Examination of sexual functions and depressive symptoms among infertile and fertile women

OBJECTIVE: To examine the sexual functions and depressive symptoms of infertile and fertile women. METHODS: This study was conducted between October 2015 and April 2016 using a descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative design. The sample of this study consisted of 96 infertile and 96 fertile women. The data were collected using an information form, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Index of Female Sexual Function. The data were analyzed The Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. RESULTS: The rate of sexual dysfunction (87.5% vs. 69.8%) and the Index of Female Sexual Function total score (31.8 ± 7.8 vs 35.7 ± 6.3) were significantly higher in infertile women than fertile women (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). The sexual satisfaction and discomfort during sexual intercourse subscales of the Index of Female Sexual Function were significantly lower among infertile women than fertile women (p<0.001 for all); however, no significant difference was observed in the sexual intercourse/libido score of the Index of Female Sexual Function between infertile and fertile women (p=0.590). The correlation coefficients between the Beck Depression Inventory total score and the total and subscale scores of the IFSF did not significantly differ between infertile and fertile women (p>0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: The sexual dysfunction rate among infertile women was higher than that among fertile women. Sexual functions decreased when depressive symptoms increased for both infertile and fertile women.