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' ( = 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. ; ), five themes related to negative changes (e.g. ; ), four themes pertaining to support factors (e.g. ; Offering support and respecting ), and three themes reflecting: , , and . 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.