Analysis of online discussion boards for male infertility.

We aimed to identify what information patients and partners are seeking on male infertility forums. Online discussion boards were identified. Posts were analysed in three steps: open coding, axial coding and selective coding, to determine common themes. A total of 1,118 posts were analysed. The majority of posts (20.2%) were related to "Questions about male fertility diagnosis and testing", with 47.8% asking for assistance interpreting semen analysis results. About 15.7% of posts were about "Feelings associated with male infertility", with 26.7% expressing anger or frustration, 26.1% encouraging hope, 21% seeking hope and 12.5% expressing fear. About 15.4% of posts were about "Lifestyle factors to improve male fertility", 24.4% of which were about vitamins and 6.4% about intercourse timing. About 15.4% of posts were about "Male infertility conditions", with 43% about semen parameters. Other themes included "Questions about male factor treatments", "Questions about assisted reproductive technologies (ART)", "Relationship issues", "Asking for advice", "Financial concerns" and "Information sharing". About 63.6% of posts were written by female partners [t(1,117) = 9.451, p < .001]. The most common posts posed questions about male fertility diagnosis and testing. Users discussed feelings involved in infertility, and counselling should be integrated. About 63.6% of posts were by partners, highlighting the importance of partners having access to infertility information.