Evaluation of sexual dysfunction and its associated risk factors in the male partners of the infertile couples using International Index of Erectile Function

Sexual dysfunction and disorders as a consequence of infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sexuality has a key impact on quality of life and on reproductive health. Infertility often results in sexual dysfunction. Despite this close association, addressing sexuality is not a standard component of infertility counselling, especially since in most countries sexual medicine is not a core element of specialist training. Even today, many doctors and patients consider discussing sexuality to be more challenging than other aspects of reproductive medicine. The present review addresses the complex consequences of infertility on sexuality.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

Our goals were: (i) to identify the prevalence of sexual problems resulting from infertility, (ii) to evaluate characteristics of sexual difficulties and disorders resulting from infertility and (iii) to analyse factors involved in the complex association between sexual problems and infertility.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic search for publications containing keywords related to sexual disorders and infertility was performed via PubMed, Web of Science and Psyndex. A total of 170 manuscripts published between January 1966 and April 2021 were identified after verification of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reference lists in these manuscripts were searched for further relevant literature. Studies were reviewed for quality-related methodological details.

OUTCOMES

Couples diagnosed with infertility have an increased risk of sexual disorders. Loss of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction are among the most frequent sexual disorders resulting from infertility. Currently available literature reflects only fragmentarily the complexity of the diverse interactions. Sexuality plays out against the backdrop of interactions among personal, cultural, infertility-related and sexuality-related factors. Considering this complexity, it is crucial to evaluate individual profiles as well as partnership interactions to avoid a negative impact of infertility on a couple's sexual life.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Identifying sexual disorders as relevant considerations in the context of infertility and exploring their impact during the entire course of diagnosis and treatment constitute an important contribution to comprehensively care for the couples concerned. Counselling should focus on preventing the onset and aggravation of sexual disorders. As sexuality represents a major component of quality of life and of partnership, such support may improve not only the current overall wellbeing but also the chances of a satisfactory long-term partnership and family life.

Role of mental health in prediction of sexual function in infertile women, Babol, Iran

BACKGROUND

Infertility is one of the main concerns in women's lives that may lead to psychological imbalance and disrupt their sexual relationship. The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating role of mental health in prediction of sexual function in infertile women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analytic-descriptive study was conducted in 2015-2016 in 424 infertile women referring to Fatemeh Zahraa Infertility and Reproductive Health Center, Babol, Iran. The participants filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (α = 0.72-0.90), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28, α = 0.86), and demographics questionnaires. Linear regression used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The mean of total GHQ was 23.57 ± 12.06. The highest mean of GHQ subscales was social dysfunction (8.68 ± 3.69). There was a negative association between GHQ with the overall sexual function of infertile women (r = -0.397, P < 0.0001). The higher mental health disorder was associated with lower sexual function. Furthermore, there was an inverse significant association between all the subscales of mental health and sexual function. Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the variables of anxiety and sleep disorder (β = -0.143, P < 0.035), social dysfunction (β= -0.139, P < 0.003), depression symptoms (β = -0.121, P < 0.046), sexual intercourse frequency (β = 0.272, P < 0.0001), and educational level (β = -0.110, P < 0.016) were the significant predictors of perceived sexual dysfunction after adjusting for other variables. The strongest predictor of the GHQ subscale was anxiety and sleep disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Undesirable conditions of mental health and its adverse effects on sexual function and also other predictors emphasize the need to develop more effective screening and supportive strategies with the help of the psychologists.