Psychologic and sexual dysfunction in primary and secondary infertile male patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare depression and sexual dysfunctions observed in primary and secondary infertile patients. Material and method: The study was performed in 39 primary and 31 secondary infertile male patients. Male sexual health was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and depression with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Mean age of the participants and their partners were 31.54 ± 5.37 (range, 24-48 yrs), and 28.16 ± 5.58 (range, 20-46 yrs) years, respectively. Mean duration of their marriage ranged between 1 and 17 years (mean, 5.06 ± 4.15 yrs). A statistically significant intergroup difference was detected between groups as for BDI scores (p = 0.015; p < 0. 05). BDI scores of the primary group were significantly lower than those of the secondary group. A statistically and extremely significant difference was detected between IIEF scores of the groups (p = 0.006; p < 0.01). IIEF scores of the primary infertile group were higher than those of the secondary group. Conclusion: Our study, frequency of the depression and erectile dysfunction seen in the patients with secondary infertility was seen significantly higher than the patients with primary infertility.KEY WORDS: Infertility; Male sexual dysfunction; Depression; Secondary infertile man. clear definition of this time, the 12 months period is also accepted for the secondary infertility by many authors. Diagnosis of infertility can be made in nearly 15% of the couples who want to have a baby and primary or secondary infertility are detected in 90 and 10% of them (3). One of the basic and primitive instincts in human beings is reproductive instinct. Reproductive deficiency frequently creates a social stigma, which is perceived as a disgraceful condition (4). Infertility emerges from a sudden and unexpected life crisis, which can be diagnosed in the long run. It results in excessive stressful problems, which strain adjustment mechanisms (5). Studies analyzing the association between infertility and psychological functions have used one of the following models. One of them is psychological infertility model, which asserts the role of an existing psychopathology on the etiology of infertility and the other model (psychological result) claims that psychological problems arise as a result of infertility (6). Recently direct correlation of mental stress with infertility problems and its impact on the outcomes of infertility treatment has been demonstrated. For example it has been revealed that during natural disasters like earthquakes, sperm quality activities of seminal plasma superoxide dismutase and arginine decrease, and nitric oxide levels increase in men under stress (7,8). Since psychiatric disorders are more frequently analyzed during infertility investigations, scales specific to infertility process haven't been developed yet (9). In developed countries, it appears to be appropriate to take a detailed history about psychological status of the infertile couple. The rationale of this appr...

The Relationship of Male Infertility with Somatosensory Amplification, Health Anxiety and Depression Levels

“…In a study comparing the depression status of primary and secondary infertile men, it was reported that depression was more common in secondary infertile patients, which was suggested to be due to anxiety related to losing the ability to have children after having successful pregnancies. 2 In contrast to this study, in our study we found that SSAS, HAI, BAI, and BDI scores were higher in the primary infertile patients compared to the secondary infertile patients. In traditional societ-ies, such as Turkey, great importance is given to reproduction and the continuity of the family, and couples are under pressure from their families and the community.…”

“…23 There are many studies evaluating psychological well-being of patients with infertility, especially their anxiety and depression levels. 2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]24 Increased stress-related anxiety and depression have been shown to reduce the success of in vitro fertilization by affecting cytokine levels. 11 In addition, it has been emphasized that semen parameters were adversely affected as a result of changes in the blood hormonal levels.…”

“…Although there is no clear guidelines for secondary infertility period, many studies suggest the period of 12 months for secondary infertility. 2 Diagnosis of infertility and treatment planning may cause psychological stress, anxiety and depression in one or both. 3 Anxiety and depressive disorders were reported to be more common in infertile individuals.…”

“…3 Anxiety and depressive disorders were reported to be more common in infertile individuals. 2,[4][5][6][7][8][9] It has been reported that the incidence of psychiatric disorders in both male and female infertility is 12.41% after 2 years of diagnosis and that psychiatric support might be needed during the diagnosis and the treatment of infertility. 8 In addition, a change in the blood and semen levels of hormonal and oxidative stress products has been shown to depend on the level of depression and anxiety.…”

Mental stress in infertility: a tertiary care hospital-based study

“…16 Another study by Aytac Sahin et al the frequency of the depression and erectile dysfunction seen in the patients with secondary infertility was seen significantly higher than the patients with primary infertility. 17 This study showed infertile couple with stress had at least education up to high school. Wischmann T et al in their study showed high educational profile had specific higher prevalence of idiopathic infertility.…”