Self-reported sexual dysfunction and depression among women undergoing infertility treatments

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Infertility is associated with considerable psychological distress and sexual dysfunction. Guided by our self-regulation theoretical framework, we examined the relationship between infertility treatments and sexual function, and depression. DESIGN: Women who are members of the American Fertility Association (AFA) received an email inviting them to complete an online questionnaire. Responses were transmitted using the SSL protocol and were stored on a password protected server. Following one email blast to the membership, we received n = 320 completed questionnaires. Of those, n = 192 (64%) women were actively undergoing fertility treatment at the time of the survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women completed demographic information and validated measures including the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; Radloff, 1977), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; Rosen et. al., 2000). Data were analyzed with the SPSS statistical package using ANOVA procedures. RESULTS: The mean age of the women in the study was 34 years old (SD = 6). They were largely married or in a domestic partnership (97%), employed (84%), and had at least a college education (85%). The sample was 85% Caucasian, 5% African-American and 7% Hispanic. Women undergoing fertility treatment reported clinically significant elevated levels of depression (20.7± 5. 6) compared to a normed cut-off of 16. Furthermore, women undergoing fertility treatments also experienced greater levels of anxiety during specifically-timed sexual activity (p < .042). With regard to sexual satisfaction, women undergoing fertility treatment compared to a normative sample (Rosen et al., 2000) reported significantly lower levels of emotional closeness (3.42±1.3 vs M norm = 4.3±1.1), poorer satisfaction with their sexual relationship with their partner (3.2±1.3; Mnorm = 4.2±1.0), and lower overall satisfaction with their sexual life (3.0±1.3; Mnorm = 4.2±1.1; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the general population, women undergoing fertility treatment reported significantly higher levels of depression and exhibited significantly lower levels of emotional closeness and sexual satisfaction. Mental health and sexual function aspects should be routinely addressed among women undergoing fertility treatments and comprehensive education and therapy should be offered.