Rethinking the gendered burden of female partners in male factor infertility: a perspective
Introduction Despite decades of research on infertility, the field continues to overlook how emotional labor is distributed within heterosexual couples—particularly when the infertility diagnosis lies with the male partner. Male factor infertility (MFI) accounts for approximately 30% to 50% of infertility cases worldwide [1]. In heterosexual relationships, this means male partners are increasingly acknowledged in research and counseling protocols. However, the experiences of female partners—who often bear both the procedural demands of treatment and the emotional weight of their partner’s diagnosis—remain insufficiently examined. Research indicates that men and women often process infertility differently, reflecting gendered emotional patterns. This personal view highlights how a diagnosis of MFI can impose additional psychological burdens on female partners and proposes strategies to address the complex emotional needs of couples navigating MFI.
