Coital failure

Some infertile couples may experience difficulty in having a baby because of coital difficulty or inappropriate timing of sexual intercourse (infrequent intercourse or intercourse mainly at the beginnings and the ends of the womans menstrual cycle). Coital difficulty may also result after a sexually active couple has been labeled infertile. For some couples, sexual intercourse becomes a necessity rather than a natural love making experience. Infertility investigations itself can be very stressful to the couple.

Many men and women suffer for years without seeking advice and help. This is often because they are unaware that in most cases, treatment may help. Some do not know whom to turn to for advice and others are too embarrassed to seek help.

The causes of the sexual difficulty could be physical or psychological. However, most cases will involve physical and psychological elements, although the balance may vary considerably from person to person.
Coital difficulty requires appropriate investigations and treatment. When the cause is predominantly psychological, normal sexual functions may be restored through psychosexual therapy.

In many cases, nothing more than sex education of both partners is necessary. Some men are concerned about the size of their penis and their ability to father a child. The size of the penis is generally unimportant so long as penetration is achieved.

If the cause of coital failure is predominantly physical, normal sexual activities are unlikely to be restored without some form of medical or surgical treatment.