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Chapter 17 - Multiple Pregnancies and Sex

from Section 2 - Specific Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2022

By
Hayley Lipworth ,
Jon F. R. Barrett  and
Nir Melamed
Edited by
Dan Farine  and
Pablo Tobías González
Dan Farine
Affiliation:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Pablo Tobías González
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina de Parla, Madrid
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Summary

Twin and triplet pregnancies have been associated with an increased risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This chapter discusses select issues about sexual activity and twin pregnancy, especially with relation to preterm birth (PTB) and shortened cervix, two major concerns in this population. Two studies addressed the association of sexual activity with PTB in twin pregnancies. Overall, these studies do not support a relationship between sexual behavior and PTB in uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Unanswered questions still abound regarding twin gestations at higher risk of PTB, the effects of prostaglandins in semen on cervical length, the intensity of uterine contractions with orgasm on a compromised cervix, and sexual activity in the case of cervical cerclage. We suggest that sexual activity of any type should not be discouraged in twin gestations without other obstetric risk factors such as short cervix. Recommendations should be individualized bearing in mind patient history, comorbidities, and emotional needs.

Keywords

multiple pregnancypremature birthshort cervixsexual activityorgasm
Type
Chapter
Information
Sex and Pregnancy
From Evidence-Based Medicine to Dr Google
 , pp. 120 - 127
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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