Abstract
In the UK, nearly half of all cases of infertility involve a 'male-factor'. Yet, little empirical work has explored how men as men negotiate this terrain. Three interrelated concepts; 'hegemonic masculinity', 'embodied masculinity' and the linkages between 'masculinities' and male help-seeking, provide the theoretical framework that guided a qualitative study conducted with 22 men experiencing infertility. The paper explores men's propensity to delay their help-seeking in relation to infertility despite their desire for children. It also demonstrates how, in the context of infertility, the male body can be defined as both a failed entity in itself (unable to father a child) and a subordinated social entity (unable to measure up to hegemonic ideals) that characterises men's masculine identities. The paper also illustrates how men appear willing to accept responsibility for their infertility and adopt aspects of hitherto subordinate masculine practice. This does not, however, constitute the total unravelling of well understood and accepted expressions of masculinity. Finally, the paper demonstrates how infertility is perceived as having the potential to fracture current and even future relationships. Moreover, regardless of how well men measured up to other hegemonic ideals, ultimately they can do little to counteract the threat of other (fertile) men.
Highlights
In the UK, it is estimated that infertility affects one in seven couples (HFEA 2013)
This paper draws upon three interrelated concepts much evident within men’s health research; ‘hegemonic masculinity’, ‘embodied masculinity’ and the linkages between ‘masculinities’ and male help-seeking, which provides the theoretical framework for an ESRC funded project that explored men’s experiences of infertility
Drawing upon a theoretical framework that encompassed the relationship between masculine identity, men’s bodies and their help-seeking behaviour, and using in-depth interviews, this study has demonstrated the challenging and often paradoxical experiences men face at this time
Summary
In the UK, it is estimated that infertility affects one in seven couples (HFEA 2013). This presented men with information about the study and the eligibility criteria, including self-identification as having a male-factor infertility problem. The interviews began by asking men about their desires for children along with their helpseeking behaviour as a means of contextualising men’s experiences of infertility.
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