Abstract
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention describes infertility as the inability to conceive after one year or longer with adequate unprotected sex. Infertility affects both females and males, interfering with their everyday lives and significantly impacting their mental health. Sexual dysfunction is defined as an alteration of the sexual response cycle phases, preventing satisfaction during sexual activity. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the United States is high, with about 10%-52% among men and 25%-63% among women. Different scales can measure sexual satisfaction and double as a tool to diagnose sexual dysfunction. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is the gold standard for diagnosing sexual dysfunction in women. Overall, fertile women had a higher score on the FSFI than infertile women; however, both groups showed sexual dysfunctions even if the fertile group was classified as a mild disorder. The most common disorders were disorders of desire and lubrication. Desire and arousal dysfunction appeared more common in participants with secondary infertility, while lubrication dysfunctions were more common in older participants. In the future, it will be important to evaluate other factors that affect sexual function and fertility including mental health, male health, and couple factors.
Highlights
BackgroundInfertility is a common diagnosis in men and women
Alterations in mental health can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress, which can translate into sexual dysfunction disorders; studies show that infertility almost affects the sexual health of the couple
Alterations in mental health can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress, which can translate into sexual dysfunction disorders; studies show that infertility almost affects the sexual health of the couple [21]
Summary
Couples are usually tested for infertility; women are more affected. Fertility in women is at its peak between teens and early thirties and subsequently decreases with age, with a more rapid decline after 35 years. For people in their 40s, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine says the average chance of pregnancy is around 5% each cycle. Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive in a couple who has previously conceived before; it has multiple causes, varying among men and women. Causes of female infertility include ovulation disorders from polycystic ovarian syndrome, tubal blockage from previous genital tract infections, endometriosis or pelvic surgeries, hormonal disorders and imbalances, uterine factors from synechiae, submucous fibroids or polyp, congenital uterine anomalies, and others such as obesity, smoking, toxins, and unexplained causes
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