From Kirkus Reviews
Urologist Thomas and Schover, a clinical psychologist who works with infertile couples, practice together at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. They have a sound grasp of all the issuesphysical, emotional, psychological, socialthat can ensnarl couples who are having trouble conceiving. They first describe the magnitude of the problem: Most infertility specialists are gynecologists, not urologists, but in the US, of infertile couples, 40% have a female-only problem, 40% have a male-only problem, and 20% have both. Since possible male problems are therefore often ignored or misdiagnosed, advice here on finding good medical care is particularly welcome. The authors review the structure and function of the male reproductive system, describe what goes wrong to cause infertility, and lay out treatment options. Thomas and Schovers extensive experience allows their concluding section, ``Coping With Male Infertility,'' to illuminate a broad spectrum of related problems: couples relationship concerns, ritual and financial issues, adoption, living without children, and ``healing your sex life.'' For each infertility treatment, for instance, they provide a chart of how major religions rule on the procedure (Orthodox Jews, for instance, may need to wait several years before using intrauterine insemination, in order to show that other means will not work). An extensive resource list completes this guide. A straightforward, sympathetic look at the oft-ignored partner in infertility workups. -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
From the Back Cover
Hope and strategies for couples dealing with male infertility If you or your partner is suffering from male infertility, youre not alone. Millions of couples are struggling with this problem. About 40% of these couples have exclusively male infertility problems, while another 20% have both male and female infertility problems. Now, two leading experts, a urologist specializing in male infertility and a psychologist, team up to write the most complete guide available on male infertility. From the latest, state-of-the-art treatments to advice on how to handle the emotional aspects of male infertility, youll find out where to get the help you need. Overcoming Male Infertility also covers the psychological issues that are unique to men, and gives advice to women on helping their man through the trauma of infertility treatmentincluding how to get him to see a doctor in the first place.
About the Author
LESLIE R. SCHOVER, PH.D., is a clinical psychologist in the Department of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. For many years she provided counseling in the Cleveland Clinic s infertility program, and has published original research on the psychological aspects of male infertility. ANTHONY J. THOMAS JR., M.D., is one of the few urologists in the United States who specialize in male infertility. He is head of the prestigious Cleveland Clinic s Section of Male Infertility and is on the staff of the clinic s Department of Urology, consistently voted one of the top three in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.
