Sexual function in fertile and infertile women referring to the Jahrom Infertility in 2011

Abstract Introduction: Infertility as the bitterest life experience can affect sexual function. Infertility is a reproductive health problem and many studies have showed agitation, stress, depression, marital and sexual dissatisfaction as the psychological outcomes of infertility. This study aimed to compare sexual satisfaction in fertile and infertile women referring to Peymanieh Hospital in Jahrom, 2012. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, 100 fertile and 100 infertile women were selected through simple random sampling and compared regarding sexual function. The data were collected using a questionnaire including three parts: demographic characteristics, fertility, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software (v. 11.5) to estimate mean and frequency. Besides, T-test was used to compare the two groups. Results: The results showed that the mean score of fertile and infertile women’s sexual function was 23.85±4.34 and 24.83±4.72, respectively. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the domains of sexual function (p > 0.05).Overall, 71.4% of the infertile women had the experience of unsuccessful treatment. Furthemore46.4%had primary infertility, while 53.53% had secondary infertility. A negative correlation was observed between sexual desire and women’s age (p=0.02, r=0.224), partner’s age (p=0.005, r=0.28), and infertility duration (p=0.03, r=0.304) in infertile women. Conclusion: No significant difference was found between fertile and infertile women regarding their sexual function. Thus, infertility has no effects on women’s sexual function. Keywords: Infertility, Sexual function, Fertility.