Categories: Mens fertility

Psychosocial Aspects of Male Infertility

A new research study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine and led by noted men”s health researcher Dr. Paul Turek has a powerful conclusion: that men diagnosed with infertility suffer intense negative sexual, personal and social strains that might be considered typical for other medical illnesses, including cancer.

Traditionally viewed as a “silent disease” in men, the psychological toll infertility takes on men”s health was previously not well known by medical researchers. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco, in collaboration with Dr. Turek, a nationally recognized urologist, male infertility specialist and founder of the renowned Turek Clinic in San Francisco, conducted the study.

“Since male infertility is such a common problem, it is important to understand the real impact it has on male health and relationships,” Dr. Turek said.

“This study makes clear, for the first time, that male infertility is a “disease” like any other, silent or not, and can have a serious effect on the overall well-being of the individual, the couple, and the family.”

The study shows that the diagnosis of infertility increases social strain in male partners of infertile couples. Male partners in couples with perceived, isolated male factor infertility have a lower sexual and personal quality of life compared to male partners of couples without perceived male factor infertility.

About one in eight couples – around 7.3 million Americans – has trouble conceiving.

Half of those cases have male infertility issues – often easily treatable ones. Male infertility affects 10% to 15% of reproductive aged couples worldwide and is treatable in many cases. The goal of the research was to measure the personal, social, sexual and marital impact of a diagnosis of male factor infertility among men in couples evaluated for infertility.

Among the 357 men studied, no male factor was reported in 47%, isolated male factor was present in 12%, combined male and female factors were present in 16%, and unexplained infertility was present in 25% of couples. The research involved cross-sectional analysis of 357 men in infertile couples from eight academic and community-based fertility clinics.
Participants completed validated, written surveys, face-to-face and telephone interviews at study enrollment. More information about the study can be found on The Journal of Sexual Medicine and a recent study can be found here

Tips for Men Diagnosed With Infertility.

Dr. Turek offers this advice for men diagnosed with infertility:

1.Take control of the matter – Take the initiative and educate yourself as this helps you get control of the situation and helps with decision-making. Consider going to informational web sites such as ASRM.org and SSMR.org.

2. Make an appointment with a specialist in male infertility – These physicians are usually urologists who are interested in, or specifically trained in, male infertility matters and see infertility frequently and not just rarely. They can streamline care and make it more efficient, and often employ cutting edge treatment techniques unfamiliar to other physicians.

3. Talk openly with your partner regarding your feelings – Have the difficult conversation with your other half. Be upfront when you need a break from the topic. Decide who really needs to know about it and who doesn”t. This can help relieve stress.

4. Find a way to blow off steam – This issue can lead to frustration and self-doubt. Get your blood pumping by working out, playing hoops, or going running. Release the stress with yoga, massage or whatever works for you. Try to save that sex drive from also tanking.

5. Get the support you need – Talk with buddies that you trust. Even consider talking with a therapist or counselor. Ask your doctor about where you can get such help. “In most cases, male infertility is not the fault of the man. It is a disease that happens like any other,” Dr. Turek said. “A good response to this is to be the best man you can be and take great care of yourself.” Dr. Turek recommends: “Eat well, sleep well and treat your body like a temple.” The Turek Clinic

Must Read: Decline in Semen Quality among Fertile Men in Paris during the Past 20 Years

Dr Spence Pentland

Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Further demonstrating his commitment to reproductive health, he is a devoted member of IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association), CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society), and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). As the former president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia and the provincial BC TCM quality assurance committee, Dr. Pentland is well respected by peers and patients alike. He remains actively involved in educating healthcare colleagues and the public on the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine & acupuncture, working steadily on the integration of ancient Daoist wisdom into modern western life as a way to build awareness about reproductive health. This compassionate expertise is reflected in patient testimonials. When not helping others start their families, Spence can be found spending time with his own--his adoring wife Chantal and their two beautiful sons. “I am very proud to be part of the team of professionals at Yinstill. We are all dedicated to raising the bar in the field of complimentary and alternative reproductive medicine. Nothing is more important than family,” he says. 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