When a couple wants a baby: What are the consequences on their sexuality?

Objectives. - To review the knowledge we have on changes that take place in a couple's sex-life when the desired pregnancy does not take place immediately, and fertility treatment is prescribed. Method. - A review of recent literature was conducted, and compared to observations usually made on the subject, in addition to those of the author, a gynaecologist and sexologist, in charge of a medically-assisted reproduction (MAR) centre for 15 years. Results and discussion. - Having a baby is still one of the most effective ways of feeling completely fulfilled from a human point of view, and few couples decide to forgo this experience. Once the decision has been taken, the desire to conceive can become extremely strong, and the consequences if it does not happen straight away can lead to a serious emotional crisis. The stronger the desire, the greater the frustration, materially, professionally and in the couple's relationship. It is clear that, in the middle of such turmoil, it cannot be easy to avoid sexual consequences, and manage to preserve an arousing and erotic environment, and avoid focusing one's sexuality on frantic activity in the middle of the ovulation cycle. And after all the efforts, if the couple does prove to be infertile, how easy is it to recover a mutually appealing sexual balance? Conclusion. - Better cooperation between practitioners specializing in reproduction and the other parties involved in sexology and sexual health would certainly help these couples preserve a better quality of sexual life and quality of life in general, and probably also improve the quality and the results of infertility treatment. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.