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

Marzie Sheikhian, Sheikhian M, Loripoor M, Marzeyeh Loripoor, Zohreh Ghorashi, Ghorashi Z, Safdari-Dehcheshmeh F, Faranak Safdari-Dehcheshmeh
International journal of reproductive biomedicine · 2023 · vol. 21(7) , pp. 557–566 · doi:10.18502/ijrm.v21i7.13893 · PMID:37727393 · PMC10505696
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This cross-sectional study of 230 infertile women found no significant association between infertility factors and sexual function, social support, or treatment adherence, though positive correlations existed among these variables.

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This cross-sectional study examined the association between infertility factors, sexual function, perceived social support, and treatment adherence among 230 infertile women in Iran. The results indicated that while polycystic ovarian syndrome was the most common female factor, there were no significant differences in sexual function, social support, or adherence scores across different infertility etiologies. However, a positive linear relationship was found where improved social support correlated with better sexual function and higher adherence to medical treatments. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for GnRH antagonists, though the paper's main focus is uterine fibroids.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: In some societies, childbearing is a part of women's identity and infertile women are under a great amount of pressure from others. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between infertility factors and sexual functioning, perceived social support, and adherence to treatment in infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 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. RESULTS: No 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. CONCLUSION: By 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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