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Abdullahzadeh M, Vanaki Z, Mohammadi E, Mohtashami J. A Grounded Theory Approach to Understanding Men Confronting Infertility. J Holist Nurs 2024:8980101241275201. [PMID: 39212000 DOI: 10.1177/08980101241275201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to delve into the process of men confronting infertility. Design: This research employed the Straussian grounded theory approach. Methods: The study encompassed interviews with 16 participants from a private fertility center in Isfahan, Iran, between March 2023 and March 2024. The interviews were semistructured. Data analysis was carried out concurrently using constant comparative methods and standard grounded theory techniques. the participants' main concerns were identified, culminating in developing a substantive theory centered around a core category. Findings: The primary category for men struggling with infertility was "forced concealment." This was exhibited through the suppression of emotions, maintaining secrecy about infertility, hiding treatment, and attributing infertility to their wives to counteract threats to their masculinity. Factors such as partners, family, societal surroundings, care providers, and beliefs influenced the adopting of the "forced concealment" strategy. Conclusions: The "forced concealment" theory offers insights into the experiences of men struggling with infertility. The study highlights the necessity of formulating culturally sensitive strategies that enable healthcare providers, nurses, and health system managers to effectively fulfill their roles and address the challenges and needs of couples confronting male infertility. This can be realized through a comprehensive approach that integrates nursing skills and competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Abdullahzadeh
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Vanaki
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eesa Mohammadi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamileh Mohtashami
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Boudreau G, Brassard A, Beaulieu N, Audet A, Péloquin K. Attachment and Sexual Functioning in Couples Seeking Fertility Treatment: The Role of Infertility-Specific Coping Strategies. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024; 50:395-412. [PMID: 38254305 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2302019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Couples facing infertility often experience sexual difficulties. Yet, little is known about the factors associated with these difficulties. We examined whether infertility-related coping strategies explain the associations between attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and sexual function and satisfaction in 97 couples seeking fertility treatment. Anxiety was associated with one's lower sexual satisfaction and function via self-neglect coping strategies. Anxiety was also associated with the partner's lower sexual satisfaction via self-blame coping. Avoidance was associated with lower partner support-seeking and sexual satisfaction. These findings support the roles of attachment and coping in the experience of sexual difficulties among couples seeking fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Boudreau
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ariane Audet
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Zurlo MC, Cattaneo Della Volta MF, Vallone F. Paths towards parenthood after repeated treatment failures: a comparative study on predictors of psychological health outcomes in infertile couples persisting in treatments or opting for adoption. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1147926. [PMID: 37342643 PMCID: PMC10277654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1147926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility literature suggests widespread recourse to long-term medical treatments despite evidence of high stress, costs, and adverse effects of repeated treatment failures. However, there is a lack of research comparing predictors of stress and psychological health outcomes between members of infertile couples who - after repeated failures - persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT) with those who opted for quitting treatments and adopting (QTA). Basing on a transactional and multidimensional approach to infertility-related stress and health, the present study aims at exploring individual (socio-demographics; coping strategies) and situational (infertility-related parameters; infertility-related stressors; couple's dyadic adjustment dimensions) predictors of state-anxiety and depression in male and female partners of PT-infertile couples and of QTA-infertile couples. Methods Participants were both members of 176 couples with duration of infertility and a history of medical treatments for at least 3 years (76 PT-infertile couples, 100 QTA-infertile couples). The study variables were compared by study group across genders. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to test main and moderating effects of study variables on state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders. Results Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) reported significantly lower levels of state-anxiety and depression, higher stress related to need for parenthood and rejection of childfree-lifestyle and lower stress related to social and couple's relationship concerns than those who persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT). Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) recurred to a greater extent to active coping strategies (problem-solving/social-support) and to a lower extent to passive coping strategies (avoiding/turning-to-religion), and they reported higher levels of dyadic adjustment. Specificities in main and moderating factors related to state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders were found. Conclusion Findings should be addressed to provide a comprehensive assessment of both members of infertile couples facing repeated treatment failures to identify risks and resources and develop tailored evidence-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clelia Zurlo
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Federica Vallone
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Allsop DB, Péloquin K, Saxey MT, Rossi MA, Rosen NO. Perceived financial burden is indirectly linked to sexual well-being via quality of life among couples seeking medically assisted reproduction. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1063268. [PMID: 37082570 PMCID: PMC10110993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1063268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medically assisted reproduction is a difficult treatment process for couples both financially and sexually. Yet, these two domains have not been examined together among couples seeking treatment, leaving couples and practitioners without guidance on how to address these domains together. Methods In line with Couples and Finance Theory, we tested the hypothesis that perceived financial burden and couple income would predict quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which would then predict four domains of sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, desire, distress, and frequency). We also examined if the results differed by treatment status-that is, between partners who were receiving treatment and those who were not. Cross-sectional data from 120 couples who had undergone medically assisted reproduction in the past six months were analyzed via structural equation modeling through an actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Results An individual's greater perceived financial burden predicted their own lower quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which in turn predicted their lower sexual satisfaction, desire and distress, as well as their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. Household income did not indirectly predict any sexual well-being domains, and results regarding treatment status were inconclusive. Discussion Clinicians can discuss with couples how perceived financial strain of medically assisted reproduction affects their quality of life and what ramifications that may have for their sexual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew T. Saxey
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Meghan A. Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Natalie O. Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Foti FL, Karner-Huţuleac A, Maftei A. The value of motherhood and psychological distress among infertile women: The mediating role of coping strategies. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1024438. [PMID: 36817897 PMCID: PMC9931740 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1024438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study investigated psychological distress and coping strategies among infertile women during the COVID-19 pandemic using a multi-dimensional model of infertility-related stress. We explored the associations between individual (i.e., age) and situational characteristics related to infertility (i.e., duration of infertility, cause of infertility, number of lost pregnancies, and assisted reproductive techniques [ART] status), and perceived-infertility-related factors (i.e., the perceived importance of motherhood). Methods Our total sample consisted of 193 women aged 20 to 46 (M= 33.23, SD = 4.58), out of which 102 were undergoing ART procedures (M = 33.60, SD = 4.23), and 91 were not (M= 32.81, SD = 4.94). Participants filled in questionnaires measuring psychological distress, coping strategies, and the importance of motherhood. Results Correlation analyses suggested that the importance of motherhood was positively associated with psychological distress and negative coping strategies. Mediation analysis results indicated that both in the overall sample and in the sample of women undergoing ART procedures, the negative self-perception fully mediated the link between the importance of motherhood on psychological distress. In the non-ART sample, we found a significant mediation effect of denial on the link between the importance of motherhood and psychological distress. Discussion We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the present findings, focusing on the mental health-related consequences of the social stigma of infertility heightened by the pressure of parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Larisa Foti
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Adina Karner-Huţuleac
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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Ebrahimian A, Babaei H. The earthquake's effect on the men's sexual function; 1 year after the earthquake's occurrence: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e945. [PMID: 36439039 PMCID: PMC9686356 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Sexual dysfunctions are one of the health problems after natural disasters that are usually less attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the earthquake on men's sexual functions 1 year after the earthquake. Methods This study was a descriptive-analytical cross-section study that took place a year after the Kermanshah earthquake. The population studied was all men living in the Kermanshah earthquake. Demographic, socioeconomic, psychological, health situations, facilities availability, and environmental situations after the earthquake and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were randomly distributed among men affected by the earthquake. Participants returned the questionnaires through the mail. Based on the IIEF cut-point score, men were divided into two groups: those with sexual dysfunction (Group A) and without sexual dysfunction (Group B). Results In this study, 225 married men participated. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in earthquake-affected men was 44.9%. The mean total IIEF scores in the A and B groups were 43.47 ± 7.82 and 62.11 ± 6.39, respectively. There was a significant difference between the total and all subcategories IIEF scores in the two groups (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the age (p < 0.001), child numbers (p < 0.017), current live location (p < 0.001), social support after the earthquake (p = 0.033), underlying disease (p < 0.001), availability of sanitary toilets (p < 0.001) and bathrooms (p = 0.002), and total IIEF scores between the two groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions Approximately half of the earthquake-affected men had sexual dysfunctions. The men's age, child numbers, current live location, social support, underlying disease, and availability of sanitary toilets and bathrooms were influential in the severity of men's sexual dysfunctions after the earthquake. Therefore, crisis managers, policymakers, psychiatrists, and psychologists should pay enough attention to men's sexual dysfunction after earthquakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbasali Ebrahimian
- Health in Emergencies and Disasters Group, Faculty of ParamedicalQom University of Medical SciencesQomIran
| | - Hossein Babaei
- Nursing Care Research CenterSemnan University of Medical SciencesSemnanIran
- Student Research Committee, Nursing SchoolSemnan University of Medical SciencesSemnanIran
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Tavousi SA, Behjati M, Milajerdi A, Mohammadi AH. Psychological assessment in infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:961722. [PMID: 36389481 PMCID: PMC9650266 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.961722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a prevalent worldwide health issue and is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health problem. Considering the importance of the psychological dimensions of infertility, various measurement tools have been used to measure the variables involved in infertility, of which the most widely used are the following: the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL90), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form (STAI), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Therefore, given the problems of infertile people in terms of psychological dimensions, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the psychological assessment score in infertility. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, we applied an online database with no time restriction. Data were gathered using a random-effect model to estimate the standard mean difference (SMD) for the evaluation of the strength of association analyses. Our data demonstrated a significant higher SCL90 score (CISCL90: 0.96, 0.34–1.57, heterogeneity: 94%, pheterogeneity < 0.001), and a non-significant higher DASS score (CIAnxiety: 0.82, -0.14 to 1.79; CIDepression: 0.8, -0.28 to 1.87; and CIStress: 0.82, -0.24 to 1.88). It is essential to seek for strategies to help infertile patients overcome their infertility-related psychological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohaddeseh Behjati
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Milajerdi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Amir Hossein Mohammadi,
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8
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Azar M, Kroll T, Bradbury-Jones C. How do nurses and midwives perceive their role in sexual healthcare? BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:330. [PMID: 35927719 PMCID: PMC9354325 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Nurses and midwives role in sexual healthcare is essential to help patients, particularly women, ensure a satisfactory sexual wellbeing. Yet, these professionals often overlook this aspect of patients’ health. Little is known regarding nurses and midwives’ attitudes, views and experiences concerning sexual healthcare. Using a naturalistic inquiry approach, this qualitative study was conducted to overcome this limitation and gain insights into nurses and midwives' role in the delivery of sexual healthcare.
Methods
A purposive sample of nurses and midwives was chosen from different clinical sites. Data generated by focus group discussions were were analysed using the Framework Analysis while adopting different strategies to ensure rigour. The study aligns with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist.
Results
Five themes illustrated the participants’ views and experiences. These are: ‘Perceptions of sexuality’, ‘Appreciating the discussion around the individuals' sexual issues’, ‘Muting the discussion around the individuals’ sexual issues, ‘Coping with embarrassment’, and ‘Promoting nurses’ and midwives’ roles sexual healthcare’. Nurses and midwives discussed the importance of sexuality in the couple's life. They reported controversial views and highlighted many challenges that make them reluctant in playing an efficient role in sexual healthcare. They discussed many suggestions, mainly getting a solid sexual health education to become better equipped to meet patients’ sexual health needs.
Conclusion
Findings are critical to empower nurses and midwives, break the barriers in discussing sexual healthcare and integrate this aspects of care more actively and confidently in daily practice.
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Sukhanova A, Pascoal PM, Rosa PJ. A behavioral approach to sexual function: testing a moderation mediation model with expression of feelings, sexual self-disclosure and gender. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:607-627. [PMID: 35166643 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2035867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about specific intimacy dimensions' role in sexual function. In the current study, we aimed to gain more insight into how expression of feelings and sexual self-disclosure (a mediator) might potentially affect sexual functioning testing a theoretically based moderated mediation model, that uses gender as a moderator. A total of 661 participants, of which 211 were men (31,90%) and 450 were women (68,10%) aged 18-74 years involved in a monogamous committed relationship participated in the study. We used macro PROCESS 3.2 for IBM - SPSS to test simple mediation and moderated mediation models. The data revealed a significant overall effect of expression of feelings on sexual function, supporting that sexual self-disclosure mediates this relationship. We found that gender does not moderate either the relationship between expression of feelings and sexual self-disclosure nor the trajectory between sexual self-disclosure and sexual function. Our results highlight the importance of taking an interpersonal behavioral approach to sexual function, namely one that focuses on communication behaviors. However, these results need to be explored with clinical samples to understand their full potential for clinical interventions within a behavioral paradigm to partnered people's sexual problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sukhanova
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M Pascoal
- Research Center for Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Jahromi AR, Mosallanezhad Z, Hosini FS, Jamali S, Sharifi N. The effect of date palm on sexual function in infertile couples: a double-blind controlled clinical trial. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:55. [PMID: 35168636 PMCID: PMC8845224 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-05945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Infertility has a significant impact on the sexual function of couples. The use of herbal medicine has been highly important throughout the history of medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of date palm on sexual function of infertile couples. Results The present study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on infertile women and their husbands who referred to infertility clinics in Iran in 2019. The intervention group was given a palm date capsule and the control group was given a placebo. Data were collected through female sexual function index and International Index of Erectile Function. The total score of sexual function of females in the intervention group increased significantly from 21.06 ± 2.58 to 27.31 ± 2.59 (P < 0.0001). Also, other areas of sexual function in females (arousal, orgasm, lubrication, pain during intercourse, satisfaction) in the intervention group showed a significant increase compared to females in the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). All areas of male sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). The present study revealed that 1-month consumption of date palm has a positive impact on the sexual function of infertile couples. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials at 2020-10-07 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/51339; registration number: IRCT20200925048834N1)
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Amiri SE, Brassard A, Rosen NO, Rossi MA, Beaulieu N, Bergeron S, Péloquin K. Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: A Closer Look at the Role of Personal and Relational Characteristics. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1984-1997. [PMID: 34702685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research to date suggests that couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) are at a high risk of experiencing sexual difficulties. AIM This dyadic cross-sectional study aimed to provide a better understanding of the infertility-specific personal (ie, emotional, mind-body) and relational stressors associated with the sexual desire, orgasm, arousal, and sexual satisfaction of infertile couples seeking ART. METHODS The sample included 185 mixed-sex infertile couples seeking ART. Participants completed online the Fertility Quality of Life tool and either the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function. Data were analyzed using path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. OUTCOMES Individuals' own and their partners' sexual function (desire, orgasm, arousal domains) and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS For men and women, infertility-related emotional stressors were associated with their own and their partner's lower sexual desire. For women, experiencing greater infertility-related emotional stressors was also associated with their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. While experiencing greater infertility-related mind-body stressors was not associated with men and women's own sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, for women, it was associated with their partner's lower sexual arousal. Lastly, for men and women, infertility-related relational stressors were associated with their own lower sexual arousal, as well as with their own and their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. For women, experiencing greater relational stressors was also associated with their own lower sexual desire and orgasm. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Interventions addressing the emotional, mind-body, and relational spheres of infertile couples seeking ART may help facilitate improvements in sexual function and satisfaction and better serve their needs. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This study included a large sample of couples. Our sample was heterogeneous with regards to couples' cause of infertility and treatment stage. The use of an infertility-related measure allowed us to better capture personal and relational stressors specific to couples seeking ART. Given the cross-sectional design of our study, causality between infertility-related stressors and sexual function and satisfaction cannot be inferred. Our sample included predominantly White, mixed-sex individuals with a high level of education, which may reduce the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION Couples' subjective experience of infertility and treatment (personal and relational stressors) seems to be strongly associated with their sexual health, allowing us to identify potential targets of intervention with couples seeking ART. S.E. Amiri, A Brassard, N.O. Rosen, et al. Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: A Closer Look at the Role of Personal and Relational Characteristics. J Sex Med 2021;18:1984-1997.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsane El Amiri
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Meghan A Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Roshankhah S, Gholami MR, Salahshoor MR. Evaluation of male infertility treatment following Rhus coriaria extract administration on rats exposed to morphine. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6073-6081. [PMID: 32705505 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Morphine is the most common analgesic drug that is widely used in post-operative interventions. This drug causes free radical accumulation leading to spermatogenesis failure. Antioxidant agents like Sumach (Rhus coriaria) neutralize cellular free radicals. In this study, the properties of antioxidative, modulative of inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic genes following Sumach extract administration on morphine-induced fertility destruction in male Wistar rats was evaluated. Sixty-four animals were grouped (n = 8) including; 1: control, 2: morphine, 3-5: Sumach (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), and 6-8: morphine + Sumach. Hydroalcoholic extract of Sumach seeds was prepared. Treatments with Sumach extract were applied orally and intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. The P53, Bcl2 and caspase-3 genes expression were measured by real-time PCR. Cytokines involved in inflammation were evaluated by ELISA. Sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone, and germinal layer height (GLH) were assessed. All parameters (investigated in this study) in Morphine group reduced significantly than the control group (P ˂ 0.01) (except P53 and caspase-3 genes expression and inflammatory cytokine which were improved). All factors in Sumach and Sumach + Morphine groups were significantly enhanced compared to the Morphine group (P ˂ 0.01) (except P53 and caspase-3 genes expression and inflammatory cytokine which were declined). Morphine disrupted the physiological function of male fertility system. Besides, all doses of Sumach showed no therapeutic changes compared to the control group. Sumach with anti-infertility features compensates the toxic effect of Morphine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Roshankhah
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Gholami
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Salahshoor
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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