Higher Female Partner Age and Longer Duration of Marriage: Key Factors for Less Frequent Sexual Intercourse in Infertile Couples

Mohadese Dashtkoohi; Mostafa Saeedinia; Mohammad Dashtkoohi; Mohammad Haddadi; Masoumeh Masoumi; Zohreh Heidary

Just Accepted

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Higher Female Partner Age and Longer Duration of Marriage: Key Factors for Less Frequent Sexual Intercourse in Infertile Couples

Mohadese Dashtkoohi , Mostafa Saeedinia, Mohammad Dashtkoohi, Mohammad Haddadi, Masoumeh Masoumi, Zohreh Heidary

Abstract

Introduction Sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) is widely known to be associated with fertility, but little is known about what predicts SIF among infertile couples trying to conceive. In this study, we examine the demographic, and lifestyle risk factors for less frequent coitus among infertile couples. Methods This cross-sectional study examined infertile couples actively trying to conceive, selecting them from patients seeking fertility treatment. Demographic data and lifestyle factors such as age, occupation, smoking, and BMI were recorded. Participants self-reported the frequency of vaginal-penile intercourse per week and month. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data and identify predictors of sexual intercourse frequency. Results Our study included a final sample size of 790 couples. In univariate binary logistic regression, women's age (OR: 0.948; 95% CI 0.928, 0.969), men's age (OR: 0.957; 95% CI 0.937, 0.977), duration of marriage (OR: 0.927; 95% CI 0.903, 0.952), and duration of infertility (OR: 0.928; 95% CI 0.898, 0.960) were found to be significant factors. Additionally, men's smoking was negatively associated with sexual intercourse frequency, with an odds ratio of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.578-0.928, p = 0.010). Conclusion We observed that younger female partners' age and shorter duration of marriage independently emerged as significant predictors associated with more SIF. Policy Implications Our study highlights the need for tailored counseling and education based on age and marital stage. Older couples may benefit from specialized support such as sexual therapy and stress management. The negative impact of men's smoking on sexual intercourse frequency underscores the importance of effective smoking cessation programs. Comprehensive infertility treatment should address medical, psychological, and sexual health factors.

SH24199 Accepted 26 December 2024