Effects of Infertility Etiology and Depression on Female Sexual Function

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is common in women with infertility and interferes with the marital relationship. The study aims to compare sexual function among women with different infertility causes. The authors used a cross-sectional study design with 142 infertile women. Sexual functions and depression prevalence of infertile women were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index and the Beck Depression Inventory. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 43.3% (n = 13) in the female infertility group (Group A), 54.8% (n = 17) in the male infertility group (Group B), and 51.9% (n = 42) in the unexplained infertility group (Group C). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction between the groups (p =.635). There was no significant difference in mean Beck Depression Inventory scores between the groups (p =.832). However, Beck Depression Inventory scores and depression prevalence were significantly higher in women with sexual dysfunction (p <.001). The total Female Sexual Function Index score and all subgroup scores were inversely correlated with the Beck Depression Inventory score (p <.01). Infertile women with sexual dysfunction were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Psychiatric assessment should be introduced in the management of infertility.