Dyadic coping and sexual well‐being in couples seeking assisted reproductive technology

Abstract Objective This study examined whether perceptions of the partner's dyadic coping (DC) and of how partners cope together (common DC) are associated with sexual well‐being in couples seeking assisted reproductive technology. Background Although infertility has been associated with significant sexual concerns, little is known about the relational processes underlying couples' sexual well‐being. Method A sample of 232 couples with medical infertility completed questionnaires assessing DC and sexual well‐being (infertility‐related sexual concerns, distress, and satisfaction). Results Individuals who perceived that their partner engaged in higher negative DC reported lower sexual well‐being (actor effects). Men who perceived that their partner engaged in higher positive DC reported higher sexual satisfaction, whereas women reported greater infertility‐related sexual concerns (actor effects). Perceptions of higher common DC were associated with higher sexual well‐being for men and women (actor effects). Women whose partners reported perceptions of higher common DC also reported fewer infertility‐related sexual concerns (partner effect). Analyses adjusted for relationship satisfaction. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for future longitudinal research to gain a better understanding of the associations between dyadic factors and infertile couples' sexual well‐being. Implications These results suggest that the interpersonal context surrounding infertile couples' sexual well‐being should be routinely discussed and could be facilitated by promoting greater common DC.