raipurivf - Enter your slogan here

Sexual Problems and Infertility

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. A lot of women with infertility problems also have sexual problems, for instance, adhesions which then cause pain during sexual intercourse. This can lead to an avoidance of sex because of the pain associated with it.
At the most biological level sex exists as a means of reproduction and it binds couple together. The presence or absence of sexual intimacy among couple is a powerful indicator of the health of relationship. However, sexuality is ‘fragile’ and sexual problems end up having negative impact on partner’s psychological status or some time physical status. For a small percentage of infertile couple, sexual problems are the cause of infertility.
These problems can be physical or psychological. For e.g., in frequent intercourse, vaginismus, dyspareunia, lack of libido, erectile dysfunction etc. Sexual problems causing infertility needs a medical attention and first line of treatment is Counseling. Through Counseling, couples are encouraged to express their feelings, thoughts about sexuality and to share their difficulties. After the Counseling couples must be aware of their reproductive health and sexual problems.

Sexual Problems in Men

Sexual problems can be a result of physical or psychological disorder.
Common sexual problems in men:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculation disorders
• Loss or less libido

Main physical causes are

• Diabetes- 25% diabetic men between 30-34 age and 75% diabetic men between 60-64
• Atherosclerosis – Inadequate blood flow to the penis because of damaged arteries.
• Alcoholism – Alcohol can damage the nerves leading to the penis, reduce testosterone level.
• Antidepressant Drugs – 25% of erectile dysfunction is a results of drug side effect
• Heart and vascular [blood vessel] disease
• Neurological disorders
• Hormonal imbalances [low testosterone]
• Spinal cord injury
• Birth defects
• Failure of various organs [heart, lung]

Psychological causes

• Work related stress and anxiety
• Concern about sexual performance
• Marital or relationship problems
• Depression
• Guilt feeling
• Effects of post sexual trauma
• Unresolved sexual orientation
• Sexual boredom.

Common Sexual Problems in Women

• Desire disorder- No or less interest in sex (Loss of Libido)
• Arousal disorder- No feeling of sexual response in body (Cold Attitude)
• Orgasmic disorder- No orgasm or pain during orgasm (No Climax)
• Sexual pain disorder- Pain during or after sex (Dyspareunia)

Sexual problem in woman could be result of physical or physiological.

Main physical causes are

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Neurological disease
• Hormonal imbalances
• Menopause
• Chronic disease (e.g. Kidney, Liver)
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Side effect of certain medicine (Eg. Antidepressant)
• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginismus/ Vaginitis
• Endometriosis
• PID – Pelvic Inflammatory disease
• Pregnancy

Psychological causes

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Concern about sexual performance
• Marital or relationship problems
• Depression
• Feeling of guilt
• Effects of post sexual trauma