Mood Disorders and Sexual Function in Infertile Men: Exploring the Relationship with Semen Analysis Results

Abstract

Objective. The presence of infertility in couples not only results in heightened stress but also elevates the risk of developing psychological disorders, further exacerbating their situation. This study is designed to evaluate the relationship between semen analysis and depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as sexual function in infertile men. Method. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Amir Al-Momenin Hospital of Zabol between March 2019 and April 2020. The couples who were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection according to male factors were recruited for the study. One hundered two men were asked to complete the depression, anxiety, and stress questionnaire (DASS-42) and the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15). The findings of the DASS and IIEF questionnaires were compared with the semen analysis test and reported. Results. The frequency of depression, anxiety, and moderate to very severe stress were found in 21 (20.6%), 40 (39.2%), and 23 (22.5%) cases, respectively. Surprisingly, 60 (59%) participants had erectile dysfunction. A significant correlation was found between mood disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) and some components of the erectile function questionnaire, stress with erectile function ($p=0.045$), depression with overall satisfaction ($p=0.011$), and anxiety with intercourse satisfaction ($p=0.048$) and overall satisfaction ($p=0.037$). Also, there was a significant correlation between semen analysis parameters such as sperm motility with depression ($p=0.035$) and anxiety ($p=0.037$), normal sperm morphology with stress ($p=0.034$), progressive sperm motility with orgasmic function ($p=0.006$), and intercourse satisfaction ($p=0.014$). Conclusion. The higher the mental health, the higher the erectile function. Improvement of mood disorders leads to improvement of semen parameters and increases the chances of pregnancy. Psychological support may be helpful so, in addition to medical treatment, these people should also receive supportive psychological treatment.