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There is limited research exploring men's experiences of infertility, and fewer previous studies have examined what information and support men desire after being diagnosed specifically with male-factor infertility. We conducted a mixed-methods study utilizing a combined sequential, concurrent design (online survey/semi-structured interviews). Survey outcomes ( N =12) were analyzed using quantitative data analysis, while qualitative survey data ( N = 5) was analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis. Heterosexual men (>18 years), fluent in English, diagnosed solely with male-factor infertility/sub-fertility, who required assisted reproductive treatment within Australia in the past 5 years were recruited online and through fertility clinics Australia-wide. Most men reported that their information and support needs were only somewhat, slightly or not at all met. Preferred information sources on male infertility were a dedicated online resource, app, or fertility doctor/specialist, while support was preferred from fertility specialists and partners. Three themes were identified from the qualitative analysis about men's experiences and support needs when diagnosed with male infertility (a) Ultimate threat to masculinity; (b) Holistic care, and (c) the power of words. The information-rich data collected provided valuable insights into men's experiences of male-factor infertility and important considerations to improve recruitment for future research. A diagnosis of male-factor infertility has the potential to be deeply impactful and difficult to navigate for men. Adequate and holistic information, recognition of emotional impacts, proactive offers of support and sensitive language are needed to improve men's experiences when undergoing assisted reproductive technology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Aims and Objectives: To explore men's experiences of termination of pregnancy for life-limiting foetal anomaly, including how healthcare providers, systems and policies can best support men and their families., Background: While there is a sizable body of research and recommendations relating to women's experiences of grief and support needs following a termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, very few studies specifically examine men's experiences., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed with ten Australian men who had experienced termination of pregnancy for life-limiting foetal anomalies with a female partner between six months and 11 years ago. Interviews were completed over the telephone, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. COREQ guidelines were followed., Results: Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three over-arching themes, each with two sub-themes. First, participants described the decision to terminate their pregnancy as The most difficult choice, with two sub-themes detailing 'Challenges of decision-making' and 'Stigma surrounding TOPFA'. Second, participants described that they were Neither patient, nor visitor in the hospital setting, with sub-themes 'Where do men fit?' and 'Dual need to support and be supported'. Finally, Meet me where I am described men's need for specific supports, including the sub-themes 'Contact men directly' and 'Tailor support and services'., Conclusions: Findings indicated that termination of pregnancy for life-limiting foetal anomaly (TOPFA) is an extremely difficult experience for men, characterised by challenges in decision-making and perceived stigma. Men felt overlooked by current services and indicated that they need specific support to assist with their grief. Expansion of existing infrastructure and future research should acknowledge the central role of fathers and support them in addressing their grief following TOPFA., Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nursing/midwifery professionals are well situated to provide men with tailored information and to promote genuine inclusion, acknowledgement of their grief, and facilitate referrals to community supports., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Historically, men's experiences of grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal death have been under-explored in comparison to women. However, investigating men's perspectives is important, given potential gendered differences concerning grief styles, help-seeking and service access. Few studies have comprehensively examined the various individual, interpersonal, community and system/policy-level factors which may contribute to the intensity of grief in bereaved parents, particularly for men., Methods: Men (N = 228) aged at least 18 years whose partner had experienced an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, or neonatal death within the last 20 years responded to an online survey exploring their experiences of grief. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the factors associated with men's grief intensity and style., Results: Men experienced significant grief across all loss types, with the average score sitting above the minimum cut-off considered to be a high degree of grief. Men's total grief scores were associated with loss history, marital satisfaction, availability of social support, acknowledgement of their grief from family/friends, time spent bonding with the baby during pregnancy, and feeling as though their role of 'supporter' conflicted with their ability to process grief. Factors contributing to grief also differed depending on grief style. Intuitive (emotion-focused) grief was associated with support received from healthcare professionals. Instrumental (activity-focused) grief was associated with time and quality of attachment to the baby during pregnancy, availability of social support, acknowledgement of men's grief from their female partner, supporter role interfering with their grief, and tendencies toward self-reliance., Conclusions: Following pregnancy loss and neonatal death, men can experience high levels of grief, requiring acknowledgement and validation from all healthcare professionals, family/friends, community networks and workplaces. Addressing male-specific needs, such as balancing a desire to both support and be supported, requires tailored information and support. Strategies to support men should consider grief styles and draw upon father-inclusive practice recommendations. Further research is required to explore the underlying causal mechanisms of associations found.

This research note reports survey responses of Australian men (N = 220) gathered as part of a larger study exploring men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal death. We explore the types of workplace leave offered to men and how men perceived leave and support provided by their employers. Almost all men (91%) informed their workplace of their loss, and 74% were offered some form of leave. The most common types of leave offered were compassionate/bereavement leave, and sick/carers leave. Supports included Employee Assistance Programs, referral to counselling, and flexible working arrangements. Open-ended responses highlighted five themes: Emotional toll of returning to work, Need to be with and support partner, Recognition and understanding, Helpful distraction, and Pressure to return. Not all men wished to take extended (or any) paid leave following pregnancy loss or neonatal death, though they believed leave should be available. It is essential that employers recognise men's bereavement following pregnancy loss and neonatal death, and that healthcare professionals support men's decisions about work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Men's grief following pregnancy loss is highly individualised. • Lack of societal recognition for men's grief complicates psychological recovery. • Support needs vary depending on the type of loss level of grief. • Tailored and flexible emotional support options are required. Background Despite growing recognition of the potential psychological and emotional impacts of pregnancy loss on expecting parents, the majority of the literature and subsequent care guidelines focus largely on women's experiences. Currently, there is limited research pertaining solely to men's health and psychological outcomes, especially in the Australian context. Objective This study aimed to explore Australian men's experiences of both formal and informal supports received following a female partner's pregnancy loss. Methods Using a qualitative research design, eight South Australian men were interviewed about their experiences of support following pregnancy loss. Findings Thematic analysis returned six themes, categorised into three sections based on the aims of the study. Overall, findings indicated that fathers require emotional support following a loss, however these supports need to be flexible. Although some men may find support groups and individual counselling helpful, others may benefit from informal support options, such as having another trusted man to confide in, or the opportunity to 'give back' and help others. Additionally, while participants who accessed support services were largely satisfied, others were unaware of services, perceiving a lack of appropriate support options. Conclusion There is a need for more active recognition of men throughout the pregnancy journey and early in their grief following a loss, especially in the hospital setting. In addition to experiencing grief, our findings suggest that male-specific challenges also exist, and future research is required to further explore and extend existing theories of men's grief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the grief experiences of men from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds following perinatal death in Australia. Qualitative analysis of interview data using thematic analysis. Participants were health service providers (n = 6), and CALD community members (n = 10) who were either community leaders with experience working with CALD men following perinatal death in Australia (n = 6), or were CALD men who had lived experience of perinatal death (n = 4). Thematic analysis identified four themes related to CALD men’s grief. These included the role of religion and rituals, grief as stoic, the partner- and family-centred nature of men’s grief, and finally grief as ensuring and changeable over time. This research points to the strong need for CALD men’s specific needs to be included in the development of policy and practice surrounding perinatal death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]