Male Attitudes towards Infertility: Results from a Global Questionnaire

Abstract

In general, men are less likely to seek health care than women. Infertility is a global disease that afflicts approximately 15% of reproductive age couples and the male contributes to 40% of the diagnosable cause. Remarkably, no large or multi-national population data exist regarding men's perceptions about their infertility. The purpose of this study was to advance our knowledge about the infertile male's social experience regarding: (1) how they feel about their infertility, (2) what motivated them to seek health care, (3) how likely are they to talk with others about their infertility, (4) their awareness of male infertility support groups, and ( 5) what their primary source for information is regarding male infertility? Based on the results from this study, these simple questions now have clearer definition. Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: An Institutional Review Board-approved, male-directed, anonymous questionnaire translated into 20 languages was made globally available through the Fertility Europe website (https://fertilityeurope.eu). Males (n=1,171) age 20-49 years were invited to complete the online survey after informed consent. Results: Results: Most respondents were European (86%). Of European men, <15.8% were self-motivated to seek medical help. Further, their physician was not the primary source of information regarding their infertility. While most men (59%) viewed their infertility positively, a large majority were not very likely (73%) to talk about it. Most respondents indicated a lack of awareness or absence of male infertility support groups. Conclusions: Conclusions: These are the first multi-national population data revealing men's feelings about their infertility, what motivates them to seek help and their awareness of resources for peer support and information. These findings also serve to highlight significant gaps that exist in the provision of male reproductive health care and in supportive resources for men suffering from infertility. We offer recommendations on how to address the problem(s).

Current global status of male reproductive health

“…3 . These results have provided greater clarity about men’s diverse feelings about their infertility ( De Jonge et al , 2023 ). The study emphasizes the importance of men better identifying their emotions and more openly sharing their feelings, especially with their partner and with other men.…”

“…More positively, the EU has a number of EQA schemes in andrology and a well-established register of MAR units. However, there are regulatory differences among countries, and a recent survey revealed that substantial differences exist between European regions in social knowledge/awareness concerning MRH ( De Jonge et al , 2023 ).…”

Leading at the vanguard of andrology: The Network for Young Researchers in Andrology joins forces with the European Academy of Andrology

“…In the context of a global decline in fertility rates, in which the male contribution still remains overlooked, it is critical to build strongly structured networks to guarantee the development of educational and scientific activities to forge new frontiers in the andrology field. Despite male factors contributing to 50% of infertility cases, major attention is paid to the examination of women 6,7 . Moreover, the exact causes of male infertility remain elusive in half of the cases due to its heterogeneous and complex etiology 8 .…”

“…Despite male factors contributing to 50% of infertility cases, major attention is paid to the examination of women. 6,7 Moreover, the exact causes of male infertility remain elusive in half of the cases due to its heterogeneous and complex etiology. 8 There is thus a strong need to promote basic, translational, and clinical research.…”

Shaping the future of male reproductive health: fostering talent at the 14th Network of Young Researchers in Andrology meeting

“…Although male factors contribute to 50% of the infertility cases ( Agarwal et al, 2021 ; Levine et al, 2022 ; Salonia et al, 2021 ; Tiegs et al, 2018 ), studies of the underlying causes have been biased towards the examination of women. This may be influenced, in part, by social factors that have historically discouraged men from seeking routine health care unless in acute medical conditions ( de Jonge et al, 2023 ).…”