Changes in sexual behaviour, anxiety symptoms, and quality of couple relationship of patients with infertility during the COVID-19 lockdown

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the perceived changes in sexual behaviour during COVID-19 lockdown, anxiety symptoms, and couple relationship of patients with infertility. METHODS: We performed an observational cross-sectional study between 20 November 2020 and 15 January 2021. We used stratified analysis of different stress levels and Quality of Marriage Index (QMI) scores to compare the perceived changes in sexual behaviour, anxiety symptoms, and couple relationship. The logistic regression model was performed to assess factors correlated with couples’ relationship quality during the lockdown. Furthermore, we performed pathway analyses to assess whether the changes in sexual behaviour, stress level, or psychological anxiety during the lockdown could predict the quality of couple relationship. RESULTS: A total of 940 patients with infertility were included in this study. When we conducted a stratified analysis of the participants, significant differences were found between the changes in their sexual behaviour, stress levels, and couple relationship quality. The logistic regression model showed that sex, anxiety symptoms, decreased sexual satisfaction, sexual activity frequency, and income levels were closely related to couple relationship quality. Pathway analyses indicated that changes in their sexual behaviour, anxiety symptoms, and stress levels could all predict the quality of couple relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived changes in sexual behaviour with different stress levels and couple relationship quality showed significant differences. Analysing the related factors that affect the quality of couple relationship, especially in times of crisis, is of great significance as this information can contribute to the improvement of treatment for patients with infertility. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-021-02361-4.