Sexual dysfunction in infertile women: Relationship with depression and demographic factors

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and to assess the related risk factors that might influence sexual dysfunction in infertile women. Material and Methods: Two-hundred volunteer infertile women who visited the infertility outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Çukurova University were given the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). IFSF score=30 was considered sexual dysfunction. The relationship between IFSF score and age, marriage age, level of education, occupational status, monthly income, way of partner selection, feelings towards husband, and depression was analyzed. Results: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in infertile women was 35.5% (n=71) and the mean IFSF score was 31.6±4.5. There was a statistically significant correlation between the frequency of sexual dysfunction and level of education, occupational status, monthly income, feelings towards husband, male infertility, and depression. A negative correlation was found between the IFSF score and the BDI score (r=-0,44, p=0,001). In addition, level of education, occupational status, monthly income, and feelings towards husband significantly correlated to the IFSF score, desire, orgasm, and arousal sensation. No significant relationship was found between the frequency of sexual dysfunction and age, residency, being a parent, presence of chronic disease, way of partner selection, marriage age, and smoking history. Conclusion: Infertile women have a higher risk for sexual dysfunction than fertile women do. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is lower in infertile women who are well educated, are employed, and have a high monthly income. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.