Title: Unveiling sexual attitudes of men seeking infertility treatment in Istanbul: A cross sectional analysis
Abstract:
Background: Understanding men's sexual attitudes is crucial in infertility treatment due to its impact on both partners' well-being and outcomes.
Objectives: To examine sexual attitudes among men seeking infertility treatment and explore relationships with socio-demographic factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 141 men (18–49 years) at a university infertility clinic in Istanbul, Turkey (September–December 2017). Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes Scale (HSAS). Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U/Kruskal-Wallis tests (p?<?0.05) analyzed demographic data and HSAS scores.
Results: The mean HSAS score was 69.78?±?9.46. HSAS scores significantly differed by spouse's age, marriage age, and infertility cause (p?<?0.05). Higher scores were seen in men with spouses over 30, those who married later, and those with unexplained infertility. Male-factor infertility correlated with more responsible and open sexual attitudes; female-factor infertility with more selfish attitudes.
Conclusion: Understanding these attitudes is essential for developing culturally sensitive reproductive health interventions. A holistic approach addressing the sexual, emotional, and psychological needs of both partners may improve treatment outcomes. Further research in diverse settings is recommended to create tailored interventions.
