Societal and Cultural Aspects of Male Infertility
摘要
Male infertility, contributing to approximately half of all diagnosed infertility cases in heterosexual couples, remains a deeply stigmatized and underacknowledged condition across cultures and healthcare systems. This narrative review explores male infertility not as a biomedical diagnosis but primarily as a socially constructed illness shaped by cultural norms, gender expectations, and historical biases. Masculinity, often conflated with men’s ability to conceive, is customarily equated with virility and reproductive success, leading to emotional distress, social isolation, and reluctance to seek medical help among men affected by infertility. This contribution synthesizes interdisciplinary insights, including ethnographic case studies and sociocultural analyses, to highlight the systemic neglect of male infertility in clinical practice and public discourse. It examines global patterns of stigma, invisibility in healthcare, and silence surrounding male-factor infertility, while simultaneously emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions, inclusive public health strategies, and equitable access to healthcare. Patient organizations, particularly in Europe, play a pivotal role in reframing male infertility through advocacy, education, and psychosocial support. Ultimately, dismantling patriarchal constructs and fostering open dialogue to reduce stigmatization may significantly improve mental health outcomes and perceived quality of life for men experiencing infertility.