Mp18-15 perspectives of young men with spina bifida on fertility potential and future parenthood

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP18-15 PERSPECTIVES OF YOUNG MEN WITH SPINA BIFIDA ON FERTILITY POTENTIAL AND FUTURE PARENTHOOD James Rague, Josephine Hirsch, Theresa Meyer, Courtney Streur, Ilina Rosoklija, Stephanie Kielb, Earl Cheng, Diana Bowen, Elizabeth Yerkes, and David Chu James RagueJames Rague More articles by this author , Josephine HirschJosephine Hirsch More articles by this author , Theresa MeyerTheresa Meyer More articles by this author , Courtney StreurCourtney Streur More articles by this author , Ilina RosoklijaIlina Rosoklija More articles by this author , Stephanie KielbStephanie Kielb More articles by this author , Earl ChengEarl Cheng More articles by this author , Diana BowenDiana Bowen More articles by this author , Elizabeth YerkesElizabeth Yerkes More articles by this author , and David ChuDavid Chu More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003238.15AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have suggested that young men with spina bifida (SB) are interested in parenthood. However, physiologic barriers to achieving parenthood have been identified, including sexual dysfunction and poor sperm quality, with varying reported rates of successful paternity. Patient-level predictors of and concerns about future fertility remain poorly understood, including perceived psychosocial barriers to parenthood, limiting the ability to provide early counseling to patients. We aimed to assess the perspectives of young men with SB on fertility potential and future parenthood. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted between 2/2021 and 5/2021 with men ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of SB about knowledge or fertility potential and perspectives on future paternity. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from a patient survey and chart review. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and inductive and deductive qualitative coding was performed. Codes were summarized into themes, with representative quotes, until thematic saturation. RESULTS: Of 30 eligible patients approached, 20 ultimately were interviewed. Median participant age was 22.5 years (range 18-29), and 80% had a diagnosis of myelomeningocele. Most reported not being in a relationship (14/20, 70%), identifying as heterosexual (17/20, 85%), and not being currently sexually active (13/20, 65%). No patient reported a history of paternity. Many participants reported a desire for future fertility but for various reasons were not currently ready for fatherhood. Perceived barriers to achieving parenthood were identified, including: 1) uncertainty around fertility potential; 2) uncertainty of the hereditary nature of SB; and 3) specific concerns with being a parent and raising a child. Facilitators to help overcome uncertainty and perceived challenges with parenthood were also identified with themes and representative quotations outlined in the Figure 1. CONCLUSIONS: Men with SB report interest in future fertility, yet express great uncertainty regarding physiologic and psychosocial ability to be a parent. Facilitators of patient uncertainty should be a focus of patient counseling around future fertility with young men with SB. Source of Funding: Partial support from NIDDK K23 award to Dr. Chu © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e229 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information James Rague More articles by this author Josephine Hirsch More articles by this author Theresa Meyer More articles by this author Courtney Streur More articles by this author Ilina Rosoklija More articles by this author Stephanie Kielb More articles by this author Earl Cheng More articles by this author Diana Bowen More articles by this author Elizabeth Yerkes More articles by this author David Chu More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...