European Psychiatry (Apr 2021)
Sexual dysfunction in infertile couples
Abstract
Introduction Interactions between infertility and sexuality are numerous and complex. Recently more attention is being paid to the impact of infertility on the marital sexuality. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effects of infertility on sexual functions. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study, the obstetric gynecology department Basic demographic information was collected. Respondents were surveyed regarding sexual impact and perception of their infertility etiology. Results Our patients had an average age of 33.2. The average number of years of infertility was 3.9 years.. The most common cause of female infertility was an ovulat disorder (36%), that of male infertility was sperm production defect. The confrontation with a diagnosis of infertility marks a difference in the way couples organize their sexual life. In our study, sexual problems after this diagnosis were experienced by 38% of women. Sexual dysfunction was detected as a pain problem (24%), a desire problem (10%), an arousal problem (4%), and an orgasm problem in 6% and. Faced with this situation, women felt guilty (46%), angry (72%) and anxious (82%). Infertility was perceived as the worst experience of life by 78% of our patients. Conclusions Infertility can interfere negatively in women sexuality. The investigation of sexual difficulties in infertility consultations must be systematic.
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