E Huyghe1, M Bonal, M Daudin, S Droupy. 1. Service d'urolgie, hôpital de Rangueil 1, avenue du Professeur-Jean-Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Sexuality is a fundamental part of the life of the individual and the couple particularly sensitive to the crisis that is infertility. The objective of this review is to describe sexual disorders that may be involved in infertility as well as sexual dysfunctions that can appear during medically assisted reproduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a literature reviewed from Medline Database and selected 27 articles. RESULTS: Sexual problems are common in infertile couples. Sometimes primary they need to be assessed before the process of assisted reproduction. Mostly secondary (erectile dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire, decreased sexual activity…), they must be explained and be sought throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. A multidisciplinary approach integrating sexological adapted to the specific torque is required and may extend beyond the birth or adoption of the child. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment for infertility it is important to systematically open discussion on issues of sexuality, and to evaluate the significance and severity of sexual dysfunction. Finally, in some cases it is necessary to help patients rebuild their sexuality as a source of pleasure to the end of the period of assisted reproduction.
OBJECTIVES: Sexuality is a fundamental part of the life of the individual and the couple particularly sensitive to the crisis that is infertility. The objective of this review is to describe sexual disorders that may be involved in infertility as well as sexual dysfunctions that can appear during medically assisted reproduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a literature reviewed from Medline Database and selected 27 articles. RESULTS: Sexual problems are common in infertile couples. Sometimes primary they need to be assessed before the process of assisted reproduction. Mostly secondary (erectile dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire, decreased sexual activity…), they must be explained and be sought throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. A multidisciplinary approach integrating sexological adapted to the specific torque is required and may extend beyond the birth or adoption of the child. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment for infertility it is important to systematically open discussion on issues of sexuality, and to evaluate the significance and severity of sexual dysfunction. Finally, in some cases it is necessary to help patients rebuild their sexuality as a source of pleasure to the end of the period of assisted reproduction.