Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Problems, Relationship Stress, and Depression in Female Partners of Infertile Couples

Infertility has been associated with anxiety, stress, and sexual problems in both men and women. To assess quality of life, sexual health, and depression in the female partner of infertile couples. Couples presenting for the evaluation of infertility at two tertiary care medical centers were invited to participate in a survey study. Female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a modified Self‐Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) Questionnaire. Male partners completed the SEAR and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Both partners completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) for depression and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) for general quality of life. Demographic, fertility, and comorbidity information was recorded. One hundred and twenty‐one couples constitute the study population. Mean female and male age was 32 ± 5 and 35 ± 7 years, respectively. Most (92%) couples were married. Mean duration of relationship and marriage were 6.4 ± 3.9 and 3.8 ± 3.2 years, respectively. Mean duration of attempted conception was 24 ± 24 months. On CES‐D, 19% of women had moderate and 13% had severe depression. Women reported significantly worse SF‐36 Mental Health subscale scores (mean = 47.8, P