Prospective study on psychological and sexual status in men diagnosed with infertility

Infertility is a growing global health concern that imposes not only biological but also profound psychological and emotional burdens on affected individuals. In men, the psychological impact of an infertility diagnosis—particularly its effect on anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction—remains insufficiently explored. This prospective, single-center study evaluated 200 male patients aged 21–46 years with suspected infertility. Psychological and sexual dysfunction assessments were conducted at baseline and three months post-diagnosis using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15). Demographic and clinical variables were also recorded. At baseline, 81% of patients had minimal depression and 93.5% had minimal anxiety. After three months, the prevalence of depressive symptoms increased to 67.5% (mild: 34%, moderate: 27%, severe: 6.5%), and mild-to-moderate anxiety rose to 29%, with severe anxiety reported in 2% of patients. Mean BDI scores increased from 6.10 (± 5.14) to 12.09 (± 6.76), and BAI scores rose from 4.19 (± 3.87) to 8.90 (± 6.96) (p < 0.001 for both). Sexual dysfunction declined significantly across all domains, with erectile function decreasing from 27.92 (± 3.42) to 25.80 (± 3.58) (p < 0.001), alongside reductions in orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Patients with only secondary education reported significantly higher anxiety at follow-up (p = 0.007). An infertility diagnosis in men is associated with a marked increase in depression and anxiety, as well as significant deterioration in sexual function. These findings highlight the need for routine psychological assessment and supportive interventions in infertility management, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable populations.