Anxiety of infertile men who undergo genetic testing for assisted reproductive treatment

Abstract

Purpose. This descriptive study was conducted with the aim to determine the anxiety level of infertile men who undergo genetic testing for assisted reproductive treatment.

Method. Sample of the study included 60 individuals. Data was collected by interview through a data collection form and Spielberger's STAI Inventory.

Results. It was identified that participants experienced psychological distress and anxiety before and after genetic testing. State anxiety scores of infertile men were found to be significantly higher than their trait anxiety scores (p < 0.001). About 98.3% of the participants had normal genetic test results, with only one person with Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY).

Conclusion. Anxiety due to genetic testing in infertile men who seek assisted reproductive treatment indicated the need for informative and psychologically supportive counseling.

Keywords:

• Male infertility
• genetic testing
• psychological distress
• anxiety
• counseling
• nursing