Men's infertility journey: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sociology of Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Male infertility experiences are influenced by sociocultural contexts, particularly in patriarchal, developing nations.
• Understanding men's emotional needs and lived experiences is crucial for developing effective, gender-sensitive healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the challenges faced by men experiencing infertility within a patriarchal, developing societal framework.
• To understand the emotional landscape and lived experiences of men undergoing fertility treatments.

Main Methods:

• Employed an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach.
• Conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 16 men diagnosed with infertility who had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Türkiye.

Main Results:

• Identified three core themes: 'desire for fatherhood under sociocultural pressure,' 'facing infertility: emotional struggles,' and 'the treatment experience amid waves of stress.'
• Participants viewed infertility as a process involving both distress and hope.
• Men desired active involvement in treatment and required non-judgmental environmental support.

Conclusions:

• Male infertility experiences are deeply intertwined with sociocultural expectations and pressures.
• Holistic, gender-sensitive care is essential, addressing emotional needs and promoting patient involvement in fertility treatments.
• Supportive environments are vital for men navigating the complexities of infertility and its treatment.