Men's Perceptions and Expectations of Fertility Clinics

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Men's Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Fertility research and clinical care predominantly focus on women, often neglecting men's experiences.
• Male perspectives and expectations in fertility treatment remain under-explored.
• Primary infertility affects men, necessitating a deeper understanding of their needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and expectations of men with primary infertility concerning fertility clinics.
• To identify implications for developing personalized and inclusive male infertility care.
• To enhance the therapeutic environment for male patients undergoing fertility treatment.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted in Iran (November 2022 - October 2023).
• In-depth, semistructured interviews were performed with thirteen men diagnosed with primary infertility.
• Inductive content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data.

Main Results:

• A central theme, "Therapy Environment: Private and Interactive," emerged.
• Key categories included: effective interaction, infertility treatment as a joint effort, the need for a personal and stress-free environment, and the importance of a clear treatment plan.
• Men emphasized the significance of these factors for successful treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Tailored approaches are essential for effective male infertility care.
• Healthcare providers should create personalized, stress-free environments and foster open communication.
• Encouraging partner involvement and joint participation in treatment planning is vital for successful outcomes in male infertility.