Gender disparities in psychological distress and sexual dysfunction among infertile couples: a cross-sectional study...

To compare rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and sexual dysfunction between men and women with infertility.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Reproductive Endocrinology of two tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh. Participants were randomly selected following a confirmed diagnosis of infertility by consultants. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, International Index of Erectile Function, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and Female Sexual Function Index-6 were used for assessment.

A total of 658 participants (320 men and 338 women) were included. The mean ages of men and women participants were 33.77 ± 6.55 and 28.57 ± 5.34 years, respectively. Infertile women reported significantly higher severity and proportions of depression (67.2% vs. 31.9%), anxiety (75.1% vs. 32.8%), and stress (69.2% vs. 37.8%) compared with infertile men (P < .001 for all). Conversely, sexual dysfunction was more prevalent among infertile men (37.5%) than women (13.9%, P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that, among men, sexual dysfunction was a significant predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas among women, longer duration of infertility treatment was independently associated with these psychological distresses.

These findings highlight the gendered psychosocial impact of infertility within a sociocultural context where parenthood is highly valued. Routine screening and integrated management of mental health and sexual dysfunction may improve overall patient well-being and treatment outcomes. However, the findings should be interpreted considering the cross-sectional and hospital-based design, which limits causal inference and generalizability.