Alterations of sexual desire and satisfaction in male partners of infertile couples

ObjectiveTo clarify the state of sexual desire and satisfaction, with relevant parameters in men, of couples with infertility.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUniversity outpatient clinic.Patient(s)Two hundred infertile couples referred to a reproductive health research clinic.Intervention(s)Patients were investigated by a self-administered structured questionnaire about demographic data, infertility history, and several relevant psychological variables. In addition, clinical and andrological examinations were completed to find predictors for sexual state.Main Outcome Measurement(s)Sexual desire and satisfaction status were scaled, and the relative factors were analyzed statistically.Result(s)Subjects reported a reduction in sexual desire in 41.5% of cases and reduction of satisfaction in 52.5% compared with recalled sexual satisfaction before diagnosis of infertility. No relationship was found between andrological findings and the present status of sexual desire (P>.05). Education level, mutual understanding between couples, and recalled state of sexual satisfaction had a direct influence, but the duration of infertility and duration of desire for a child showed a significant inverse impact on sexual satisfaction (P<.05).Conclusion(s)Less than 50.0% of patients mentioned a reduction in sexual desire and satisfaction after infertility diagnosis, and the frequency of coitus could be regarded as an acceptable indicator of sexual satisfaction in male partners of infertile couples.