Abstract
Objective: To investigate the impact of the postcoital test (PCT) on the sexual relationship and functioning of infertile couples. Design: Randomized controlled study. Setting: University hospital. Patients: New infertility patients were randomized to an infertility work-up with (PCT group) or without (non-PCT group) postcoital test as integral part of the investigation. Intervention: Performance of the PCT. Main Outcome Measure: Both partners completed a questionnaire on their sexual relationship and functioning at the initial visit and after 3 months. Results: Of 500 consecutive new couples, 304 fulfilled inclusion criteria and 290 consented to participate (PCT group: 152; non-PCT group: 138). Answers to both the first and second questionnaire were obtained from 84 couples (PCT: 43; non- PCT: 41). After 3 months, couples in the PCT group were at least as satisfied with their sexual relationship as couples in the non-PCT group with little difference having occurred in the 3 months of investigation. Conclusion: Overall, the influence of the PCT on the sexual relationship of infertile couples is more positive than negative.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 771-775 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Fertility and Sterility |
| Volume | 65 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1996 |
Keywords
- controlled trial
- Postcoital test
- psychosocial
- questionnaire survey
- randomization