P-456 Sexual attitudes in men undergoing Infertility treatment:Turkish sample
Authors: Sahin N 
Published: July 2024

Study question

1. What are the sexual attitudes in men undergoing Infertility treatment ?

Summary answer

When the infertility reason arises from their spouse, men tend to display a more self-centred sexual attitude.

What is known already

Men experiencing infertility often hesitate to seeking information or ask questions about sexuality due to prevailing societal norms.Health professionals predominantly focus on addressing women’s issues, leaving the male partner feeling like an outsider who observes the treatment process from a distance.

Study design, size, duration

This research was conducted in cross-sectional type.,September and December 2017. 141 participant.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

141 men who applied to an infertility clinic in Istanbul on Tuesdays and Thursdays between September 2017 and December 2017.

The participants’ inclusion criteria were as follows: being men between the ages of 18-49, literate, accepting to participate, and having no diagnosed psychiatric illness.. All men meeting the sampling criteria were invited to participate, and there were no refusals. This setting accepts couples who have been married for at least one year and infertility problems.

Main results and the role of chance

The mean score of Hendrick Sexual Attitude Scale (HSAS) was 69.78 ± 9.46. Among its subscales, Birth Control had the highest mean score (11.95 ± 2.81), while Instrumentality had the lowest mean score (10.43 ± 4.34). Men whose spouse was over 30, whose marriage age was over 27, and the cause of infertility was unexplained had higher HSAS mean scores. Additionally, men with male-factor infertility scored higher in HSAS than female-factor infertility.

Healthcare professionals involved in infertility treatment must prioritise addressing the sexuality of both partners. Male partners may struggle in this aspect, leading to potential misunderstandings or incomplete understanding of sexual information. By addressing and dispelling erroneous cognitive schemas, false beliefs, and self-centred attitudes, healthcare professionals can play a significant role in supporting both partners in their sexual well-being throughout the infertility treatment process. Providing sexual counselling for couples, both jointly and individually, can have a positive impact. However, it is essential to recognise that male partners may be reluctant to engage in such counselling, resulting in suppressed problems and thoughts. Healthcare providers must actively involve male partners and encourage them to share their feelings and concerns professionally and openly.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The participants included from a single outpatient clinic and little sample size which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Due to the topic’s taboo in Turkish society, some men might not feel openly expressing their thoughts and feelings while answering the questions, potentially affecting the accuracy of the responses.

Wider implications of the findings

The findings of this research highlight the significance of further investigations into men facing infertility issues from various cultural backgrounds. Qualitative and quantitative research can offer valuable insights into the complexities of sexual attitudes in diverse cultural settings. Collobaration between infertility clinics and liaison psychiatry may be advantageous.

Trial registration number

not applicable