Breaking the Silence: Men's Experience of Miscarriage. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

This study explored men's experience of miscarriage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten men with personal experience of miscarriage, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged: ‘This is happening…we’re pregnant!’ captures how men were invested in the pregnancy from either preconception or conception; ‘Left with empty arms, what now?’ uncovers what happened during and following miscarriage; and ‘men feel the loss too, you know’ demonstrates how men crave recognition and appreciation of the loss. Insights are given into the impact that miscarriage has on men and the planning of their families thereafter. We hope the findings enhance health professionals’ understanding of men and miscarriage and assist in challenging both the taboo nature of the topic and outdated, unhelpful stereotypes. Recommendations for future research are provided.