Negative Effect of Stress and Anxiety on Semen Quality of Men Whose Female Partner is Undergoing IUI

Background: Evidence of Psychological stress experienced and its effect on sperm parameters during intrauterine insemination (IUI) settings remains limited. This study investigated the changes in stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-10]) and anxiety levels (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale [GAD-7]) that affected men undergoing first-time IUI treatment. Objective: To investigate the changes in stress (PSS-10) and anxiety levels (GAD-7) that affected men whose female partner was undergoing IUI treatment for the first-time. Methods: A total of 100 male partners who provided assessments at both the initial assessment and the IUI treatment day were examined. Results: The IUI day brought about significant increases in both anxiety and perceived stress levels ( P < .001) and reductions in multiple semen parameters such as volume ( P < .001), concentration ( P < .001), morphology ( P < .001), and motility ( P < .001). Subgroup analyses by clinician-assigned infertility diagnosis (male factor, n = 24; unexplained, n = 12) revealed consistent, statistically significant declines in all semen parameters and significant increases in psychological scores in both subgroups, underscoring the need for tailored psychosocial support irrespective of infertility etiology. Conclusion: We conclude that IUI treatment increases psychological stress and anxiety, which specific correlations with sperm concentration.