Abstract Background Sexual myths during pregnancy can shape women’s beliefs about sexuality, increase anxiety, and reduce sexual satisfaction, thereby negatively affecting sexual quality of life. Aim This study examined the relationship between sexual myths prevalent during pregnancy and women’s sexual quality of life using a cross-sectional, correlational design. Methods Conducted between January and April 2025, this study included 332 pregnant women attending the obstetrics outpatient clinic and wards of a university hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Personal Information Form, the Sexual Myths Scale, and the Sexual Quality of Life Scale. Outcomes The primary outcome was sexual quality of life, assessed in relation to the level of endorsement of sexual myths during pregnancy. Results Sexual myths varied significantly according to age, education, occupation, spouse’s occupation, marital duration, and pregnancy planning (P .05). Sexual quality of life was also significantly associated with these variables and with pre-pregnancy pain during intercourse (P .05). A strong negative correlation was found between overall sexual myths and sexual quality of life. While the “sexual orientation” subscale showed a positive correlation, the subscales of gender, age and sexuality, sexual behavior, masturbation, and sexual violence were negatively correlated with sexual quality of life (P .005). Clinical Implications Midwives should provide evidence-based education and counseling to address sexual myths, thereby supporting healthier sexual experiences and improving well-being during pregnancy. Strengths and Limitations This study is among the first to systematically examine this relationship; however, its cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the findings may not be generalizable beyond the study population. Conclusion Integrating sexual health education into routine prenatal care may enhance women’s sexual quality of life during pregnancy. Highlight
Çıtak et al. (Mon,) studied this question.