Men' s perceptions respecting infertility and their experiences in the infertility treatment process: A phenomenological study

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the men's perception of infertility, experiences about the infertility treatment and needs they felt during this process. Method: This study was conducted with the phenomenology design among the qualitative study methods. The sample of the study included 16 men who were diagnosed with infertility and completed in vitro fertilization treatment. The sample was determined according to the targeted sampling method in line with the improbable sampling strategy. Data were collected in Private Antalya Anadolu Hospital IVF Center between 2018 and 2020. The in-depth interview method were used to collect the data in the study. Descriptive and thematic data analysis was used in the data analysis. Results: Four main themes, 16 categories and 65 codes were obtained as a result of the data analysis. The categories of the meaning of the child, the decision to have a child, being in the position to postpone having a child were reached under the main theme of "wishing to have a child". The categories of personal experiences, the dimension of the relationship with a woman, the view about other children, the subject of sharing, the relationships with elderly family members and relatives were obtained under the main theme of "dealing with the diagnosis of infertility". The categories of the difficulties of the treatment process, activity in the treatment, expectations from the treatment process, the outcome of the treatment, and recommendations were obtained under the main theme of "the treatment experience from the beginning till the end". Lastly, the metaphors of the participants regarding inability to have children and in vitro fertilization treatment were determined under the main theme of "metaphors". Conclusion: The study results show that men perceived infertility as a difficult and hopeful process. They wanted to be included in the treatment process, and were in need of support from close circle and healthcare professionals. Keywords: Male infertility, infertility treatment, experience, nursing, phenomenology