The man's wife, 20 weeks pregnant, was distraught when her husband told her the news, fearing for her unborn child's health. Dr. Tra Anh Duy of Men’s Health treated the husband, counseled both partners, and advised the wife to seek gynecological testing.
Fortunately, the husband had not yet transmitted the human papillomavirus (HPV) to his wife. If she had contracted genital warts during pregnancy, large or widespread warts in the vagina or vulva could obstruct the birth canal, making natural childbirth difficult and increasing the risk of bleeding during delivery due to the fragility of the warts. The most serious concern is the risk of transmitting HPV to the baby during vaginal birth.
According to Dr. Duy, hormonal, psychological, and physical changes during pregnancy can leave some husbands feeling emotionally and sexually unfulfilled. For some, this becomes an excuse for infidelity, rationalizing that their wives are not meeting their needs.
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Dr. Duy examines a patient's test results. Photo: Lam Anh |
Dr. Duy examines a patient's test results. Photo: Lam Anh
Recently, Dr. Duy treated a 40-year-old man experiencing erectile dysfunction after an extramarital affair while his wife was pregnant. The man reported feeling guilt and shame after the infidelity, leading to a loss of confidence and difficulty maintaining an erection with his wife. The doctor prescribed a treatment plan combining medication and psychological support, helping the patient regain sexual function after six weeks.
"Extramarital affairs during pregnancy are unethical and pose serious medical and psychological risks," Dr. Duy said.
These risks include sexually transmitted infections, psychological distress, and significant damage to family relationships. Research published in The Lancet Psychiatry by O'Hara & Wisner suggests that the loss of trust and emotional trauma caused by infidelity during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of both prenatal anxiety and postpartum depression.
Infidelity is also a major cause of divorce, undermining the foundation of the family. Children born into families marked by conflict and mistrust between parents are more likely to develop behavioral and psychological problems later in life. Therefore, men need to understand these risks, recognize signs of trouble, and seek professional help promptly to ensure the well-being of their families, especially their children.
Le Phuong
