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Male Factor Fertility publication

Anne Howard 22 Feb 2024

This blog explores the recent publication from the Fertility Nursing Forum focusing on male factor fertility. We also focus on the collaboration of specialist team members to write the document.

The RCN Fertility Nursing Forum serves as a hub where nurses from various specialties converge to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in fertility care. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the forum encourages nurses specialising in fertility, obstetrics, gynaecology, urology, and mental health to pool their insights and resources for the benefit of patients.

Traditionally, discussions around fertility have primarily centred on female reproductive health. However, the forum's recent publication takes a groundbreaking approach by shedding light on male factor fertility. This shift in focus is not only timely but also addresses a significant gap in the discourse surrounding reproductive health.

The publication begins in the nontraditional way of highlighting a patient's fertility journey. This almost sets the scene and reminds the reader why this publication has been developed.

Our patient journey through male factor fertility was fraught with challenges, both physical and emotional. The stigma surrounding male factor fertility weighed heavily, exacerbating feelings of isolation and despair. Despite the support of his wife, our patient struggled to find a sense of belonging in a world where conversations about fertility often revolved around women.

Recognising the delicate nature of conversations about fertility, the publication provides insights into effective communication strategies for nurses throughout. It equips them with the tools needed to engage in open, supportive, and empathetic discussions with individuals and couples navigating male factor fertility challenges.

The forum's publication advocates for a holistic approach to male factor fertility care. It recognises the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being and encourages nurses to address both aspects when supporting patients through fertility treatments.

As well as focusing on the emotional aspects of male factor fertility, the publication offers a comprehensive overview of male reproductive health, covering anatomy, physiology, and common fertility issues. It serves as an invaluable resource for nurses from a number of backgrounds looking to enhance their understanding of male factors affecting fertility.

The publication underscores the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to male factor fertility care. By bringing together nurses from diverse specialties, it promotes a holistic understanding of the complex factors influencing male fertility and encourages collaborative care models. It addresses the reasons for male factor fertility and how nurses from a wide variety of specialisms can address this with their patients in relation to treatments, conditions and medications.

The Fertility Nursing Forum and the male factor fertility publication collectively contribute to elevating the standards of fertility nursing practices. By fostering a collaborative and informed community, the forum is empowering fertility nurses to provide more comprehensive and patient-centred care.

This publication not only benefits nurses but, more importantly, enhances the overall experience and outcomes for individuals and couples embarking on the fertility journey. It stands as a testament to the power of collaborative learning and the impact it can have on the future of reproductive healthcare.
 

View the publication

Anne Howard

Anne Howard

Committee member

Lead Fertility and Women's Health practitioner

I have been working in fertility for the past 13+ years. It is an absolute joy to know that you have helped individuals and couples create their families. I currently work for a company called Peppy Health where we specialise in bringing fertility and women's health care support and education to employers and their employees all across the country.

Page last updated - 23/07/2024