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mental health

The impact of male infertility on mental health

Self-blame is not uncommon with those diagnosed with infertility and feeling that one has let their partner down by not being fertile. This thinking can also spiral into fears of “she is going to leave me for someone who can give her children”. This insecurity may can become a major source of distress for the male partner.

Facing a major stressor in one’s life, such as infertility, can be a contributing factor towards the triggering of mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety. Having one’s partner struggle with depression can also take a major toll on a romantic relationship in a variety of ways.

In this case, the depressed male may socially withdraw and isolate himself from his partner (and friends), his sex drive may be negatively impacted by depression, irritability may increase (resulting in additional conflicts), and the man’s general low mood and outlook are likely to be difficult for his partner to experience.

What is not uncommon in men struggling with mental health challenges is self-medicating by means of substance use and abuse.

Because much stigma still surrounds mental health and more specifically, men struggling in this regard, men are less inclined to seek professional help but rather ease their distress through unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drinking excessively or using other substances to numb their symptoms.

It does not mean the relationship is destined to fail While the possible impact of male infertility on the couple relationship is undeniable, it does not mean that a relationship put through this hurdle is destined to fail.

What is required to help these relationships survive and growth amidst the adversity is both informal and formal social support. That said, this requires disclosing one’s infertility and the stigma on the topic makes this difficult.

Sam Pretorius is a registered Counselling Psychologist based in Cape Town. She is a founding partner of Perspectives Psychology Group. The Perspectives Psychology Group consists of psychologists with a primary focus on health psychology. This area of psychology is centred on the interplay between physical and mental health.

The Group offers both in-patient and out-patient services at Life Kingsbury Hospital, in Claremont.

E info@perspectivesgroup.co.za

W www.perspectivesgroup.co.za

T +27 72 164 7970

Some people find it easier to disclose their struggles to professionals, rather than friends and family and there is a place for support from both professionals, such as psychologist, and one’s personal social circle.

On a more macrolevel, conversations on the topic of male infertility need to start happening so that those suffering know they are not alone, and that help is available. 

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