Sexual functioning and psychologic evaluation of in vitro fertilization couples

Couples requesting in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be sexually dysfunctional either as an etiologic factor in their infertility or because they experience decreased sexual satisfaction as a reaction to previous infertility treatment. The present study assessed the sexual functioning and psychologic status of 45 married couples who had requested IVF. The couples were given complete psychosexual evaluation by senior staff members of the Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit and each participant completed the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI). Seven couples (15.5%) were experiencing a sexual dysfunction and 13 individuals (14.4%) were given Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III diagnoses. In total, 19 individuals (21%) of the sample were found to have either a sexual dysfunction or psychologic disorder. Couples with a sexual dysfunction were more likely (P = 0.05) to have unexplained infertility. Norms for psychologic evaluation as part of IVF are suggested and the role of such evaluation discussed.