It is a part of the broader I-SHARE project, which administered a cross-sectional online survey in 33 countries to describe the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on different aspects of SRH. In the current study, a total of 611 adults from Germany are included. The findings demonstrate a decline in sexual satisfaction, as well as increases in sexual problems and partnership conflicts. Furthermore, the findings indicate an increase in pornography consumption and masturbation. Psychological stress, due to the pandemic, seemed to be the main reason for the changes in the participants’ sexual behaviours, followed by a decrease in social contacts, and an increase in time resources. Thus, it is important to provide accessible clinical and psychosocial (online) interventions and services in order to maintain good sexual health in times of pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Jule Räuchle & Peer Briken & Johanna Schröder & Olena Ivanova, 2022. "Sexual and Reproductive Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1428-:d:735582
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lukas Reitzle & Christian Schmidt & Francesca Färber & Lena Huebl & Lothar Heinz Wieler & Thomas Ziese & Christin Heidemann, 2021. "Perceived Access to Health Care Services and Relevance of Telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-15, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Filippo Maria Nimbi & Sara Cavagnis & Stefano Eleuteri, 2024. "Changes in Sexual Behavior and Satisfaction and Violent Behavior during COVID-19 Lockdown: Explorative Results from the Italian Cross-Sectional Study of the I-SHARE Multi-Country Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Aleksandra M. Rogowska & Natalia Wójcik & Aleksandra Janik & Paulina Klimala, 2022. "Is There a Direct Link between Sexual Satisfaction and Restrictions during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.

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