Analysis of Sexual Performance of Male Spouses of Infertile

Sadegh  kasir; Abbas  Amanelahi; Gholamreza  Rajabi; Zabihollah  abbaspoor

doi:10.18502/qjcr.v24i93.19073

Sadegh kasir Ph.D. Student of Counseling, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abbas Amanelahi Ph.D. in Counseling, Professor, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Gholamreza Rajabi Ph.D. in Counseling, Professor, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Zabihollah abbaspoor Ph.D. in Counseling, Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/qjcr.v24i93.19073

Keywords: infertility, sexual performance, infertile men, infertile couples, grounded theory

Abstract

Aim: Although infertility is not considered a life-threatening condition, it is asignificant life crisis with psychological, familial, social, and culturalrepercussions. This study aimed to explore and explain the consequences ofinfertility in infertile men, with a specific focus on their sexual performance.Methods: This qualitative research employed a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 infertile men who sought treatmentfor infertility during 2023, using purposive sampling. The data were analyzedbased on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory methodology throughopen, axial, and selective coding. Findings: Data analysis resulted in 25 opencodes and four main categories, which were organized into two core themes:individual consequences and couple-related consequences. The couple-relatedconsequences included emotional-relational distress caused by childlessness and asense of helplessness in managing sexual conflicts within the relationship.Individual consequences involved sexual difficulties stemming from childlessnessand emotional distress related to sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The findingshighlight that infertility negatively affects the sexual performance of infertile men,leading to issues such as reduced sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and erectiledysfunction. A decline in the quality and frequency of sexual activity was alsoobserved. These challenges contributed to sexual dissatisfaction and emotionaldistress among participants. The study suggests that infertile individuals andcouples may benefit from referrals to specialists in sexual health and coupletherapy.