Addressing Female Sexual Dysfunction during Novel 2019-Coronavirus Pandemic in Infertile Women Living in North-East Italy

Author(s): Loris Marin, Alessandra Andrisani, Giovanni Buzzaccarini, Giampiero Capobianco, Francesco Dessole, Eugenio Ragazzi, Giulia Manzin, Stefania Mannarini, Guido Ambrosini

Objectives: To identify whether the coronavirus infection had a negative influence on female sexual function of infertile women living in North-East Italy.

Methods: A survey was submitted during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to 570 infertile women. The survey consisted of questions regarding employment, whether respon-dents lived with a partner or other family members, the time spent seeking pregnancy and previously assisted reproductive technology treatments and of the self-reported validated Italian Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. A cut-off total score of ≤ 26.55 has been used for diagnosis of female sexual dysfunction.

Results: The survey response rate was 17.8%. The mean intercourse frequency during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was >10 times month in 12.7%, 5-10 times month in 35.3%, 5-10 times month in 38%. The total median FSFI score was 27.4. A positive correlation has been shown between intercourse frequency and occupation, living with a partner or other family members, the time spent seeking a pregnancy and previous assisted reproductive treatments. No significant difference was seen regarding the type of treatment.

Conclusion: Most women scored well in sexual domains during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Indeed, as a consequence of their infertility, they seem to have a better coping strategy than the general population.