Sexual behavior of infertile couples

Abstract

The role of sexual dysfunction was evaluated among 98 couples during infertility examination. The wife and the husband were interviewed separately and together. Sixty-six women were willing to report daily their sexual behavior in association with recording basal body temperature. Male sexual dysfunction was the primary cause of infertility in five couples (5%). Three pregnancies resulted after examination and simultaneous supportive discussion. Following a simple diary on sexual behavior, 19 of 66 women conceived (29%). Fourteen of these 19 women reported orgasm within two days preceding elevated basal body temperature. Open discussion about sex was possibly therapeutic. Infertility examinations should include an evaluation of the sexual behavior of couples, with special reference to frequency and timing of coitus.