Male Infertility Is A Silent Epidemic: Let's Talk About It

Man looking sad and stressed on sofa.The path to parenthood is often not as simple as it may seem, with 1 in 7 couples experiencing difficulties with fertility, according to the NHS. Now, data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals that male factors contribute to around half of all infertility cases.Yet, the leading UK fertility provider Care Fertility warns that men’s experiences in particular throughout IVF often go unrecognised, with many suffering in silence due to cultural stigma.“Fertility struggles are a shared journey”Dr Victoria Sephton, Chief Medical Officer at Care Fertility, comments: “When we talk about infertility, the focus tends to fall on women, but fertility struggles are a shared journey, with male reproductive issues contributing to roughly half of all cases.“While women carry the emotional burden of the hormonal and physical aspects of treatment, men face their own struggles - from the pressure of producing a sample under clinical conditions, to outdated views on masculinity and infertility, alongside the emotional toll of enduring this with their partner.“It’s an experience filled with emotion, uncertainty and courage, and men’s roles deserve far more understanding and empathy.”Undergoing fertility treatment is an anxious roadOnce couples opt to undergo fertility treatment, men can experience feelings of stress and anxiety. Care Fertility highlights that one of the most overlooked contributors to male fertility anxiety is the pressure of providing a sperm sample.They add: “For many men it’s a deeply stressful process that can evoke feelings of failure.”This is why open conversation is essential. 1 in 14 men are affected by infertility, making it as common as diabetes. However, the outdated stigma and pressures placed on men mean that this incredibly tough experience is often suffered in silence. Dr Sephton adds: “Male fertility care is frequently reduced to clinical tests, but behind that are complex emotions such as anticipation, fear, and the need to feel part of the process.“It goes far beyond results on a chart; it’s about recognising men’s needs throughout a highly emotional journey for both partners, and opening conversations around male fertility pressures.”Care Fertility is calling for deeper compassion for men’s experience as part of the fertility journey, as part of its holistic view on care.Dr Sephton concludes: “Encouraging open conversation around male infertility helps remove stigma and fosters connection between couples. When men are supported to speak about their experiences, it strengthens emotional wellbeing and reminds both partners that infertility is not a failure or anyone’s fault.“It is a shared path that requires compassion, openness and understanding for both halves of a couple.”Help and support:Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email [email protected] Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.Related...What's Secondary Infertility? Here's What You Should KnowAfter Years Of Infertility, I Got Pregnant At 46. I Had No Idea That Would Be The Easiest Part.People Get Very Honest About The Ways Infertility Affected Their Marriage

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