Stress reduction in male infertility patients: a randomized, controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of preparatory information about the fertility workup on the patients' well-being.


METHODS
Two-group, randomized controlled study.


METHODS
An andrology clinic.


METHODS
Two hundred fifty men enrolled for fertility workup.


METHODS
A two-page leaflet with preparatory information about the fertility workup, which was mailed to half of the participants after they had made an appointment.


METHODS
Questionnaire score for infertility-related distress at clinic attendance, proportion of participants that still had not attended 6 months after the scheduled appointment.


RESULTS
Distress scores and the proportion of nonattendees were significantly reduced in the group receiving the leaflet. An additional analysis revealed that 55% of the receivers did not know that the andrology clinic has its own web site, which was mentioned in the leaflet several times.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it is uncertain how many patients actually read a routinely sent leaflet, preparatory information in written form is beneficial, at least for a significant subgroup of men who consider undergoing fertility workup. Fertility services might reduce the number of nonattendees by sending out leaflets.
Pook
Martin
M
Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany. martin.pook@isb.bayern.de
Krause
Walter
W
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*