A longitudinal 3-phase study over 4 months examined trends in mental health, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction among 327 married Iranian women with vs. without a history of COVID-19, using validated questionnaires (GHQ-12, FSFI-6, GMSEX).
Mental health change patterns differed significantly between the two groups over time. Sexual function did not change significantly in either group. Women with a COVID-19 history consistently reported **lower sexual satisfaction** than those without, throughout all three time points.
- Convenience sampling from hospitals and health centers may limit generalizability. - Follow-up was relatively short (4 months); longer-term effects remain unknown. - Study was limited to married Iranian women, restricting applicability to other populations or cultural contexts.
Clinicians managing post-COVID care in women should routinely screen for sexual satisfaction and mental health changes, as COVID-19 history was associated with persistently lower sexual satisfaction. Sexual health follow-up should be integrated into post-COVID recovery protocols.
