Mapping men’s anticipations and experiences in the reproductive realm: (in)fertility journeys

Abstract

This paper examines men's experiences of fertility/infertility against a backdrop of changing understandings of men's role in society and medical possibilities. It presents findings from two qualitative research projects on men's experiences of engagement with reproductive health services as they sought to become fathers and anticipate impending fatherhood. The findings from both projects provide insights into men's experiences of (in)fertility and their engagement with services set against cultural ideals of masculinity. Discussions of reproduction have historically focused most centrally upon women's bodies and maternal processes, leaving little space for consideration of men's experiences and perspectives. While women's experiences of infertility/fertility have been characterized in relation to productive or faulty biological processes, male infertility has been largely invisible and male fertility typically assumed. This context provides a difficult terrain for men in which to contemplate the potential of not being able to father a child. The findings discussed in this paper illuminate the ways in which men talk about and make sense of their reproductive journeys. In doing so, it challenges current understandings of masculinity and reproductive bodies and highlights the need to rethink how men are treated in reproductive spheres and how services to men are delivered.

Emoting infertility online: A qualitative analysis of men’s forum posts

“…Previous research suggests that men have been 'left out' of discussions about reproduction (Lohan, 2015;Throsby and Gill, 2004;Marsiglio et al, 2013;Hinton and Miller, 2013) and when men's views of infertility have been sought, they have often been framed via or complementary to women's perspectives, such as in couple-based interviews (Thorsby and Gill, 2004;Cudmore, 2005;Daniluk, 2001). …”

Men’s accounts of infertility within their intimate partner relationships: an analysis of online forum discussions

“…Coupled with the wider landscape where men are often overlooked within the maternally-focused research on reproduction (Culley, Hudson and Lohan, 2013;Hinton and Miller, 2013), men's experiences and voices are often lacking . This paper then seeks to offer an insight into how men share the dimensions and impacts of infertility on their intimate partner relationships by drawing on men-to-men talk from an online infertility forum space.…”

Intending fathers: heterosexual men planning for a first child

“…Crawshaw, 2013;Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2003;Hinton & Miller, 2013). This was particularly evident in terms of the self-focused reasons given by the men, where fathering a child may be viewed as important in terms of continuing their bloodline.…”

“…Carlson et al, 2015Carlson et al, /2016Holter, 2007;Miller, 2012). Indeed, some have argued that being a father is often not seen as central to men's identities to the extent that motherhood is to women's identities (Hinton & Miller, 2013).…”

“…Carlson et al, 2015Carlson et al, /2016Holter, 2007;Miller, 2012). Indeed, some have argued that being a father is often not seen as central to men's identities to the extent that motherhood is to women's identities (Hinton & Miller, 2013).In the context of Australia, where the study reported in this article was conducted, research has suggested that there has indeed been a shift towards fathers becoming more involved in their children's lives, but that this sits alongside a persistent breadwinner ideology. For example, whilst research with young Australian men without children has shown their interest in becoming fathers and a desire to be involved with their families (Thompson, Lee, & Adams, 2013)., other Australian research highlights the continued centrality of breadwinning to many fathers alongside women's continued primary responsibility for the care of children (Baxter & Smart, 2011;Craig, 2006).…”