Sexual Dysfunction One Year After the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake: A Comparative Assessment of Female and Male Survivors

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the sexual function of male and female individuals living in temporary accommodation conditions one year after the devastating earthquakes that struck southern and eastern Trkiye on February 6, 2023.Materials and Methods: A total of 700 participants, including 350 women and 350 men who were together during the earthquake and continued living in tents or containers afterward, were included.Female participants were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and male participants with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5).Pre-and post-earthquake sexual function scores were compared.Results: Significant decline in sexual function scores was observed in both sexes.Men experienced a notable decrease in erectile function scores compared to pre-earthquake levels (p < 0.0001).Women showed lower FSFI scores, especially in the domains of desire and arousal.Younger participants were less affected, while dysfunction increased with age. Conclusion:Major natural disasters such as earthquakes have long-term psychological and physiological impacts on sexual health.Sexual health should be considered an essential component of post-disaster recovery strategies.