In recent years, social research surrounding the consequences of infertility has increasingly focused on the male perspective;however, a gap exists in the understanding of men’s experiences of male infertility treatm...In recent years, social research surrounding the consequences of infertility has increasingly focused on the male perspective;however, a gap exists in the understanding of men’s experiences of male infertility treatment. This review aims to synthesize theexisting evidence concerning the psychological, social, and sexual burden of male infertility treatment on men, as well as patientneeds during clinical care. A systematic search identified 12 studies that are diverse in design, setting, and methods. Psychologicalevaluations have found that urological surgery may have a lasting impact on infertility-specific stress, and treatment failure canlead to feelings of depression, grief, and inadequacy. Men tended to have an avoidant coping mechanism throughout fertilitytreatment, and their self-esteem, relationship quality, and sexual functions can be tied to outcomes of treatment. Partner bonds canbe strengthened by mutual support and enhanced communication;couple separation, however, has been noted as a predominantreason for discontinuing male infertility treatment and may be associated with difficult circumstances surrounding severe maleinfertility. Surgical treatments can affect the sexual functioning of infertile men;however, the impact of testicular sperm extractionoutcomes appears to be psychologically driven whereas the improvements after microsurgical varicocelectomy are only evident inhypogonadal men. Clinically, there is a need for better inclusion, communication, education, and resource provision, to addressreported issues of marginalization and uncertainty in men. Routine psychosocial screening in cases of severe male infertility andfollow-up in cases of surgical treatment failure are likely beneficial.展开更多
文摘In recent years, social research surrounding the consequences of infertility has increasingly focused on the male perspective;however, a gap exists in the understanding of men’s experiences of male infertility treatment. This review aims to synthesize theexisting evidence concerning the psychological, social, and sexual burden of male infertility treatment on men, as well as patientneeds during clinical care. A systematic search identified 12 studies that are diverse in design, setting, and methods. Psychologicalevaluations have found that urological surgery may have a lasting impact on infertility-specific stress, and treatment failure canlead to feelings of depression, grief, and inadequacy. Men tended to have an avoidant coping mechanism throughout fertilitytreatment, and their self-esteem, relationship quality, and sexual functions can be tied to outcomes of treatment. Partner bonds canbe strengthened by mutual support and enhanced communication;couple separation, however, has been noted as a predominantreason for discontinuing male infertility treatment and may be associated with difficult circumstances surrounding severe maleinfertility. Surgical treatments can affect the sexual functioning of infertile men;however, the impact of testicular sperm extractionoutcomes appears to be psychologically driven whereas the improvements after microsurgical varicocelectomy are only evident inhypogonadal men. Clinically, there is a need for better inclusion, communication, education, and resource provision, to addressreported issues of marginalization and uncertainty in men. Routine psychosocial screening in cases of severe male infertility andfollow-up in cases of surgical treatment failure are likely beneficial.
