Male infertility and its effect on male sexuality

Abstract

Male infertility may occur as a consequence of psychological or physical problems or a combination thereof. On learning of their infertility patients usually go through an initial emotional crisis. The male response thereafter varies depending on the aetiology of the infertility. Male factor infertility threatens the traditional male/father role and results in a feeling of personal and sexual inadequacy. This may resolve itself in extramarital affairs or by the sufferer throwing himself into his work. Unfortunately treatment for infertility often has transient negative effects on male sexuality, and is frequently believed by the recipient to be more successful than in fact it is.