ABSTRACT
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 194 Impact of Sexual Dysfunction on the IVF Procedure and Outcome........................ 194 Impact of IVF on Sexuality ...................................................................................... 194 Preparing the Patient for IVF ................................................................................... 195
First Do No Harm ............................................................................................... 196 Managing the IVF Cycle .......................................................................................... 197
Erectile Dysfunction ........................................................................................... 197 Retrograde Ejaculation ....................................................................................... 197 Anejaculation ...................................................................................................... 197
Due to Neurological Damage ........................................................................ 197 Medication Induced ....................................................................................... 198 Lifelong Emotionally Inhibited ..................................................................... 198 Situational ...................................................................................................... 198
Poor Ejaculate ..................................................................................................... 198 Vaginismus .......................................................................................................... 199
General Anaesthesia ....................................................................................... 199 Self-Hypnosis, Self-Relaxation and Imagery ................................................ 199 Self-Management ........................................................................................... 199 Medication ..................................................................................................... 199
The Aftermath of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ..........................200 Treatment Strategies ......................................................................................200 Medication .....................................................................................................200 In Acute Emergencies .................................................................................... 201
Post-IVF Follow-Up ................................................................................................ 201 Summary of Management Options .......................................................................... 201 References ................................................................................................................202
Whereas sexual dysfunction can interfere with natural conception, not conceiving can interfere with pleasurable sex and sexual function. Although in the process of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) the pleasure element becomes less important, other aspects of sexual functioning become increasingly important. In that process, producing sperm at the right time and allowing invasive vaginal procedures such as vaginal ultrasound and speculum introduction become vital. This chapter looks at various types of sexual dysfunction that can interfere with the outcome of ART and in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, attention is paid to possible long-term emotional and sexual side effects of these fertility interventions.
