Evaluation of Factors Associated with Sexual Function in Infertile Women

Infertility is a major and problem influencing different aspects of couples life, especially those of women. Sexual dysfunction is the silent partner of infertility. This study aimed to identify the above-mentioned factors to make necessary decisions and perform efficient interventions to improve the sexual health of infertile women. This study investigated the factors influencing sexual dysfunction in infertile women in Mashhad, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 infertile women visiting governmental Infertility Clinic and Research Center in Mashhad, Iran. The convenience sampling method was used in this study. The research tools included a demographic and infertility information form, a sexual self-efficacy questionnaire based on Schwarzer's General Self-Efficacy Scale, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication, and Happiness (ENRICH) Marital Satisfaction Scale. The descriptive statistical tests and logistic regression method were used to analyze data.

The mean age of women was 31.18 ± 5.56 years old. The majority of participants (36.7%) had higher educations, and 60% of them were housewives. Most of their husbands (49.4%) were self-employed. The mean period of infertility awareness was 6.02 ± 4.47 years, and the mean period of infertility treatment was 4.11 ± 4.46 years. The following variables influenced the sexual function of infertile women: sexual self-efficacy, sexual satisfaction, marital satisfaction, the educational level of both wife and husband, income, satisfaction with spouse appearance, and the high costs of infertility treatment.

The findings indicated that some factors such as sexual self-efficacy, marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, education, and cost of infertility treatment are associated with sexual function in infertile women.