Sexual Life Experiences of Infertile Individuals: A Meta-Synthesis Study


YAVAŞ G., Akman G.

Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 2024 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2397406
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, CINAHL, Gender Studies Database, Psycinfo, Social services abstracts
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aims to systematically interpret and synthesize the evidence obtained from qualitative research conducted on the sexual experiences of infertile individuals. This study is a meta-synthesis study. A thorough literature review was conducted between February and March 2024 across five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, and Science Direct Embase. This article includes 12 studies published in English since 1990 that have examined the sexual experiences of individuals who have been diagnosed with infertility. This research adhered to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative research was used to evaluate the quality of all included articles. To synthesize the data, deductive and interpretation techniques according to Sandelowski and Barroso’s approach have been used. The sexual experiences of individuals who have been diagnosed with infertility were summarized under four main themes: “Reconceptualising Sexuality,” “Change,” “Coping with Sexual Problems” and “Unmet Need for Information on Sexuality.” It has been revealed that individuals diagnosed with infertility need more information and support about sexual health. Health professionals might help these individuals cope with sexual health problems by providing counseling services.