Predictors of Partnership and Sexual Satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples affected by endometriosis and infertility

Abstract

Purpose Endometriosis and infertility are associated with impaired partnership and sexuality of the patients, but also of their male partners. The aim of this study was to determine the association of different predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction in couples with endometriosis and infertility, as well as dyadic effects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with n = 62 women with endometriosis and n = 46 partners, including a total of n = 44 couples, some of whom were affected by infertility. The questionnaire included items on partnership, sexuality, depression, social support, and childbearing. Multiple linear regression and the actor-partner-interdependence-model were used for analysis. Results Depression correlated with lower partnership and sexuality satisfaction and showed in the dyad a significant negative actor effect in men for partnership satisfaction and a negative actor and partner effect in women for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). For women, social support showed a significant positive actor effect for partnership satisfaction (p < .05), age showed a significant actor and partner effect for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). Conclusion The results show a significant association of endometriosis and infertility with partnership and sexuality satisfaction in both partners and support the importance of including male partners' perspectives in the treatment of endometriosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014362 on the 29.03.2018.