Exploring the impact of infertility on couple's sexuality

Assessment of the Sexuality of the Infertile Couple: Prospective Cohort Study

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes · NCT04539392

This study looks at how dealing with infertility affects the sexual relationships of couples going through fertility treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes (other)
Locations1 site (Nîmes)
Trial IDNCT04539392 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess how infertility affects the sexuality of couples undergoing medically assisted procreation assessments. It hypothesizes that the diagnostic process and the announcement of infertility causes may influence the couple's sexual relationship. Participants will complete questionnaires designed to evaluate their sexual experiences and challenges. The study is conducted at the Nîmes University Hospital, focusing on heterosexual couples who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are heterosexual couples experiencing infertility, aged 18 to 43 for women and 18 to 60 for men, who are being monitored at the Nîmes University Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of a heterosexual couple or those who do not speak French may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights that help improve the sexual well-being of infertile couples.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be limited studies specifically addressing this intersection of infertility and sexuality, the approach of using questionnaires to assess personal experiences has been utilized in other contexts with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Couple in which each of the two partners has signed the consent form which is presented separately and independently of their partner.
* The patient must be a member or beneficiary of a health insurance plan
* Heterosexual infertile couple (according to the WHO definition) monitored at the Nîmes University Hospital in the urology / gynecology departments.

Adult patient (≥18 years old) and under 43 years old for women, 60 years old for men

Exclusion Criteria:

* The subject is participating in a category 1 interventional study, or is in a period of exclusion determined by a previous study
* One member of the couple refuses to sign the consent
* It is impossible to give the subject informed information
* The patient is under safeguard of justice or state guardianship
* Patient without good level of written and spoken French

Where this trial is running

Nîmes

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Infertility

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.