Effects on Sexuality of Medication Used in Pregnancy and Childbirth

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the sexual side effects of various medications used in midwifery and obstetric practice. The chapter will start with background information on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics geared to pregnancy and the changing pregnant body. During pregnancy, the increased cardiac output causes a shorter time to metabolise and eliminate medication. In addition, the blood plasma volume and the total amount of the ‘watery environment’ increase, causing a lower plasma concentration of hydrophilic drugs. Lipophilic drugs take longer to be eliminated because residing longer in the increased ‘fatty environment’ and not in the blood plasma.During pregnancy, the binding of drugs to plasma proteins decreases as well, meaning that a higher amount of the drug can bind to the target with increased therapeutic or undesired side effects.The chapter will give detailed information on the potential sexual implications of medication.Finally, the chapter will indicate how to deal with actual or potential sexual side effects.It is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals (HCPs).