The relationship between sexual functioning among couples undergoing infertility treatment: a pair of perfect gloves

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to measure the relationship of sexual functioning between male and female partners, who sought infertility treatment in a university hospital setting in Malaysia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on couples with infertility problems attending the Medically Assisted Conception Center (MACC). The female and male sexual functioning was measured using the Malay Version of Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI) and Malay Version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), respectively. The relationship between the female and male sexual functioning was measured using correlation statistical analyses. A total of 269 subjects (150 females and 119 males) who met the requirement of the study, were recruited.

Results: The female and male sexual functioning was moderately correlated (r=0.574). Female sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction domains scores had the largest correlation (r=0.522 and r=0.507 respectively) to IIEF total score. On the other hand, male intercourse satisfaction (IS) domain score had the highest correlation (r=0.574) to FSFI total score. A strong correlation between male and female sexual function was observed.

Conclusion: It is speculated that possible interaction of male and female sexual functioning may be multifactorial and complex.