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Cited by 152Sexual function and dysfunction studiesReproductive Health and TechnologiesSexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Infertility and sexual dysfunctions: a systematic literature review

Open access
Starc, Andrej·2019·Acta Clinica Croatica
DOI 10.20471/acc.2019.58.03.15PMC PMC6971809
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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether infertility and its treatment affect couple sexuality. A systematic literature review was performed, focusing on female and male sexual dysfunctions due to infertility. The method was descriptive, using a meta-synthesis of scientific research published between 2012 and 2017 in the English language. The search for suitable studies was carried out with the research databases Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: infertility, sexual dysfunctions, couple. It can be concluded that infertility negatively affects the sexuality of an infertile couple, which is further proven by a high percentage of sexual dysfunctions (43%-90% among women and 48%-58% among men). Couples report less satisfaction with sexuality. Since lower satisfaction and dysfunctions are closely connected with infertility and its treatment, couples might benefit from sexual therapy and support during the process of infertility treatment. Further research should focus on the evaluation of different psychological interventions that would address sexuality in couples when diagnosed and treated for infertility.

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Authors
Starc, A.
Affiliations
University of Ljubljana (SI)
Corresponding author
Starc, Andrej
ORCID
Starc, Andrej
Venue
Acta Clinica Croatica
Publisher
Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center (KBC Sestre milosrdnice)
Published
2019
Volume
58
Issue
3
Pages
508-515
ISSN
0353-9466 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.20471/acc.2019.58.03.15
PMC
PMC6971809
OpenAlex
W2996082367
Cited by
152
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 39 · 2023: 34 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 1
FWCI
1.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-nd
Locations
  • Acta Clinica Croatica (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Reproductive Health and Technologies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Keywords
infertility, sexual dysfunction, couple sexuality, female sexual dysfunction, male sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, infertility treatment, sex therapy, psychological intervention
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Infertility, Male, Middle Aged, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological, Sexuality, Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological

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