Effect of EX-PLISSIT model based couple counseling versus control group on self-concept and sexual satisfaction in infertile couples: a randomized clinical trial

To assess the effect of EX-PLISSIT model based couple counseling versus control group on self-concept and sexual satisfaction in infertile couples

This is a randomized clinical trial with control group, in which eligible patients will be randomly assigned through the block randomization to the intervention and control groups

This study will be performed in the Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan city on 60 infertile couples. The patients will be randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups through the block randomization. Blinding is not possible in this study.

Inclusion criteria: Age 18 to 40 years Primary infertility Obtaining a score of 0 to 64 based on sexual self-concept questionnaire Obtaining a score of 17 to 67 based on the sexual satisfaction questionnaire Exclusion criteria: Any mental illness Taking medications that affect sexual activity

Intervention group: Routine treatment of infertility in addition to EX-PLISSIT model based couple counseling, including face-to-face sessions with infertile couples for one hour once a week for 4 weeks (including describing the anatomy and physiology of the female sexual organ; the stages of the sexual cycle and sexual performance; the definition of sexual self-concept and its types; the effect sexual self-concept on married life and sexual relations; the effects of negative sexual self-concept on pregnancy, the effect of sexual self-concept on sexual satisfaction; the effect of spouse's behavior on the sexual self-concept of an infertile woman and vice versa; the role of mental beliefs and psychological factors on sexual satisfaction and activity and factors affecting sexual desire) Control group: Just routine treatment of infertility

Primary outcome: The score of sexual self-concept The score of sexual satisfaction

The patients will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using block randomization. For this purpose, we will prepare four sheets of paper, writing on two sheets the name of the intervention and on the other two sheets the name of the control. The paper sheets will be pooled, placed in a container, and randomly drawn one at a time for each patient without replacement until all four sheets are drawn. The four paper sheets will be then placed back into the container, and this action repeated until the sample size is reached.