Parenthood motives, well-being and disclosure among men from couples ready to start treatment with intrauterine insemination using their own sperm or donor sperm

BACKGROUND As pregnancy and childbirth have long been considered women's issues and male infertility has long been surrounded by taboo, limited research has focused on the experience of infertile men. The purpose of this study was to compare male motives for parenthood, male well-being and disclosure patterns concerning the method of conception among men from couples starting treatment with IUI using their own sperm (autologous sperm recipient, ASR) or donor sperm (donor sperm recipient, DSR). METHODS This prospective study included 46 DSR- and 151 ASR-couples. Self-report questionnaires assessing parenthood motives, well-being and disclosure patterns concerning the method of conception were administered to both men and women prior to treatment. Unpaired T-tests and Fisher's exact tests were used to test for significant differences. RESULTS When compared with ASR-men, DSR-men expect more positive effects from parenthood on relationships and feelings of fulfilment, and report less negative effects of infertility on sexuality, but a lower self-image and more guilt. DSR-men plan to disclose the method of conception less frequently and have so far disclosed to a lesser degree than ASR-men. CONCLUSIONS DSR-men feel differently about parenthood and infertility compared with ASR-men, and their higher expectations combined with lower self-esteem need (more) attention during counselling

Lumbopelvic fixation and sacral decompression for a U-shaped sacral fracture: case report Fixação lombopélvica e descompressão sacral para fratura em U do sacro: relato de caso

BACKGROUND: U-shaped sacral fractures are highly unstable, can cause significant neurological deficits, lead to progressive deformity and chronic pain if not treated appropriately. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a U-shaped sacral fracture treated with lumbopelvic fixation and decompression of sacral roots in a 23-years-old man. METHOD: Decompression of the sacral roots combined with internal reduction and lumbopelvic fixation using iliac screws. RESULTS: Restitution of lumbosacropelvic stability and recovery of sphincter function. CONCLUSION: Lumbopelvic fixation is effective in restoring lumbosacralpelvic stability and allows full mobilization in the postoperative period. Good neurological recovery can be expected in the absence of discontinuity of the sacral roots.<br>INTRODUÇÃO: As fraturas sacrais em U são instáveis e podem causar significativa lesão neurológica, deformidade progressiva e dor crônica se não tratadas apropriadamente. OBJETIVO: Relatar caso de um homem de 23 anos com fratura em U do sacro tratada com fixação lombopélvica e descompressão das raízes sacrais. MÉTODO: Descompressão da cauda equina associada a redução interna e fixação lombopélvica usando parafusos ilíacos. RESULTADOS: Reconstituição da estabilidade lombosacropélvica e recuperação da continência esfincteriana CONCLUSÃO: A fixação lombopélvica é eficaz em restaurar a estabilidade lombo-sacro-pélvica e permite mobilização imediata no pós-operatório. Recuperação neurológica pode ser esperada na ausência de neurotmese das raízes sacrais