Effects of Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology on Sexual Function and Behavior

NCT07376109 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: MUHC-2025-11459
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 500
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This cross-sectional observational study examines how infertility and the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) are related to sexual function and sexual behaviors in women seeking fertility treatment. Infertility and the stress of ART may be associated with changes in sexual desire, satisfaction, and activity. The purpose is to better understand these associations to support the sexual health and overall well-being of women undergoing fertility care. Women who are assigned female at birth, under 45 years old, diagnosed with infertility, and attending appointments at the MUHC Reproductive Centre are invited to take part. Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire while waiting for their clinical visit. The questionnaire includes the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which measures different aspects of sexual function, and additional questions about sexual activities, such as frequency of intercourse and other behaviors before and after fertility treatments. Participants will not provide any identifying information. Completed questionnaires will be placed in a secure collection box to protect confidentiality. Data from approximately 500 participants will be analyzed to explore how infertility type (primary vs. secondary), duration of infertility, and the number of unsuccessful ART cycles relate to sexual function and behavior. Findings from this study may help healthcare providers better recognize and address the sexual health concerns of women with infertility. This study is approved by the McGill University Health Centre Research Ethics Board (REB #2025-11459).

Conditions

Sexual Function; Sexual Dysfunction Female; Infertility; Assisted Reproductive Techniques; Infertility Assisted Reproductive Technology; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility

Keywords

infertility; Assisted Reproductive Technology; ART; IVF; female sexual function; female sexual function index; FSFI; sexual behavior; sexual dysfunction; women's sexual health

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Female sexual function

  Female sexual function as assessed using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which evaluates desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Higher scores indicate better sexual function.

  Day 1

• Sexual Behaviour

  Self-reported sexual behaviors, including intercourse frequency (pre- and post-fertility treatment), oral sex, anal sex, masturbation, and other sexual practices, as assessed by the anonymous questionnaire.

  Day 1

Study Arms (1)

Observational Infertility Cohort

Women attending the MUHC Reproductive Centre for evaluation or treatment of infertility who complete a single anonymous questionnaire assessing sexual function and sexual behaviour.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 44 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: All individuals who self-identify as women and were assigned female at birth are eligible to participate. Individuals assigned male at birth or who do not self-identify as women are excluded.
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This study will include women assigned female at birth, aged 18-44 years, who are seeking fertility treatment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre and have a diagnosis of infertility. Participants must self-identify as women. Individuals assigned male at birth, age 45 or older, seeking oocyte cryopreservation, or whose sexual practices do not allow for conception without assisted reproductive technologies will be excluded. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

You may qualify if:

• Assigned female at birth.
• Self-identify as a woman.
• Age 18-44 years.
• Diagnosis of infertility.
• Seeking fertility treatment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre.

You may not qualify if:

• Assigned male at birth.
• Age 45 years or older.
• Sexual practices that do not allow for the possibility of conception (e.g., same-sex relationships without use of assisted reproductive technologies).
• Seeking oocyte cryopreservation.
• Individuals who do not wish to complete the anonymous questionnaire.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre: lead

Study Sites (1)

MUHC Reproductive Centre

Montreal, Quebec, H2L 4S8, Canada

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Infertility

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior; Genital Diseases; Urogenital Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Rebecca L Eckler, MD

CONTACT

(514) 843-1650; rebecca.eckler@mail.mcgill.ca

Michael H Dahan, MD

CONTACT

(514) 843-1650; michael.dahan@mcgill.ca

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 22, 2026
• First Posted: January 29, 2026
• Study Start: February 6, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2027
• Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CA (1)