According to a recent survey, nearly 3 in 4 men find it difficult to disclose that they are undergoing fertility treatment.
Sims IVF, a fertility centre founded in Ireland in 1997, recently conducted research that revealed 73% of men have more difficulty than 62% of women in telling their family and friends they are undergoing fertility treatment.
Over 400 people responded to the survey, which was conducted online.
The survey also revealed that 68% of men find it challenging to schedule fertility appointments around their professional obligations and discuss fertility with management and coworkers.
In contrast, 62 percent of females that responded to the survey struggled to make time for appointments.
With 82% of men and 88% of women reporting this as a concern, both sexes of respondents had difficulty navigating the uncertainty of fertility treatment.
However, 78% of women versus 72% of men reported experiencing stress and financial worries.
Commenting on the results of the survey, the clinical director of Sims IVF Dr. Alex Adalpe said: “Feedback from our patients often depicts the male partner as having a more passive involvement in treatment.
“For example, with IVF a women would experience a complex process and a number of stages from hormonal stimulation of ovaries right through to egg retrieval, fertilization and transfers, whereas her male partner may only attend the clinic to produce a semen sample.
“The fertility journey is a unique, and for many, a shared experience. It can be extremely tough on individuals and their relationships, and patients will often go through a range of thoughts and feelings before, during or after fertility treatment.
“It is important to acknowledge and recognize both parties involved in the process and to have an open conversation within relationships.”