The effects of infertility on sexual functions and dyadic adjustment in couples that present for infertility treatment

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of infertility on sexual functions and dyadic adjustment in infertile couples that seek infertility treatment.

Materials and methods: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) were administered to the infertility group (n = 220) and control group (n = 110). None of the study participants had an Axis I psychiatric disorder.

Results: There wasn't a significant difference in BDI score between the 2 groups. None of the study participants had clinical depression. Men in both groups reported more problems according to GRISS total scale and subscale scores (except the avoidance subscale) than the women. Women in both groups reported more problems according to GRISS avoidance subscale score than did the men. Men in the control group reported more problems on the GRISS frequency subscale, as compared men in the infertile group. Women in the control group reported more problems based on GRISS total score, and GRISS frequency, satisfaction, touch, and avoidance subscale scores, as compared to the women in the infertile group. The men in the infertile group were more satisfied with dyadic adjustment than the women in the infertile group. The men and women in the control group had higher DAS total score, and DAS consensus and emotional expression subscale scores.

Conclusion: The differences in sexual functions between the infertile and control groups were not significant. Both women and men in the infertility group reported more dyadic adjustment problems than those in the control group.