Effect of intrauterine insemination treatment on sexual function and quality of life for infertile women

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of intrauterine insemination (IUI) on sexual functioning, quality of life and psychological well-being.

Methods: One hundred and thirty four infertile women going to IUI treatment as study group and 134 women who do not report any infertility complaint attending to gynecology clinic for routine control as control group were enrolled. Demographic data of the patients were collected. Patients were asked to complete Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF 36 form.

Results: Total FSFI score (mean±SD) for study group was 23.4±4.1 and 24.8±3.4 for control group (p<0.05). This means a lower sexual function for patients going to IUI. There were also statistically significant differences according to subscales of FSFI scores for sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. Mean±SD scores for Beck Depression Inventory analysis was 18.6±9.8 for study group and 18.5±7.1 for control group. According to SF-36 scores,there were statistically significant differences between the groups for four subscales: Role physical,bodily pain,general health and vitality.

Conclusions: Going to an IUI treatment has negative effects on FSFI scores and some of SF 36 scores but we did not find a significant negative effect on BDI scores.