Psychological aspects of male fertility treatment. (10th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mikkelsen, Alice Toft; Madsen, Svend Aage; Humaidan, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced nursing. Volume 69:Number 9(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1977
• Page End: 1986
• Publication Date: 2012-12-10
• Subjects: Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.12058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-2402

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en" id="jan12058-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jan12058-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aims</title> <p>To explore and to identify the possible need for psychological communicative support in men undergoing fertility treatment.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12058-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Male infertility affects many aspects of a man's life and may cause a life crisis. Although infertility treatment is now commonplace in men, they often feel remote and disconnected from the treatment process.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12058-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>A descriptive survey.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12058-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A questionnaire with structured and open‐ended questions was completed by 210 Danish men undergoing fertility treatment. The questionnaire covered three issues: individual perception of male infertility, gender equality issues, and communication with health professionals in the clinic. Data were collected during 2008.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12058-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Findings</title> <p>Of the participants, 28% believed that their reduced sperm quality affected their perception of masculinity. 46% stated that equal involvement between partners was a very important element of the treatment; however, 63% said that the health professionals communicated primarily with their female partner. Finally, 62% found that there was a need for a deeper dialogue with the nurses concerning male infertility and 72% lacked information about the psychological consequences of male infertility. In general, participants wanted a more open and balanced dialogue about infertility treatment and the role of the male partner during this process.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12058-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Infertile men want health professionals to view them on equal terms with their partner. When treating the infertile man, there is a further need to develop more inclusive communication skills.</p> </sec> </abstract>