[Impact of infertility and assisted reproductive techniques on sexuality]

We studied the impact of infertility and all the more Assisted Reproductive Techniques on marital relations and sexuality.

Our study is based on a questionnaire distributed in our centre and on a review of literature.

Our inquest shows that both partners keep a good relationship in their couple and support each other. But, whereas pleasure during intercourse is little affected, many couples feel a reduction of their desires.

This diminution of sexual desires, also noted in literature, can be explained by medical requirements intrusive for intimacy and also by strategies settled by the couples themselves during intercourse in order to optimise the chance of pregnancy. Medical staffs should take into consideration eventual sexual difficulties of the couples. Making them aware that their intimate life must remain or become again an end in itself, and not only a way of procreation, often permits a beneficial change of behaviour.