PERCEPTIONS OF MALE PATIENTS ON ORAL HEALTH AND FERTILITY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Oral and periodontal diseases are common, but their effect on systemic health and reproductive function is often ignored. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of male patients regarding the possible influence of oral health on fertility. Limited attention has been given to how men view this link. The aim was to understand awareness, beliefs, and lived experiences of men related to oral health and fertility. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were carried out with male patients attending the dental outpatient department. The interview guide included open questions about understanding of oral health, fertility, and the possible connection between the two. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. hematic analysis identified three main themes: oral health understanding, perceptions of oral–fertility link, and barriers/facilitators.