The effects of sexual counseling based on the EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models on female sexual function after assisted reproductive treatment failure: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Backgroun and objective: Women who experience assisted reproductive treatment failure may be at risk of developing sexual dysfunction. This study compared the effects of two different sexual counselling models, EX-PLISSIT and BETTER, on the sexual function of women after an unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatment.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 66 infertile women, out of the 72 initially recruited following assisted reproductive treatment failure, who referred to the Infertility Clinic, Mashhad, Iran. The EX-PLISSIT and BETTER groups received sexual counselling individually in two online and two in-person sessions. Data were collected using a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25 with a significance level of P = 0.05.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the total score of sexual function and the scores of subscales of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain between the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement post-intervention. Their total mean scores for sexual function, desire, sexual satisfaction, arousal and lubrication were all higher than pre-intervention. Additionally, their scores for pain were significantly lower after the intervention (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Sexual counseling, using either the EX-PLISSIT or BETTER model, improved the sexual function of women who experienced a failed assisted reproductive treatment.