Male subfertility: communication, care, coping. An explorative study

Aim of the study: With this study, we wanted to examine the needs of men with fertility problems in terms of communication, care and coping with the diagnosis. Methodology: data gathered prospectively by means of a written questionnaire (quantitative data), and semi-structured interviews (qualitative data). Sample: 78 subfertile men who consulted for subfertility at the department for reproductive medicine at the University Hospital of Ghent, Belgium were included in the assessment; of these, 23 were interviewed for qualitative evaluation. Results and conclusions: More than one fifth of the participants was dissatisfied with the way they had been informed about their fertility status. There was no significant difference in satisfaction with the care received immediately after diagnosis whether it was given by a general practitioner or by a specialist. A significant influence of nationality was noted on the satisfaction about being informed, Dutch men being much less satisfied than Flemish men. Some men suggested to have a consult with the doctor on a structural basis about a week after the diagnosis. The internet seemed to be a good medium for obtaining medical information It could be useful to create an extra function: a ‘coach’ supporting the couple throughout the entire process., adding another argument to the need for professional psychological support of patients attending clinics for human reproduction. The subfertile men often felt that they were watching from the sideline, and wanted to be more actively involved in the treatment.