Exploring Iranian men’s experiences of infertility through qualitative content analysis

Infertility affects men and women differently; however, there is a scarcity of studies focusing specifically on men’s perspectives. Given the importance of understanding men’s experiences in infertility treatment, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian men facing infertility.

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to recruit 12 Iranian men dealing with infertility. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Persian, the native language of the participants, to facilitate ease of communication and ensure the richness of data. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis, following Lincoln and Guba’s criteria for trustworthiness to ensure rigor. The entire content of the interviews was transcribed in Persian and analyzed in the same language to maintain the original meaning of the participants’ expressions. After the analysis was completed, the manuscript, including the summarized findings, was translated into English. MAXQDA software version 0.9.5 was used for data management.

The findings were organized into five main themes: psychological, social, sexual, cultural, and coping dimensions. The study reveals that infertility profoundly impacts men’s psychological well-being, leading to reduced self-confidence and increased societal and familial pressures. Participants expressed feelings of inadequacy and challenges in sexual intimacy, exacerbated by cultural stigma. The social pressures included external societal expectations and dynamics within spousal relationships. Additionally, cultural beliefs significantly influence men’s experiences of infertility, affecting their mental health and treatment choices. Coping strategies such as acceptance, faith, and optimism are crucial in helping men navigate these challenges.

Overall, the results highlight the need for comprehensive support addressing the psychological, social, sexual, and cultural dimensions of infertility. This study underscores the importance of tailored interventions that consider the unique experiences of men facing infertility, emphasizing the role of coping strategies and the influence of cultural factors on mental health and treatment decisions. By fostering an understanding of these complexities, healthcare providers can better assist men in navigating the challenges of infertility.