Relation between sexual function, perceived social support, and adherence to treatment with infertility factor in women: A cross-sectional study.

Sheikhian M, Loripoor M, Ghorashi Z, Safdari-Dehcheshmeh F
International journal of reproductive biomedicine · 2023 · doi:10.18502/ijrm.v21i7.13893 · PMID:37727393 · PMC10505696
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This cross-sectional study of 230 infertile women found no significant relationship between infertility factors and sexual function, social support, or treatment adherence, although positive correlations existed among these variables.

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This cross-sectional study of 230 infertile women in Iran examined the relationships between infertility factors, sexual function, perceived social support, and treatment adherence. The results indicated that while most participants experienced sexual dysfunction, there were no significant differences in sexual function, social support, or adherence levels across different causes of infertility, such as male factor, female factor, or unexplained infertility. However, a positive linear correlation was found among these variables, showing that higher social support was associated with better sexual function and greater adherence to treatment. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for infertility evaluation, though the paper's main focus is general infertility factors rather than specific pathologies like endometriosis or adenomyosis.

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Abstract

BackgroundIn some societies, childbearing is a part of women's identity and infertile women are under a great amount of pressure from others.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the relationship between infertility factors and sexual functioning, perceived social support, and adherence to treatment in infertile women.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 230 infertile women who referred to the infertility center of Shahrekord, Iran in 2022 were enrolled. Data were collected using demographic characteristics checklist, female sexual function index, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and general adherence scale.ResultsNo significant relation was observed between the infertility factor and the mean score of sexual function, the mean score of perceived social support, and the mean score of adherence to treatment (p > 0.05). Among the aspects of sexual functioning, only the mean score of lubrication in the group of male factors was significantly higher than the common factors for men and women (p = 0.07). A linear positive relation was observed between sexual functioning (r = 0.189), perceived social support (r = 0.200), and adherence to treatment (r = 0.146) in infertile women.ConclusionBy providing proper training and counseling to infertile couples, we can improve their social support and sexual function so that they can complete their infertility treatment as a result.
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According to the results of the study, no significant relation was observed between infertility factors and sexual function, perceived social support, and adherence to treatment. However, if infertile women would receive appropriate social support, they would have better sexual functionality and more adherence to treatment. So, by providing appropriate education and counseling to the couples for the improvement of their perceived social support, their sexual functionality and adherence to treatment would also be improved and consequently, their infertility treatment would be completed.

Coi Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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