Sexual Well-Being Among Individuals Undergoing Fertility Treatment: A Review of Recent Literature

Purpose of ReviewRecognizing the link between infertility and sexual health is crucial to providing comprehensive fertility care. The aim of this systematic review was to examine studies investigating the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, factors linked to sexual well-being, and psychosocial interventions targeting sexuality in individuals undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR).Recent FindingsAn advanced search was conducted in Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO to find articles published between January 2018 and September 2023. After review for eligibility criteria, 83 articles were reviewed. No studies specifically explored the experiences of sexual and gender/sex diverse individuals. In women, rates of sexual function problems varied from 6.9 to 77.3%, whereas it ranged from 6.7 to 53.6% in men. Most studies revealed significantly lower sexual well-being in individuals with infertility compared to those without. Studies identified that women and men achieving pregnancy through MAR reported lower overall sexual function during pregnancy, compared to women and men who conceived without MAR. Studies identified a range of medical, individual, and relationship factors linked to sexual well-being in the context of MAR and suggested that psychological interventions can enhance the sexual well-being of women with infertility.SummaryThis systematic review highlights the clear link between infertility, MAR, and lower sexual well-being in both men and women. Future research should prioritize the use of longitudinal designs to allow for a more in-depth exploration of the dynamic changes in sexual experiences over time. Future research should also consider the distinct challenges of sexual and gender/sex diverse individuals and their experiences of sexual well-being during MAR. Finally, there is a potential gap in research focusing on couple-based interventions. Collaborative efforts between reproductive medicine specialists and mental health professionals could ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the medical and psychosocial aspects of infertility-related sexual issues.