Abstract

Background: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high in infertile couples, due to the increased psychological stress of infertility and infertility treatment, as well as the decrease in sexual intimacy because sexual behavior is associated with the primary goal of achieving pregnancy, and because of the interference in sexual life of infertility investigations and treatments. Infertile men may also suffer from the heavy psychological burdens, and infertility and related psychological concerns may be the cause of sexual dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of sexual dysfunction and some factors related to erectile dysfunction in men of infertile couples. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study on 55 men in infertile couples. Erectile dysfunction was assessed using the IIEF-15: International Index of Erectile Function, and premature ejaculation was evaluated using the PEDT: Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. Risk factors, including age, body mass index, and lifestyle characteristics, were assessed for erectile dysfunction. Results: The rate of erectile dysfunction in men of infertile couples was 50.9%: 34.5% had mild dysfunction, 9.1% had mild-moderate dysfunction, and 7.3% had severe dysfunction. There were 5.5% of cases with possible premature ejaculation and 9.1% with definite premature ejaculation. Men who regularly drank alcohol had a lower rate of sexual dysfunction than those who did not drink alcohol (36.1% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.004). Men who were not physically active had a higher rate of erectile dysfunction than those who were physically active. Conclusion: Infertile couples have a high rate of sexual dysfunction. Therefore, evaluation of sexual dysfunction and premature ejaculation should be performed in infertile couples.