Male Infertility Emotion Handling

5 years ago Infertility Treatment Laparoscopy Surgeon

Male Infertility Emotion Handling

The diagnosis of infertility causes many males to question their masculinity. Male factor infertility is frequently associated with high levels of stigma.

What emotions might a man experience when diagnosed with infertility?

Men may be shocked when they find out they are infertile. There is still a common but incorrect belief that infertility is a woman’s problem. Therefore, when men are told there is a sperm problem, they are often unprepared.

Being told that there is a sperm problem can affect a man’s sense of masculinity, sexuality and potency. Most infertile men at some time struggle with the idea that they are not able to do what other men can.

An emotional response to infertility is normal. Talking with a doctor or a sexual therapist or counselor can help some men with their feelings about infertility.

Psychological treatment for Male Infertility?

The most prevalent psychological treatment is counseling and marriage therapy. A lot of men believe that there are numerous disincentives to psychological treatment despite its potential benefits, especially for those forms of infertility most linked to psychological and behavioral factors. Men are much less likely to seek out psychological help than women. Men who acknowledge infertility, articulate the sources of their anxiety, express their loss of confidence in sexual adequacy, deal openly with their wives’ disappointment and anger, and consciously redefine their male and marital roles show improved sperm counts and may even be more successful at impregnating their wives. There is an important role of psychoanalytic treatment when dealing with male infertility.

How to Plan for Emotional Turmoil?

Set limits. Decide in advance how many and what kind of procedures are emotionally and financially acceptable for you and your partner, and determine a final limit. Fertility treatments can be expensive and often aren’t covered by insurance.A successful pregnancy often depends on repeated attempts. Some couples become so focused on treatment that they continue with fertility procedures until they are emotionally and financially drained.
Consider other options. Determine alternatives — adoption or donor sperm or egg — as early as possible in the fertility process. This can reduce anxiety during treatments and feelings of hopelessness if conception doesn’t occur.
Talk about your feelings. Locate support groups or counseling services for help before and after treatment to help endure the process and ease the grief if treatment fails.

Managing emotional stress during treatment?

Practice stress-reduction techniques. Examples include yoga, meditation and massage therapy.
Consider going to counseling. Counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which uses methods that include relaxation training and stress management, might help relieve stress.
Express yourself. Reach out to others rather than holding in feelings of guilt or anger.
Stay in touch with loved ones. Talking to your partner, family and friends can be helpful.