Sexuality and Infertility

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2024 Jun;51(2):311-322. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2024.02.005. Epub 2024 Apr 4.

Abstract

Infertility diagnoses and treatment can lead to psychological distress and relationship strain. Infertility is commonly associated with disruptions in sexual function and satisfaction among women, in part due to overlapping etiologic factors (eg, comorbid medical conditions). Women and couples with infertility should be screened for sexual problems and provided education on the relationship between infertility and sexuality. Sexual dysfunction in the context of infertility is often best addressed using an interdisciplinary approach. This article provides a summary on the relationship between sexuality and infertility and recommendations for the assessment and management of sexual dysfunction in women with infertility.

Keywords: Infertility; Perinatal; Reproductive loss; Sexual desire; Sexual function; Sexuality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female* / etiology
  • Infertility, Female* / psychology
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / etiology
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / therapy
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / etiology
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / psychology
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / therapy
  • Sexuality / physiology