The Effect of Infertile Couple's Skills Promotion Package on Management of Sexual Relationships: A Clinical Trial Stud

Psychological effects of infertility can play a significant role in the sexual life of infertile couples, and lead to sexual dysfunction of the couple. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an educational package to improve the skills of infertile couples in managing sexual relations.

This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 36 infertile couples (72 person) referred to Mahdieh Hospital Infertility Center, Tehran, Iran, in two intervention and control groups. The educational package was provided to the intervention group in 8 sessions. Data were collected using Female Sexual Function Questionnaire, Iranian Couples Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire, Larson Sexual Satisfaction and International Index of Erectile Function. The data were analyzed using chi-square, independent t, paired t, and ANOVA tests.

Before the intervention, the mean scores of sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and sexual adjustment in the two groups were not statistically significant (P < 0.050); but after the intervention, the mean scores of female sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and sexual adjustment of infertile women and their husbands in the intervention group showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) which was not in the control group.

The educational package of improving couples' skills in managing sexual relations led to increased sexual function of infertile couples. We recommend health planners to use it.