Sexual Function and Quality of Life in the Male Partner of Infertile Couples: Prevalence and Correlates of Dysfunction

Abstract

PURPOSE: We prospectively collected data on mental and physical health related quality of life as well as sexual and relationship function in couples presenting for the treatment of infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infertile couples were invited to complete a demographic survey, the Short Form 36 and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Inventory. Male partners completed the International Index of Erectile Function and the Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality scale. Female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index and a version of the Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality Scale modified for women. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess for associations between partner responses. RESULTS: A total of 121 couples were enrolled at 2 sites. Male partners reported significantly lower standardized scores on the Mental Health subscale of the Short Form 36 (mean 47.6, p <0.05) compared to normative values. Of the men surveyed 11% and 12% reported moderate or severe depression, respectively. There were 18% who had mild erectile dysfunction and 4% had moderate erectile dysfunction. The mean transformed score for the Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality Scale in our subjects was 29.44 (range 0 to 100). In multivariate analysis white race and partner Female Sexual Function Index score were significant predictors of International Index of Erectile Function Erectile Function Domain scores (p <0.01). Relationship duration and partner Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality Scale scores were significantly associated with male Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality Scale score on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Depression, erectile dysfunction and sexual relationship problems are prevalent among male partners of infertile couples. Partner sexual function is a significant predictor of male partner sexual function. Relationship duration and female partner assessment of relationship health are predictive of men's assessment of their relationship status.