Sexual medicine
Sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunctions in men with fulfilled versus unfulfilled desire for children 15 years after onset: a propensity score-matched analysis from the Bavarian Men's Health-Study
By Schmalbrock LJ, Schlöder VC, Köhn FM and 7 others.
Abstract
Introduction
An unmet desire for children may challenge masculine identity and therefore affect sexual self-concept and sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to examine long-term differences in sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunctions between men with fulfilled versus unfulfilled unmet desire for children.
Methods
Data were derived from the Bavarian Men's Health-Study, a cross-sectional survey including middle-aged men. The unmet desire for children was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria and assessed via structured interviews. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing four dimensions of sexual self-concept: toughness, body image, sexual self-esteem, and perceived pressure with regard to sexuality. Sexual dysfunctions-including erectile dysfunction, low sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation-were additionally assessed. Participants were categorized according to whether their unmet desire for children had ultimately been fulfilled or remained unfulfilled. To control for potential confounders when comparing dimensions of sexual self-concept (age, body mass index, semen analysis, relationship status, education, and financial situation), a 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. Group differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Primary outcomes were differences in sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunctions between men with fulfilled versus unfulfilled unmet desire for children.