Infertility and sexual dysfunction (SD) in the couple

Abstract

A diagnosis of infertility in the male or female partner within a couple can cause significant stress, leading to sexual dysfunction in either or both partners. The causes of infertility and the related sexual dysfunction can be organic or psychosocial in nature, but are frequently linked. As such, having a more complete understanding of the interplay between the organic and psychosocial factors relating infertility and sexual dysfunction, as well as an understanding of treatments addressing both types of causes, is essential to successful treatment of these patients. Here, we discuss the interplay between infertility and sexual dysfunction in the man, woman, and the couple and focus on psychosocial interventions in the setting of the couple.