“No One Asked Me If I’m Alright”
A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Information/Support Needs and Challenges Engaging Men Diagnosed With Male-Factor Infertility
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21748730 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kate Louise Obst (0000-0001-6976-9035, Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health), Melissa Oxlad (0000-0001-9067-6706, Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health), Deborah Turnbull (0000-0002-7116-7073, Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health), Nicole O McPherson (0000-0002-3492-9403, Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 15579883231209210-15579883231209210 |
| Publication date | 2023-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Journal of Men s Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1557-9883 • E-ISSN: 1557-9891 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/15579883231209210 |
| PMID | 38069523 |
| OpenAlex | W4389508272 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 39 |
There is limited research exploring men’s experiences of infertility, and fewer previous studies have examined what information and support men desire after being diagnosed specifically with male-factor infertility. We conducted a mixed-methods study utilizing a combined sequential, concurrent design (online survey/semi-structured interviews). Survey outcomes ( N =12) were analyzed using quantitative data analysis, while qualitative survey data ( N = 5) was analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis. Heterosexual men (>18 years), fluent in English, diagnosed solely with male-factor infertility/sub-fertility, who required assisted reproductive treatment within Australia in the past 5 years were recruited online and through fertility clinics Australia-wide. Most men reported that their information and support needs were only somewhat, slightly or not at all met. Preferred information sources on male infertility were a dedicated online resource, app, or fertility doctor/specialist, while support was preferred from fertility specialists and partners. Three themes were identified from the qualitative analysis about men’s experiences and support needs when diagnosed with male infertility (a) Ultimate threat to masculinity; (b) Holistic care, and (c) the power of words. The information-rich data collected provided valuable insights into men’s experiences of male-factor infertility and important considerations to improve recruitment for future research. A diagnosis of male-factor infertility has the potential to be deeply impactful and difficult to navigate for men. Adequate and holistic information, recognition of emotional impacts, proactive offers of support and sensitive language are needed to improve men’s experiences when undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Family medicine · Fertility · Fertility clinic · Gynecology · Infertility · Male infertility · Masculinity · Population · Pregnancy · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy · Clinical Psychology · Male Reproductive Health Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Technologies
Engaging Men in Psychological Treatment
Where are all the men? The marginalization of men in social scientific research on infertility
Public Perceptions of Covid-19 in Australia
Risky Business
Psychological Components of Infertility
Successful Qualitative Research
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Trust in science and scientists among university students, staff, and faculty of a large, diverse university in Los Angeles during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trojan Pandemic Response Initiative
The experience of infertility
The Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement
The MOS social support survey
Qualitative Quality
Engaging Men as Fathers
The social construction of male infertility
It's like taking a bit of masculinity away from you
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1,5 |
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |