Men Are Part of Fertility Treatment. Counselling Should Reflect That.
Fertility consultations usually involve both partners says Dr. Shyla Usman Ali, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Chennai. Together, they discuss the diagnosis, recommended tests and possible next steps. Since many parts of treatment involve medicines, scans and procedures for the woman, these discussions can naturally focus more on her physical experience. At the same time, the man’s own questions, concerns and response to the diagnosis may receive less attention.
This is not necessarily because his role is considered less important. Fertility care is often structured around the person undergoing most of the procedures. However, when a male factor is also involved, the man may need support that goes beyond completing tests or being present during consultations.
Male factor infertility is present in 40 to 50 percent of cases, either independently or alongside female factors. A man who is told that his sperm count is low, his motility is reduced or his sperm DNA fragmentation is elevated is receiving information that may affect how he sees his health, his relationship and his possibility of becoming a father.
These concerns are not always easy to express in a consultation. Some men may hesitate to ask questions, discuss reports or return for further testing. This does not always indicate a lack of interest. It may reflect anxiety, embarrassment or uncertainty about what the result means.
Delays in repeat semen analysis or other recommended evaluations can extend the diagnostic process for the couple and affect decisions about the next step. Clear clinical guidance is important, but some concerns may need a separate conversation. Counselling can help men understand their reports, discuss their worries and feel more comfortable participating in further evaluation.
Couple counselling can support this process when both partners are addressed directly. The aim is not to divide the experience into his and hers, but to recognise that each partner may carry different concerns within the same treatment process. It can also allow both partners to understand why certain tests are recommended, how results influence treatment planning and what support each person may need at different stages of care together.
In some situations, an individual conversation may also be useful. A man may find it easier to discuss sexual health, performance anxiety, guilt or concerns about fatherhood privately. Providing that space can help the doctor understand what may be affecting his engagement with testing or treatment.
This approach does not ask men to respond in a particular emotional way. It simply recognises that male fertility concerns may have both clinical and psychological dimensions.
Men are already part of fertility treatment. Ensuring that they also receive relevant information, counselling and support can make their participation more complete and help both partners move through the process with greater mutual understanding.
