Depression, sexual dysfunction and sexual quality of life in women with infertility

Abstract

BackgroundWomen suffering from infertility are at higher risk of experiencing psychological problems. Sexual function and sexual related quality of life is not considered as it should be. We designed this study to assess depression, sexual function and sexual quality of life in Iranian women with infertility.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty four individuals participated in the study (115 healthy controls, 78 with primary and 71 with secondary infertility). All participants were asked to fill a valid and reliable Persian versions of BDI (Beck depression inventory), FSFIS (Female Sexual Function Index) and sexual quality of life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaires.ResultsMean BDI score was significantly lower in healthy individuals.Individuals with primary infertility suffered more from sexual dysfunction, while BDI score was significantly higher and SQOL-F was significantly lower in cases with sexual dysfunction. There was significant positive correlation between SQOL-F and total FSFI score (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis by considering SQOL-F as dependent and age, BDI, duration of marriage, sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤26.55 or > 26.55) showed that BDI and sexual dysfunction were independent predictors of SQOL-F.ConclusionSexual function and quality of life related to sexual life should be considered in Iranian infertile ones. Depression as a crucial factor should be focused more in infertile women.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-018-0584-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Depression among infertile women in Gaza strip: Prevalence and correlates

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the rst study addresses a psychological disorder, depression, in infertile women. A growing body of evidence emphasized on psychological aspect of infertility in women (1,6,10,(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). Infertility is a source of stress for couples who are unable to conceive and depression was most commonly reported and its incidence varied among societies and countries.…”

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 60-80 million individuals have a type of infertile couples worldwide (9) . Consequently, nearly 40% of individuals who seek infertility treatment are unable to achieve pregnancy (10). In Palestine, no accurate data about prevalence of infertility among couples.…”

Comparison of Depression Severity and Sexual Satisfaction Between Fertile and Infertile Women in Iran: A Population Based Case-Control Study

“…Although infertility is considered as a catostrophic phenomen for couples worldwide, studies show that the adverse psychological effects of infertility are found to be greater among women than that of men (2).This is because motherhood has traditionally been accepted as an essential role for women in Iranian culture. Many times, an infertile woman believes she cannot imagine a childless life while his spouse may express a different feeling (10,11). In general, infertile women are more likely than men to seek for treatment for which the female gender or the couple go through emotional and nancial hardship (12).…”

“…Studies have reported a great deal of complications such as fatigue, depression, stress, and lack of selfesteem as psychological consequences of infertility among infertile women (11,13,14).…”

“…Due to social and cultural value of fertility in Iran, study of infertility is very imperative (4,8,11). Previous studies in Iran have not been conclusive a population based case-control study model (22,23).…”