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Chapter 15 - The Male Experience with Fertility and Counseling

from IV - Addressing the Needs of Diverse Populations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 November 2022

By
Brennan Peterson  and
William Petok
Edited by
Sharon N. Covington
Sharon N. Covington
Affiliation:
Shady Grove Fertility, Rockville, MD
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Summary

The male experience of infertility has been widely misunderstood, largely because cultural socialization and methodologic limitations restrict men’s expression. While many have believed that men are not emotionally impacted by infertility, recent studies show that men actually experience a variety of complex emotional reactions to an infertility diagnosis, including depression, helplessness, and threats to their masculine identity. In addition, men commonly report feeling they have little to contribute to medical treatments – even in cases of male-factor infertility. Qualitative research has provided insight into the complex inner landscape men experience when navigating infertility. Healthcare and mental health professionals are in a unique position to increase men’s involvement in the treatment process. Fertility counselors now have the skills and training to help men navigate the infertility journey by giving them the tools and strategies they need to cope with this unexpected life stressor, increase social support, and enhance their overall quality of life and well-being.

Keywords

male infertilitymasculinityqualitative researchonline discussion boardsfertility counselorsgender socializationculturestresscopinghealthcare professionals
Type
Chapter
Information
Fertility Counseling: Clinical Guide , pp. 153 - 161
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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