Men Suffer As Much As Women When They Have Fertility Problems

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Men's health
Article Date: 06 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Infertility Network UK (I N UK), as the national charity in the UK providing help, information and support to those affected by infertility, speak on a daily basis to those affected. Infertility is an illness where the emotional and psychological impact should never be underestimated.

The study conducted by Ms Peronace and her team at the School of Psycology at Cardiff University has today presented data at The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embyology, which shows that many aspects of stress increased over time for the male partner irrespective of whether the fertility problem lay with the man and/or the woman, and that couples should be encouraged to organise support systems that do not solely include family and friends.

Clare Brown, Chief Executive of I N UK stated "Couples going through investigation and treatment for fertility problems can often be on this emotional rollercoaster for years. It is understandable that through time, social, marital and physical stress levels increase. As they are facing this often isloating condition which touches every part of their life as a couple, it is also understandable that both partners suffer the emotional and psycological problems caused by infertility.

Ms Brown went on to say " We would agree that couples should be encouraged to seek support outwith their circle of family and friends. Users of our services have said that by having access to those services and the support provided by the charity, they are better able to manage their illness.

Many infertility sufferers isolate themselves from even closest family and friends and many family occasions can be a reminder to them of the life they may never have. It is so important that they are able to vocalise their feelings to someone and have a support system they can turn to at their time of need. There are patient groups all over the world and we would encourage those affected by infertility to get in touch with those organisations such as I N UK in order to access the invaluable support they offer"

Infertility Network UK
Charter House
43 St. Leonards Road
Bexhill on Sea
East Sussex TN40 1JA
UK

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