Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia

EMOTIONALISSUESMen areencouraged totalk to a doctoror a counsellorabout anyemotional issuesSome women try to ‘protect’ their partners bytelling others that the infertility problem is solelytheir problem. They are concerned people mightjudge their husbands to be less masculine, andwant to avoid unwanted curiosity from those whoare not emotionally close to the couple.Can extended family help?Due to the sensitive nature of infertility problems,it is important for men to find people they canrely on to be supportive. For some men, familiesprovide this support. Some men have continuedclose relationships with both or either parents andsome have brothers or sisters they can talk to.How important are men’s friends or matesfor support?Australian men are known for their mateship.Many infertile men have close male friends (mates)with whom that they can talk to and discusspersonal matters. The important point is that thesemates are trustworthy. The conversations that thesemen have with each other are valuable in helpingmen to come to terms with their problem.What strategies help men cope?Many men see infertility problems often publishedin women’s magazines, usually with a positiveoutcome. There is usually no detail about the painor upset involved for the couple and little, if any,MALE INFERTILITY 60