Association between the international index of erectile function‐15 and female sexual function index in Chinese infertile couples

Abstract

Infertility has a detrimental impact on the sexual function of involuntarily childless couples. However, the effect of male sexual function on female partner's sexual function in infertile couples remains unknown. In order to explore the association between these couples' sexual function, 324 consecutive couples with infertility and 326 female‐age‐matched fertile couples were enrolled in this study. The female sexual function index (FSFI) and sexual history were evaluated in female partners. In addition to the international index of erectile function‐15 (IIEF‐15) and sexual history, self‐reported intravaginal ejaculation latency time was evaluated in male partners. The demographics and depression status of couples were also recorded. We observed a higher occurrence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in infertile females than in fertile females (58.6% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.033). FSD was associated with a number of risk variables, including partner's erectile dysfunction (ED), depression and sexual frequency. The overall FSFI score was positively associated with the IIEF‐15 score (r = 0.347, p < 0.001). Besides, six FSFI domains were positively correlated with five IIEF‐15 domains (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it is critical to assess and address FSD as well as the sexual problems in male partners in infertile couples.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Patterns Relating to Sexual Dysfunction Among Urologists and Andrologists in China

“…21 According to previous studies, female sexual function parameters were significantly associated with their male partners' erectile function and sexual desire. 8,15,21 A previous study has found that 55% of female partners of men with ED reported 1 or more female sexual dysfunctions.…”

“…Approximately 43% of women in the US experience female sexual dysfunction, 7 while in China, female sexual dysfunction is even more prevalent, possibly associated with China's relatively conservative sexual culture. 8,9 An internet-based study conducted by Du et al 10 found the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in China was 60.2%. However, despite the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, it continues to remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially female sexual dysfunction.…”

“… 14 However, the associations between female sexual dysfunction and male sexual dysfunction within relationships have been well documented over the last decade. 8 , 15 Consequently, urologists and andrologists should routinely screen sexual function of the female partners of male patients with sexual dysfunction to improve therapeutic outcomes. 16 Nevertheless, it is difficult to manage sexual dysfunction when there is a lack of training or knowledge on the subject, especially for female sexual dysfunction.…”

“…For females, a worse situation has been reported. Approximately 43% of women in the US experience female sexual dysfunction, while in China, female sexual dysfunction is even more prevalent, possibly associated with China’s relatively conservative sexual culture . An internet-based study conducted by Du et al found the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in China was 60.2%.…”

“…Male sexual dysfunction is mainly managed by urologists and andrologists, while female sexual dysfunction is mainly managed by obstetricians and gynecologists or psychologists . However, the associations between female sexual dysfunction and male sexual dysfunction within relationships have been well documented over the last decade . Consequently, urologists and andrologists should routinely screen sexual function of the female partners of male patients with sexual dysfunction to improve therapeutic outcomes .…”