The efficacy of the coping with infertility self-help program on sexual and relationship satisfaction

Abstract

Infertility affects one in six Canadian couples and is associated with elevated psychological, relational and sexual problems. Sexual problems may not only exacerbate infertility-related distress in couples but may also reduce intercourse frequency and pregnancy likelihood for those not using fertility treatments. The Coping With Infertility (CWI) Program was developed by the Reproductive Mental Health Research Unit to target the infertility-related distress of individuals assigned female at birth and is currently being tested in an ongoing randomized controlled trial. Because few studies focus on the sexuality of infertile couples, this study aimed to examine sexual and relationship satisfaction among CWI trial participants and their partners. Independent t-tests calculated the effects of intervention on self-report measures of distress and sexual and relationship satisfaction in AFAB participants. General linear models examined potential moderators of the treatment effects. Though baseline characteristics were identical among the two treatment groups, participants assigned to the treatment group (n = 15) reported significantly higher sexual and relationship satisfaction after the intervention than the control group (n = 19). Baseline scores, age, time spent trying to conceive, and use of fertility treatments did not significantly interact with these effects. Qualitative feedback highlighted benefits related to positive behavioural change, improved communication, and increased partner support. Though the number of participants is low, these preliminary results are promising and suggest that the CWI program improves the unique concerns of infertile couples.