Dimensions of Sex-Related Excellent Marital Quality Among Infertile Couples: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The quality of life in infertile couples depends on many factors, including dimensions of their sexual relationship. The present study aimed to identify and explain dimensions of sex-related high quality of life in infertile couples. Methods: In the present qualitative study, data were collected through semi-structured exploratory interviews with 15 infertile couples selected purposively from clients presenting to infertility treatment centers in Yazd. Data saturation was reached in the second interviews. Data were encoded and analyzed by thematic analysis method. Results: Based on the answers, dimensions of sex-related quality of marital life among infertile couples were categorized in 74 initial concepts, 9 items and 3 themes of “healthy attitude toward sex”, “enriching sex”, and “Managing the effect of infertility on sexual satisfaction”. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained and the dimension of sexual relation in Woods’ conceptual framework, and for a satisfactory sexual life despite infertility, infertile couples should raise their knowledge and pay greater attention to enriching this dimension of their relationship to achieve sexual compatibility along with infertility.