ABSTRACT
Approximately 20% of cases of infertility are due solely to male factor problems and 20% to a female factor; 30% involve both male and female factors, and 30% have no identifiable cause (1). Although it is widely recognized that infertility can present psychological as well as medical challenges and difficulties, literature dealing with the psychological aspects has tended to focus on women’s reactions to the situation. Men have either been neglected, or it has been assumed that their reactions will be similar to those of their partner. There is a growing body of research that suggests that infertility has a specific impact on men, especially in the case of male-factor problems. The purpose of this chapter is to review this research and to provide some guidelines for applying this information in clinical practice.
