Abstract Review:
Infertility has been described as one of the most distressing experiences in a person’s life. While one may assume that infertility is primarily a concern for women, this assumption is gender stereotypical and untrue. Previous studies support the idea that women experiencing more pronounced distress in the face of infertility may be influenced by societal norms dictating how men and women are conditioned to manage their emotions. The scientific understanding of the emotional consequences of male infertility is currently limited. Recent studies suggest that infertility affects men and women emotionally in nearly equal measure. Male-factor infertility appears to carry a greater societal stigma compared to other infertility diagnoses. Investigating the experience of male infertility will help identify men’s needs and this in turn will help professionals and society offer better support and relevant services to the male partner too.

Aims and Objectives:
The study aimed to understand the lived experiences of males who are actively trying to conceive but are experiencing infertility or subfertility issues. The objectives of the study were threefold: 1) To understand the emotional impact of an infertility/subfertility diagnosis and treatment on males. 2) To understand how the experience of infertility/subfertility has impacted different life aspects amongst males. 3) To uncover the meaning of living with infertility/subfertility amongst men.

Methods:
This study explores the lived experiences of men facing infertility or subfertility using an interpretative phenomenological approach (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2022). A purposive sample of approximately six consenting adult males (18+) proficient in Maltese or English will be recruited voluntarily through a targeted social media campaign. Participants will engage in a one-time, face-to-face, semi-structured interview lasting approximately one hour, conducted at their convenience. Recruitment ensures ethical rigor, with participants initiating contact and receiving an information sheet before participation. Ethical permission has been granted for this study.

Results:
Data collection is set to be completed by May 2025. Preliminary findings have highlighted the following: The deep emotional impact of infertility/subfertility diagnosis and treatment includes feelings of inadequacy, grief, frustration, isolation and depression. The impact on different life aspects including relationship issues, social life, work, daily functioning and issues around self-identity. The meaning of living with infertility/subfertility includes a process of emotional adjustment and identity renegotiation, with some men exhibiting resilience and redefining masculinity beyond biological fatherhood.

Conclusion:
It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological and social dimensions of male infertility, informing future support interventions. The preliminary findings underscore the importance of addressing male infertility not only as a medical condition but as a complex psychological and social experience, warranting greater visibility, empathy, and targeted interventions in both clinical and societal contexts. By uncovering the lived realities of men facing infertility, this research challenges prevailing narratives and encourages more holistic, gender-sensitive approaches to reproductive health.