The psychological impact of male factor infertility and fertility treatment on men: a qualitative study

Abstract

This study investigated the subjective experiences of males attending a fertility treatment unit due to male factor infertility (MFI). In particular, the study aimed to explore how infertile males construe their infertility and how this impacts on their psychological well-being. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine males and analysed using grounded theory. Three inter-dependent themes were identified: (1) Impact to Self, (2) Social Impact and (3) Relationship and Support. The men initially felt shocked and ‘abnormal’ at their diagnosis and the possibility of a childless future. They felt their role in treatment was primarily supportive, which meant having to relinquish control and ‘put on a brave face’. Socially, MFI was regarded as a stigma, and disclosure to others was rare. Aspirations towards a male hegemonic culture intensified same. The theme ‘Relationship and Support’ describes how a supportive partnership mitigated the impact of diagnosis and influenced how well the men were able to both g...