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Infertility: a label of choice in the case of sexually dysfunctional couples.

Nene UA, Coyaji K, Apte H

Tata Centre for Reproductive Health, KEM Hospital, Rasta Peth, Pune 411011, India. ujjwal_nene@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVES: In Indian society infertility and sexual dysfunction are stigmatized characteristics. The aim of the study was to explore which label couples who have both complaints, prefer to describe their situation, and whether gender differ occur in this preference. METHODS: A total of 40 couples - all clients of the reproductive health clinic of the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Pune because of problems with infertility and sexual dysfunction - participated in this study. Data were collected by means of interviews. RESULTS: The findings show that sexual activity decreased as the number of childless years increased. However, the interspouse-relationship gets stronger and more supportive. The couples never revealed their sexual dysfunction to others. When the husband was sexually dysfunctional, the couples preferred to label their situation as 'infertility' in order to avoid stigma. CONCLUSION: Issues that are related to sexual dysfunction, sexual behavior, inter-spouse relationship and communication are important aspects into the reality of an infertile couple's life. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: In planning the treatment clinicians should give more attention to the specific cultural context of these aspects.

Published 5 December 2005 in Patient Educ Couns, 59(3): 234-8.
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