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  • Title: Prevalence and predictors of sexual problems, relationship stress, and depression in female partners of infertile couples.
    Author: Nelson CJ, Shindel AW, Naughton CK, Ohebshalom M, Mulhall JP.
    Journal: J Sex Med; 2008 Aug; 5(8):1907-14. PubMed ID: 18564149.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: Infertility has been associated with anxiety, stress, and sexual problems in both men and women. AIM: To assess quality of life, sexual health, and depression in the female partner of infertile couples. METHODS: Couples presenting for the evaluation of infertility at two tertiary care medical centers were invited to participate in a survey study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a modified Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) Questionnaire. Male partners completed the SEAR and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Both partners completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for depression and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) for general quality of life. Demographic, fertility, and comorbidity information was recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one couples constitute the study population. Mean female and male age was 32 +/- 5 and 35 +/- 7 years, respectively. Most (92%) couples were married. Mean duration of relationship and marriage were 6.4 +/- 3.9 and 3.8 +/- 3.2 years, respectively. Mean duration of attempted conception was 24 +/- 24 months. On CES-D, 19% of women had moderate and 13% had severe depression. Women reported significantly worse SF-36 Mental Health subscale scores (mean = 47.8, P < 0.05) compared with normative values. The mean total FSFI score was 28 +/- 7 (maximum score of 36), with 26% of the women scoring below 26.55, an established cut-off for high risk of female sexual dysfunction. FSFI scores had a modest positive correlation with male IIEF scores (r = 0.37, P < 0.01), and there was a trend toward a negative correlation with female CES-D scores (r = -0.16, P < 0.06). These relationships were maintained on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Depression and sexual dysfunction are prevalent in female partners of infertile couples. Female sexual function is positively correlated with male partner sexual function in this population.
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