Adaptive coping strategies in male infertility, paramedical counselling as a way of support

Abstract

Aims: In the last decades, the number of infertile males increased worldwide which gained more focus. The extent to which a person or a couple is able to cope adaptively with the problem of infertility depends on the combined effect of several variables. Our aim was to apply counselling among males suffering from infertility problems. During the therapybesides providing informationwe aim to elaborate the effects of the treatment and experiences, to process information, to develop adaptive coping strategies against stress and to indirectly or directly change health behaviours influencing reproduction. Methods: Only patients with male factor infertility were involved. They were divided into an observed group (n = 57) and a control (n = 51) group after a thorough physical examination and assessment of their reactions to, and awareness of, the disease. Results: The group that received the interventions had an intense awareness of the diagnosis and aims and nature of the indicated treatment. They employed purposeful problemsolving coping strategies, reported being satisfied with the infertility treatment. Conclusions: The counselling of clients with infertility problems a more favourable mental well-being can be established by the active participation of professional helpers. Patients might receive effective, targeted and problem-specific help.

Exploring men's struggles with infertility: A qualitative content analysis

“…Male‐factor infertility is often overlooked in clinical care literature, even though it can be a profoundly distressing experience for both partners. Most nursing studies focus solely on women, their struggles with the stigma and blame they face when their male partners are infertile and the medical treatments and care involved (Szatmári et al., 2021). This approach has led to the stereotype of men as ‘rational actors’ while women are seen as more ‘desperate’ to conceive (Hanna & Gough, 2020b).…”

“…The study byAsazawa et al (2020) suggests that care providers must offer men the necessary assistance and resources to help them cope with the emotional effects of infertility. AsSzatmári et al (2021) stated, this assistance may include counselling, support groups or other care programs to help infertile men manage their emotions and feelings healthily. It can be said that early recognition and addressing the emotional toll of confronting infertility can help men feel less isolated and more empowered to overcome this challenging condition.Based on the results, men struggling with infertility may feel that their inability to have children hinders them from accomplishing their goals and aspirations, leading to heightened frustration and disappointment.…”

Paramedical counselling in infertility treatment: its effects on anxio-depressive symptom severity, perceived stress and self-esteem

“…Since literature on the beneficial effects of paramedical counselling in male infertility is scarce, in the present work we targeted to explore the potential beneficial effects on the levels of anxio-depressive symptom severity, perceived stress and self-esteem of a novel, 5-session infertility counselling program provided by professional helpers during the treatment period for men participating medical treatment for their infertility detailed in Szatmári et al. (2020) .…”

The Relationship Between Ultrasound and Semen Parameters in Male Infertility: Size and Elasticity Matters!

“…One in eight couples encounters problems when attempting to conceive the rst child and one in six when attempting to conceive a subsequent child. In Hungary, the proportion of involuntarily childless couples is estimated at 24%, one in four couples has infertility problems [2]. Three percent of women who are currently trying to conceive remain involuntarily childless, while 6% of women with previous delivery are not able to have as many children as they would wish.…”