A Thematic Analysis of Couples’ Sexual Well-Being Following a Recent Pregnancy Loss

Pregnancy loss has been linked to poorer mental and relationship well-being. Given that strong sexual well-being is associated with better mental and physical health, understanding sexual well-being following a recent pregnancy loss may contribute to education and treatment models. Yet, little research has examined the effects of pregnancy loss on both couple members' sexual well-being. Accordingly, using Marks' team-based method for inductive thematic analysis, this qualitative study examined three open-ended questions regarding how individuals' (<i>N</i> = 255 individuals, across 133 couples) sexual well-being reportedly changed - positively and negatively - and was supported following a recent pregnancy loss (i.e. within 5 months). We also considered if the identified themes differed in frequency between women and gender-diverse individuals who were pregnant when the loss occurred, and men, women, and gender-diverse partners who were not pregnant. Across participants, we found three themes regarding positive changes (e.g. <i>Relationship growth</i>; <i>A new meaning to sex</i>), five themes related to negative changes (e.g. <i>Decreased desire and frequency</i>; <i>Health and body changes</i>), four themes pertaining to support factors (e.g. <i>Communicating openly</i>; Offering support and respecting <i>readiness</i>), and three themes reflecting: <i>No positive changes</i>, <i>No negative changes</i>, and <i>Nothing done to support sexual well-being</i>. Results of this study may guide psychoeducation to increase awareness of potential changes following pregnancy loss and encourage supportive behaviors to benefit couple members' sexual well-being.