How Infertility Affects Sex Lives Of Women

University of California San Francisco Irene Betty Moore Women's Hospital Tami Rowen Lucia Alves

By Nens Mitchell , Parent Herald May 27, 06:10 am

Females who are struggling with infertility may also have their sex lives affected. A recent study in the United States revealed that the emotional stress that comes with trying to have a baby also takes a toll on their lovemaking.

A Reuters article said that the study headed by The University of California-San Francisco - Irene Betty Moore Women's Hospital's Dr. Tami Rowen found that infertility negatively affects the sex lives of women. The research, however, said that this disappears as time passes.

"We weren't surprised at all to find sexual distress in couples who are infertile," Rowen told Reuters. The researchers were able to prove that couples who are struggling with infertility are also dealing with depression and anxiety that affects the way they perceive sex.

Impact on sex lives

It was added in the same report that the majority of the 382 women surveyed believed that their infertility had an impact on their sex lives. Rowen said that they felt that these women carried with them the emotional burden of infertility.

According to Resolve.org, women usually feel sad, confused and emotionally bothered due to the side effects of the medicines they are drinking for infertility. It noted that they keep asking the question "What's the point?" whenever their husbands want to make love.

Emotional struggles

University of Sao Paulo Brazil professor Dr. Lucia Alves mentioned in the Reuters report that infertile women usually have emotional struggles. Authors of the study said that it is important for these women to receive the right medical attention they need.

"I think it would be really interesting to do a study of how often doctors talk to patients about sex lives," Rowen added. He noted that medical experts should be able to explain to women that sex is not a mere chore but that it is a fun thing to do with their husbands.