A Longitudinal Investigation of the Emotional Experience of Men Using Medically Assisted Reproduction

The diagnosis of infertility and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) can have significant emotional consequences for couples. Little is known about male partners' emotional experience during MAR with their partner. This longitudinal study examined the emotional experience of 154 North American men (mean age = 34.12, SD = 5.22) toward their partner over 12 to 18 months of MAR treatment. Results indicate that men initially reported high levels of positive emotions, including gratitude, compassion, and admiration. Over time, however, these positive experiences declined, while negative emotions, such as concern, helplessness, resentment, and a feeling of alienation, increased significantly after one year of treatment. These findings contribute to a limited body of research on men's experiences in infertility care and highlight the evolving emotional challenges they face. Greater recognition of these experiences may help inform clinical practices and better support male partners throughout the MAR process.