Assessment of Sexual Functions among Infertile Women

Abstract

Context: Sexual function plays a vital role in the quality of life and is determined by both biological and psychosocial factors. Infertile couples report poor sexual functions suggesting a causal relationship between infertility and sexual functions. Infertility caused sexual problems such as loss of sexual desire, decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse, pain during sexual intercourse, and orgasmic difficulties in women and influences their interpersonal and marital relationships and satisfaction.

Aim: The study aimed to assess sexual functions among infertile women.
Methods: A descriptive research design was selected to achieve the aim of this study. The study was conducted at the infertility clinic of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital on 135 women attending the previous settings. A Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet was used to collect data concerning socio-demographic characteristics, female sexual history& infertility-related characteristics, and the current condition of women. The second tool was the Female Sexual Functions Index (FSFI) used to measure the sexual functions among infertile women.
Results: The study revealed an intermediate level of sexual function with a mean of 23.49±7.82, with the highest mean was for the pain domain (4.09±1.45), with the lowest mean is for desire (3.78±1.51). In addition to near two-thirds of the infertile women displayed poor sexual function. The study also revealed a significant association between sexual functioning, and age, residence, duration of the marriage, educational level, husbands' age, husbands' educational level, husbands' occupation, household income, history of miscarriage, life stressors, coitus count, and frequency of sexual intercourse.
Conclusion: The assessment of sexual function among infertile women revealed a pattern of intermediate function according to the female sexual function index. An association was revealed between female sexual functioning as other socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, sexual history, and psychological status. The study recommended the establishment of sexuality disorder clinics and sexual counseling clinics in healthcare centers that involve a multidisciplinary team — further researches to study the issues of sexual function as part of prenatal care and reproductive health programs. Developments of practical strategies in order to provide cultural intervention to improve couples' awareness of their sexual relationship, as well as training in communication skills, are essential.