Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Problems, Relationship Stress, and Depression in Female Partners of Infertile Couples

Abstract

Introduction Infertility has been associated with anxiety, stress, and sexual problems in both men and women. Aim To assess quality of life, sexual health, and depression in the female partner of infertile couples. Methods Couples presenting for the evaluation of infertility at two tertiary care medical centers were invited to participate in a survey study. Main Outcome Measures Female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a modified Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) Questionnaire. Male partners completed the SEAR and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Both partners completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for depression and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) for general quality of life. Demographic, fertility, and comorbidity information was recorded. Results One hundred and twenty-one couples constitute the study population. Mean female and male age was 32 ± 5 and 35 ± 7 years, respectively. Most (92%) couples were married. Mean duration of relationship and marriage were 6.4 ± 3.9 and 3.8 ± 3.2 years, respectively. Mean duration of attempted conception was 24 ± 24 months. On CES-D, 19% of women had moderate and 13% had severe depression. Women reported significantly worse SF-36 Mental Health subscale scores (mean = 47.8, P < 0.05) compared with normative values. The mean total FSFI score was 28 ± 7 (maximum score of 36), with 26% of the women scoring below 26.55, an established cut-off for high risk of female sexual dysfunction. FSFI scores had a modest positive correlation with male IIEF scores (r = 0.37, P < 0.01), and there was a trend toward a negative correlation with female CES-D scores (r = −0.16, P < 0.06). These relationships were maintained on multivariate analysis. Conclusion Depression and sexual dysfunction are prevalent in female partners of infertile couples. Female sexual function is positively correlated with male partner sexual function in this population.

Is infertility really associated with higher levels of mental distress in the female population? Results from the North-Trøndelag Health Study and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway

“…clinical samples) have found that levels of mental distress and symptoms of anxiety and depression are higher [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] and quality of life lower [6,[8][9][10][11] in infertile women compared with control samples without fertility problems or population norms [5,6]. Reports suggest that up to one-third of women seeking help for infertility score above cut-off values for a mental condition [1,11,12], which is similar to the prevalence of mental disorders seen in patients with somatic conditions [13].…”

Sexualidade e depressão em gestantes com aborto espontâneo de repetição

“…Entre as gestantes com histórico de aborto espontâneo de repetição, a sexualidade fica comprometida, e vários estudos já demonstraram que pode haver um distanciamento dos casais, tanto interpessoal como sexual, no primeiro ano após o aborto 9,25,26 . Para muitos casais, a sexualidade e a fertilidade estão associadas, sendo o AER um evento de impacto na vida sexual 27 . Perguntamos às componentes dos grupos seus medos quanto à relação sexual (dor, excitação, lubrificação e orgasmo).…”

Psychological determinants of life satisfaction in women undergoing infertility treatment

“…Therefore, long-term infertility and yearning for a child had a negative influence on sexual satisfaction. Studies indicate that in infertile couples sexual problems occur much more often in women than in men (Nelson et al, 2008).…”

“…Nelson, Shindel, Naughton, Ohebshalom, & Mulhall, 2008) can be described as an emotional see-saw vacillating between optimism and hope on one side, and desperation and depression episodes on the other. Women welcome each menstrual period with hope of conceiving a baby, while each failure makes them revert to pessimism and hopelessness (cf.…”