Cognitive emotional consequences of male infertility in their female partners: a qualitative content analysis

Abstract

IntroductionInfertility, as a global phenomenon and one of the most important issues of reproductive health, affects women more often than men, even when the infertility is due to a male factor. The purpose of this study was to explore the cognitive emotional experiences of women faced with male infertility.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in 2014–2015 in Mashhad, Iran. The perceptions and experiences of healthy women whose husbands were diagnosed with primary male factor infertility were investigated using a qualitative content analysis approach. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and data collection was conducted using in-depth semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis with MAXqda software. Study rigor was verified via criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba.ResultsOne main theme emerged through analysis entitled “cognitive emotional reactions confronting infertility diagnosis” with sub-themes of cognitive emotional reactions when confronted with male infertility diagnosis with subthemes of disbelief and denial, fear and apprehension, suffering and emotional distress, disappointment, frustration, confusion, and joy.ConclusionThe diagnosis of male infertility was associated with important emotional cognitive consequences for their female partners. Emotional support, providing new insights into how to treat the issue, and trying to shorten the process of diagnosis are necessary for these women. This kind of support could reduce the psychological effects of confrontation with the diagnosis of male infertility, including social insecurity for women.

Exploring the cultural perspectives and implications of infertility among couples in the Talensi and Nabdam Districts of the upper east region of Ghana

“…For instance, children are seen as symbols of pride and prestige for parents, a source of hope for the future, a guarantee for family lineage as well as inheritance, and sometimes as a source of labour for their parents [ 8 , 35 ]. In some instances, children in Africa are also considered a form of fulfilment and insurance for parents in their old age [ 36 ]. In the Upper East Region of Ghana, children are also used to measure a man’s wealth among his kinsmen, and thus, infertility becomes stigmatised.…”

Domestic Violence against Infertile Women

“…Because, the experience of infertility is instinctively a stressful situation, 54 aggravation of physical and psychological injuries caused by it is not unexpected. Another finding is the issue of women's blame, especially in cases where infertility has been caused by women, 26,55 where the important issue of men's participation should be considered in women's counseling and support programs 56 . Infertility health care providers should consider the possibility of DV against women and its potential psychological consequences, as a large proportion of violence against women results from husbands, and the need for well-designed and well-executed services will continue to be vital for victims.…”

Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses of Psychological Experience and Adjustment of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Patients

“…At present, much emphasis has been placed on quantitative research on the psychological status of infertile patients. For psychological research, quantitative and qualitative methods can complement each other [25,26]. In this study, a qualitative research method was adopted and the psychological experience and adjustment of infertile patients receiving IVF-ET were classified into 4 themes including the experience of infertility status, the experience of diagnosis and treatment process, the relationship adjustment and the self-adjustment.…”