The Relationship between Sexual Function and Body Mass Index among Infertile Women

Abstract

Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the relationship between sexual function and body mass index among infertile women. Methods: Descriptive correlational study, the study was conducted at a gynecology clinic at Benha educational hospital and Benha university hospital, a purposive sample (No. 200) all infertile women attended to the gynecological clinic of Benha educational hospital and Benha university hospital during 6 months. Two tools were used to collect the data of the study. 1st was an Arabic interview questionnaire to assess infertile women’s characteristics and sexual function. 2ndwas anthropometric measurements for the calculation of BMI. The results: the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was quite high in infertile women. In this study, being overweight and obese based on body mass index had a negative effect on the infertile woman’s sexual function and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was quite high in infertile women, which might be due to the lack of knowledge about marital issues and lack of training in the society. If body mass index is too high, it can have a great effect on fertility. In this study, being overweight and obese based on body mass index had a negative effect on the infertile woman’s sexual function, the study recommended that the allocation of a clinic for infertile women and educational programs should be implemented for the infertile women to increase their awareness regarding marital as well as sexual skills to be held by supportive groups in infertility clinics. Further studies are required to compare sexual function in fertile and infertile women, investigate the relationship between BMI and sexual function in fertile and infertile women, and determine the effects of BMI on infertility.