The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on the PLISSIT/Ex-PLISSIT Model on Sexual Function During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Objective: This systematic review aims to determine the effect of PLISSIT/Ex-PLISSIT model-based sexual counseling on sexual function during pregnancy.Methods: In the systematic review, studies conducted between 2010 and 2024 on the use of the PLISSIT/Ex-PLISSIT Model during pregnancy were examined in the “Cochrane,” “PubMed,” “CINAHL,” “Google Scholar,” “Scopus,” “Science Direct,” and “Web of Science” databases. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed by two independent researchers using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.Results: The search yielded 583 studies, and after evaluation, 8 articles—3 quasi-experimental and 5 randomized controlled trials—were included in the systematic review. It was found that PLISSIT/Ex-PLISSIT-based sexual counseling interventions for pregnant women had a positive and statistically significant effect on women's sexual function.Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that the PLISSIT/Ex-PLISSIT model applied to pregnant women is a viable method for improving sexual function and can be integrated into prenatal care education. Additionally, it was noted that more evidence-based studies on the subject are needed.