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The goal of this study was to explore the experience and perception of men during the diagnosis of infertility and subsequent treatment, and the impact on role concepts, control beliefs, and quality of life on these processes. Furthermore, it aimed to derive improvements in how men should be counselled. A qualitative study was conducted. It consisted of 13 semi-structured individual interviews with men undergoing or about to start fertility treatment at Heidelberg University Hospital. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Men emphasized the rare opportunities for being involved in treatment, lack of control and the ambivalence of social support. Furthermore, their experiences differed enormously regarding the cause of infertility and the period for which they were preoccupied with the topic. Dealing with involuntary childlessness is challenging for all men. Nevertheless, participants revealed major differences in dealing with fertility treatment in relation to role concepts, control beliefs, social support and the cause of infertility. The significance of diverse causes of infertility and the need for men to adopt certain roles ought to be more valued and a holistic approach improving quality of life enhanced.

Aim The purpose of this official guideline published and coordinated by the German Society for Psychosomatic Gynecology and Obstetrics [Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe (DGPFG)] is to provide a consensus-based overview of psychosomatically oriented diagnostic procedures and treatments for fertility disorders by evaluating the relevant literature. Method This S2k guideline was developed using a structured consensus process which included representative members of various professions; the guideline was commissioned by the DGPFG and is based on the 2014 version of the guideline. Recommendations The guideline provides recommendations on psychosomatically oriented diagnostic procedures and treatments for fertility disorders.