Women's perceptions and experiences of the challenges in the process of male infertility treatment: A qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the fact that both men and women are equally subject to infertility, it is usually women who bear the burden of treatment and its consequences, even in cases of male infertility. Therefore, it is more necessary to recognize their health problems in order to help them.AimTo explore women’s perceptions and experiences of the challenges they face in the process of male infertility treatment.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted during 2014–2015 using content analysis. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with women whose husbands suffered from male infertility. Purposive sampling was conducted until data saturation was achieved. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis adopted by Graneheim and Lundman.ResultsFrom data analysis, the major category of “treatment-related stresses” and four subcategories of “high treatment expenses”, “inefficiency of healthcare system”, “being captive in the infertility treatment” and “treatment failure” emerged.ConclusionExperiences of women who face male infertility indicate their various concerns in the process of treatment. Therefore, it is required to develop emotional and financial support for the clients and to promote their quality of healthcare services. In addition, awareness of treatment challenges of these women can assist proper planning to promote the quality of services they need.

Infertile Couples' Needs after Unsuccessful Fertility Treatment: a Qualitative Study

“…23 Taghipour et al, argued that, according to the participating women, the weaknesses in professional communication and services include the medical personnel’s weaknesses in providing information, their tendency to spend little time with infertile couples, their non-responsiveness toward the couples' needs and the semi-dictatorship in their relationship with the patients. 52 It is thus vital for doctors to have greater patience when dealing with their patients, try to understand them and explain the causes of infertility and the right treatments to them. 53 Another need the infertile patients referred to was comprehensive support, highlighting insufficient financial support as one of their main problems after the treatment failure.…”

“…Given the limited resources in developing countries and the heavy costs of infertility treatment, these medical costs are not covered by supportive organizations such as insurance companies. 52…”

A Qualitative Study of the Challenges Experienced by Iranian Infertile Couples After Unsuccessful Assisted Reproductive Technologies

“…A review study has shown the psychological consequences following the failure of IVF attempt (8). It was found that only one qualitative study has explored women's experiences of their challenges in the process of male infertility treatment in Iran (25). In addition, to our knowledge, no studies have explored the challenges of failed ARTs in Muslim couples or in Islamic countries.…”

Socioeconomic Status and Women’s Mental Health and Wellbeing in Male-Factor Infertility Marital Circumstances: A Scoping Review

“…87, As such, most fertility problems and diagnostic and treatment regimes are typically assumed to affect them, 37,87 thereby making the male-factor infertility of less significance. 61 This overemphasis on fertility as a female reproductive health issue portends dire consequences for the 'barren' women. They are usually the most traumatized, disenfranchised and disinherited as a result of their inability to have children, even in proven male-factor infertility marital relationships, and especially in societies with emphasis on childbearing.…”