Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to qualitatively determine male partner behaviors perceived as supportive or collaborative by infertile Japanese women.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Japanese women living in the Kanto area currently undergoing fertility treatment. Subjects were asked about supportive or collaborative behaviors and attitudes of their partners relating to fertility issues and treatments. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively.
Results
The following five categories of supportive/collaborative partner behaviors were clarified. 1) Participation in treatment process, such as providing semen for examination of sperm and for treatments such as artificial insemination by husband (AIH) or in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), undergoing semen analysis, having intercourse at specified times, taking medicine to increase sperm production. 2) Expressing concern or interest in fertility issues and treatments, including the results of treatment and examinations, or freely discussing these issues with their partner. 3) Displaying concern for their own health, such as eating foods that enhance sperm production. 4) Providing emotional support, such as being considerate of their partner's emotional distress resulting from treatments or concerns over being unable to have children, expressing concern for their partner's mental and physical health, expressing approval of living as a childless couple, and respecting their partner's choices regarding treatment type and continuation of treatment. 5) Performing supportive tasks or care, such as doing housework or taking care of their partner following treatments.
Conclusion
The present findings qualitatively determined male partner's supportive or collaborative behaviors and attitudes as perceived by infertile Japanese women. Five categories of partner support during the treatment process were suggested. Results indicated that the first three categories were considered to be performed only by partners, while the others could also be performed by family members and friends.
