A Qualitative Study on the Experience of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Women with Dyspareunia

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of sexual intercourse-related fear among women utilizing assisted reproductive technology due to dyspareunia. The primary objective is to offer insights that can inform the development of targeted nursing interventions. Methods: Employing a purposive sampling approach, a cohort of 23 female patients experiencing dyspareunia and undergoing treatment at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between July 2022 and December 2022, were selected as participants for this research. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was subsequently applied to scrutinize the interview transcripts and identify emergent themes. Results: The analysis yielded five prominent themes: psychological disturbances, incongruent cognitive perceptions, anticipations regarding conception, insufficient adaptive responses, and sexual expectations. Conclusion: It is imperative for medical practitioners to demonstrate reverence for patients’ sexual beliefs and conditions, attune to their apprehensions, and offer efficacious emotional support. Tailored and multifaceted sexual health knowledge should be dispensed based on patients’ individual requirements and their envisioned sexual experiences, thereby fostering spousal and familial harmony. By prioritizing patients’ sexual well-being, cultivating a compassionate medical milieu, and augmenting the quality of assisted reproductive services, comprehensive improvements can be achieved.