Understanding Adaptive Challenges Assoc with Male factor Infertility

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Understanding adaptive challenges associated with male-factor infertility

  • IRAS ID

    185923

  • Contact name

    Kevin McEleny

  • Contact email

    kevin.mceleny@nuth.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Duke University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 6 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    1 in 7 Couples have difficulty in conceiving and a male cause is present in about 40% of cases. Little is known about what male patients who have fertility problems experience and how they cope with the situation. Because of this lack of information we don't know if we are supporting these patients in the right way or how they are adapting to what can be a very complex and stressful situation. We will investigate this from both the perspective of the man and his partner. Our study aims are:
    1: To determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining men and their partners who have been diagnosed with male-factor infertility in two sites, (UK and USA)
    2a: Using validated questionnaires (Global infertility Stress and quality of life) we will monitor the level of stress and quality of life in the couples during a 6-7 month period following the initial urological consultation, including before and after significant events
    (i.e. investigations, fertility treatments and stopping treatment)
    2b: To determine if there is a discrepency between the men and their partners in respect to levels of stress and quality of life at various points in the study timeline.
    Aim 3: To develop and trial a semi-structured interview guide to understand the adaptive challenges that men experience following a diagnosis of male-factor infertility.
    Aim 4: To determine the feasibility of using text messaging as a means of (quantitative) data collection for both men and their partners following a diagnosis of male-factor infertility.

  • REC name

    North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/NE/0321

  • Date of REC Opinion

    6 Jan 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion