The Inferto-Sex Syndrome (ISS): sexual dysfunction in fertility care setting and assisted reproduction

Abstract

Purpose Infertility represents a peculiar social burden affecting more than 15% of couples, provoking it a real threat to the general quality of life and to the sexual health. The medicalization (diagnosis, therapy and follow up) of the lack of fertility is frequently a challenge in term of personal and couple’s involvement. In particular, while the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has allowed many infertile couples to achieve pregnancy, the therapeutic process faced by the couple bears a strong psychological stress that can affect the couple's quality of life, relationship and sexuality. Despite infertility affects both female and male sexual health, only recently the interest in the effects of ART on the couple's sexuality has grown, especially for women. Methods A literature research on the sexual dysfunction in fertility care and particularly in ART setting was performed. Results Literature largely found that intimacy and sexuality appear specifically impaired by intrusiveness of treatments and medical prescriptions. Moreover, there is a close relationship between emotional, psychological and sexual aspects, which can be integrated in the new concept of Inferto-Sex Syndrome (ISS) that can impair the ART treatment outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that the assessment of sexual function is necessary in couples undergoing diagnosis of infertility and ART. Conclusion A close relationship between infertility and sexuality, both in the female and male partners, was detected. ART treatments may heavily impact on the couple's psychosexual health. A couple-centred program for the integrated management of psychological and sexual dysfunction should be considered in the context of ART programs.

The impact of male factors and their correct and early diagnosis in the infertile couple's pathway: 2021 perspectives

“…On the other hand, the intrusion of medical prescriptions and treatments (including ART) may be negatively perceived by the infertile couple, increasing levels of perceived stress and affecting the couple’s quality of life with repercussion on their sexual health. This aspect, sometimes neglected, should be considered in the context of any fertility treatment [ 88 ].…”

The Sexual Long COVID (SLC): Erectile Dysfunction as a Biomarker of Systemic Complications for COVID-19 Long Haulers

“…It should be pointed out, however, that while obesity has marked effects on testosterone levels, the effect of androgens on adiposity is far more nuanced 172 . The effects of long COVID on male fertility 151 , 152 might also contribute to worsen sexual health in affected couples 173 , suggesting additional indirect effects which are so far underinvestigated.…”

Sexual function in heterosexual couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles with donor sperm

“…In this context, a better collaboration between doctors and sexologists would help couples maintaining a better quality of sexual life and hopefully ultimately improve the quality of care and ART outcomes [ 39 ]. A couple-centered program for the integrated management of psychological and SD should be considered in the context of ART programs [ 40 ]. Doctors might be encouraged to propose self-questionnaires, such as the FertQol, designed to assess the quality of life of infertile patients during treatment with questions on sexuality.…”