Sexual satisfaction and self-esteem in women with primary infertility

Abstract

Background: Infertility may adversely affect sexual satisfaction and self-esteem of the infertile couples. Main body: This study aims to assess self-esteem (sexual and general), anxiety, and depression in women with primary infertility. It is a comparative cross-sectional study and data collection covers a 1-year period. The study population consisted of 284 women, of whom 150, who attended the gynecology outpatient clinic of the hospital for contraception in the control group, and 134, who attended the gynecology department asking for treatment from primary infertility in the study group. All participants were examined using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression scales, socioeconomic standard using The Egyptian Classification of Socioeconomic Standard by El Gilany 2002, self-esteem using the Arabic translation of Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Self-esteem and Relationship questionnaire (SEAR). In the present study, women with primary infertility showed a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety with a statistically significant difference from fertile women. In addition, women with primary infertility showed lower general self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, sexual relationship, and sexual self-esteem than women with children and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Infertility has a negative effect on women's self-esteem, sexual activity, and psychological function.