RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

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

This study is investigating how having trouble getting pregnant (infertility) and undergoing fertility treatments (like IVF) might impact a woman's sexual function and behaviour. Researchers believe that the stress of infertility and treatments could change how women feel about sex, their desire, and their sexual activity. By understanding these links better, the study aims to help healthcare providers give more useful support to women going through fertility care. Women up to age 44 who are being treated for infertility at the MUHC Reproductive Centre are invited to complete a confidential questionnaire. This will help us learn more about these important, but often unspoken, aspects of fertility journeys.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Enrolment target

500

Start

06 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

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

What is this study about?

This study is an important piece of research looking into how infertility and the journey through fertility treatments might affect a woman's sex life. Often, when people are dealing with infertility, the focus is squarely on getting pregnant, and other aspects of their health and well-being, like sexual health, can get overlooked. Researchers believe that the emotional and physical stress of infertility itself, as well as the demands of treatments like IVF, could lead to changes in sexual desire, satisfaction, and how often people engage in sexual activity.

The main goal of this research is to gain a clearer picture of these changes. By using a confidential questionnaire, the study aims to gather information from many women about their experiences. This information will help doctors and nurses understand these connections better. The hope is that the findings will allow healthcare providers to recognise and address sexual health concerns more effectively, providing better all-round care and support for women undergoing fertility treatment.

This study is being carried out at the McGill University Health Centre in Canada and has been approved by their ethics board, which means it meets high standards for patient safety and respect.

Key takeaways

This study explores how infertility and fertility treatments affect women's sexual well-being.
It aims to help doctors better support women seeking fertility care.
Participation involves completing an anonymous questionnaire during a clinic visit.
Your answers are completely confidential and won't be linked to your medical records.
It's for women aged 18-44 receiving infertility treatment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre.
Your contribution could improve future patient care.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are a woman between 18 and 44 years old and have been diagnosed with infertility. You should also be attending appointments for fertility treatment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre in Canada.

Some reasons why you might not be able to join include being 45 years old or older, or if you were assigned male at birth. Also, if you are seeking to freeze your eggs for future use (oocyte cryopreservation) rather than actively trying to get pregnant, this study may not be for you. The study focuses on women actively undergoing fertility treatment.

Finally, if you prefer not to fill out an anonymous questionnaire, then this study would not be suitable. The questionnaire is a key part of how the study gathers its information.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 44 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with infertility?
Are you currently receiving fertility treatment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre?
Were you assigned female at birth and identify as a woman?
Are you comfortable completing an anonymous questionnaire?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to make any extra visits. You'll simply be asked to complete a paper questionnaire while you are waiting for your routine appointment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre. There are no medications involved, and no follow-up appointments specifically for this study.

The questionnaire is designed to be anonymous, meaning no identifying information about you will be collected. It will ask about your sexual function and experiences before and during fertility treatments. Once you've completed it, you'll place it in a secure box to protect your privacy. The whole process of filling out the questionnaire should only take a short amount of your time during your clinic visit. The study itself plans to gather information from around 500 people over about a year.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that your answers will help doctors and nurses understand the important issue of sexual health for women dealing with infertility. This could lead to better support and care for others in the future. As the questionnaire is anonymous and asks about potentially sensitive topics, it's possible that some questions might make you feel uncomfortable. However, you can choose not to answer any questions you prefer not to. There are no physical risks involved. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw or stop filling out the questionnaire at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

MUHC Reproductive Centre
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is infertility?

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after a certain amount of time, usually identified after a year of trying for women under 35, or six months for women 35 or older.

What are 'assisted reproductive technologies' (ART)?

ART refers to fertility treatments like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) where eggs and sperm are handled outside the body to help create a pregnancy.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, absolutely. The questionnaire is anonymous, meaning no one will know your identity. Your answers will not be linked to your medical records, and you'll put your completed questionnaire into a secure box.

Do I need to do anything specific before filling out the questionnaire?

No, you don't need to prepare. You'll just be given the questionnaire to fill out while you're waiting for your regular appointment.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because it explores an often-overlooked aspect of fertility – how it affects your sex life. Understanding this can help healthcare providers offer more complete care and support to women.

How to find out more

Rebecca L Eckler, MD

rebecca.eckler@mail.mcgill.ca (514) 843-1650 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.