(854) Sexual Function of Female Partners of Married Men with Azoospermia

Introduction Male infertility, particularly azoospermia, profoundly affects female partners, who often experience intense psychological distress characterized by anxiety, depression, and feelings of guilt. These psychological difficulties frequently manifest as female sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire and vaginal lubrication problems. Objective This study aimed to assess the sexual function of female partners of men diagnosed with isolated azoospermia, and to analyze their infertility-related stress, psychological distress, and self-esteem levels. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study over six months, from September 2023 to February 2024, including infertile couples in whom azoospermia was the sole identified etiology. These couples presented to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Unit. Validated translated questionnaires were used: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess female sexual function, the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) to measure infertility-related stress, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to evaluate self-esteem. Results A total of 14 couples were included. The mean age of men was 42 ± 6.05 years, and that of women, the female partners of men with azoospermia, was 35 ± 5.72 years. None of the couples had children, and the median duration of infertility was 4 years [3–5]. Among women partnered with men affected by azoospermia, the median FSFI score indicated the presence of female sexual dysfunction in half of the participants. The most frequent sexual difficulties involved low sexual desire and vaginal lubrication problems, particularly in those with prior gynecological conditions. Infertility-related stress was observed in 21.4% of female partners. Clinically significant anxiety symptoms were found in 50% of women, and depressive symptoms in 21.4%. Low self-esteem was reported by 35.7% of participants. Conclusions This study highlights that female partners of men with isolated azoospermia are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress, with a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. The most affected domains of sexual function are desire and lubrication, both of which significantly impair quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach integrating psychological and sexological support to enhance women’s well-being and couple dynamics. Disclosure No