Effects of Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology on Sexual Function and Behavior (NCT07376109) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology on Sexual Function and Behavior
Canada500 participantsStarted 2026-02-06
Plain-language summary
This cross-sectional observational study examines how infertility and the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) are related to sexual function and sexual behaviors in women seeking fertility treatment. Infertility and the stress of ART may be associated with changes in sexual desire, satisfaction, and activity. The purpose is to better understand these associations to support the sexual health and overall well-being of women undergoing fertility care.
Women who are assigned female at birth, under 45 years old, diagnosed with infertility, and attending appointments at the MUHC Reproductive Centre are invited to take part. Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire while waiting for their clinical visit. The questionnaire includes the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which measures different aspects of sexual function, and additional questions about sexual activities, such as frequency of intercourse and other behaviors before and after fertility treatments.
Participants will not provide any identifying information. Completed questionnaires will be placed in a secure collection box to protect confidentiality.
Data from approximately 500 participants will be analyzed to explore how infertility type (primary vs. secondary), duration of infertility, and the number of unsuccessful ART cycles relate to sexual function and behavior. Findings from this study may help healthcare providers better recognize and address the sexual health concerns of women with infertility.
This study is approved by the McGill University Health Centre Research Ethics Board (REB #2025-11459).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 44 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Assigned female at birth.
. Self-identify as a woman.
. Age 18-44 years.
. Diagnosis of infertility.
. Seeking fertility treatment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre.
Exclusion criteria
. Assigned male at birth.
. Age 45 years or older.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Female sexual function
Timeframe: Day 1
2
Sexual Behaviour
Timeframe: Day 1
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07376109
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
. Sexual practices that do not allow for the possibility of conception (e.g., same-sex relationships without use of assisted reproductive technologies).
. Seeking oocyte cryopreservation.
. Individuals who do not wish to complete the anonymous questionnaire.