3/2007Sex life among infertile couples treated with artificial reproductive techniques

TOMASZ BĄCZKOWSKI (Klinika Rozrodczości i Ginekologii Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie,Kierownik: dr hab. med. Andrzej Starczewski)

Background
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Material and methods
Patients treated in Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology at Pomeranian Medical University between March and December 2006 were included in the study. Anonymous questionnaire consisting of questions concerning infertility past and a set of close questions concerning sex life, partner relationship and quality of life was given to patients at the day of the oocytes retrieval. Questionnaires were returned from 62 (42 were filled) of the 96 at the day of embryo transfer.

Results
Average infertility duration was 5.95 years. Sexual desire or interest: 45.1% always or almost always; 52.4% moderate; 21.4% occasionally; 16.7% rare or very rare. The frequency of intercourse: 40.5% every 2–3 days, 40.5% every 4–7 days, 16.7% less than 1 per week. Infertility influence on partner relationship: negative for 47.2% (not significant 35.7%, significant 9.5%); on family relationship: negative for 33.3% (not significant 21.4%, significant 11.9%); on self-esteem: negative for 61.9% (not significant 35.7%, significant 26.2%); on professional activity: no differences for 66.7%; on sex interest: negative for 40.5% (not significant 21.4%, significant 19.1%). Comparison of sex satisfaction before diagnosis of infertility and the moment of treatment: no difference for 61.9%, higher for 21.4%, considerably higher for 16.7%. There were no statistical differences between women with infertility duration less than 5 years and more than 5 years. Potential enhancement of partner relationship after childbirth: significant for 47.6% and not significant for 14.3%. Possible improvement of sex life after childbirth: significant for 28.6%, no significant for 12.5%, lack of influence 23.8%, 38.1% did not know.

Key words: infertility, sexual adjustment, IVF