Reproductive sex ending in failure affects sexual health – A qualitative study of men and women attending a fertility clinic

Objective

To explore men’s and women’s experiences regarding their history of sexual health when attending a fertility clinic.

Methods

A qualitative study with semi-structured individual interviews was conducted among heterosexual males and females seeking infertility care at a public fertility clinic in Sweden in 2022–2023. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Eight males and ten females were included. The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: A change from spontaneous to scheduled intercourse affects various aspects of sexual health. In the beginning of the relationship sex had been spontaneous, joyful and satisfying. However, sex was not always unproblematic, and there had been sexual changes. Sex with a reproductive purpose was scheduled according to ovulation, leading to changes in sexual behavior. Increased erectile problems in men and decreased frequency of orgasms in women, and a lack of sexual desire in both, were experienced. Men and women felt pressured to have sex when it became a requirement. Men’s sexual and women’s reproductive failures led to negative emotional reactions, including stress, frustration, disappointment, anxiety and guilt. Sexual and reproductive problems affected the relational well-being, leading to feelings of sharing the burden but also conflicts and sexual avoidance.

Conclusions

Experiencing reproductive failures, sexual problems and negative emotional reactions can affect men’s and women’s sexual health. Therefore, an implication for clinical practice among healthcare professionals during evaluation of infertility, is a need to be aware of and ask questions about sexual health after reproductive failures.