Abstract

GAMEIRO, Sofia; SILVA, Sónia  and  CANAVARRO, Maria Cristina. The male experience of infertility and assisted reproduction. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2008, vol.9, n.2, pp.253-270. ISSN 1645-0086.

According to the World Health Organization (2000), infertility is defined as the incapacity of the couple to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of non protected sexual intercourse, and it is presently regarded as health impairment. Although around 10% of these diagnoses result exclusively from male dysfunction, they should be regarded as a problem of the couple. Some field authors suggest that the scientific literature as been underestimating the impact of infertility in men, as research usually focus on women, and several studies have shown that men are also significantly affected by fertility problems. The present article intends to focus on infertility impact on couples and especially on men, exploring issues related to male infertility and male donor insemination. Special attention is given to psychological intervention in this context. A case study is presented, and discussion is made in light of the previously explored issues, pointing out specific clinical implications.

Keywords : Assisted Reproduction; Infertility; Male Infertility; Male Donor Insemination; Psychological Intervention.

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