title: Effect of infertility on the sexual function of couples: state of the art.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assess the state of the art on the relationship between infertility and the sexual function of couples.
  
  
  METHODS
  The PubMed, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles that assessed the sexual function of infertile couples (IC). Recent patents on this subject were assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative studies published in the English language (case-control, cross-sectional, cohort, multicenter, observational studies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews) that used structured and semi-structured questionnaires for quantitative assessment of the sexual function of infertile couples were identified using the search terms: "infertile couple" and "sexuality", "sexual dysfunction", "sexual function", "sexual disorder", "hypoactive sexual desire".
  
  
  METHODS
  One researcher identified 12 studies, and extracted data on 1871 IC. Five studies used different instruments to assess different aspects of sexual function and 7 studies assessed sexual function based on sub-domains of instruments used to evaluate marital relationships.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incongruent results due to different objectives and methodologies, the lack of specific questionnaires to assess sexual function, and uncontrolled social and relationship variables that could have interfered with sexual function were evident in most studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lack of standardized methodology or validated tools in most studies prevents to establish the impact of infertility on the sexual function of IC.
authors.affiliation: Sexual Medicine Service, Human Reproduction Sector, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Sao Paulo University, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900 - Montes Alegre, Ribeirão Preto CEP-14049-900, SP, Brazil luciaalvess@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Lucia A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.forename: Priscilla B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Salomao
authors.forename: Adriana P M S
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Romao
authors.forename: Rosana M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Paula A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.forename: Ana Carolina J S
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Rosa-e-Silva
authors.forename: Rui A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ferriani
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*