As couples embark on their journey to start a family, aspiring parents may encounter fertility issues, which can be challenging and take a mental toll on those hoping to have children.
Many studies are focused on women’s infertility, yet men contribute to half the cases involving the condition.
Male infertility is discussed less, and men can experience adverse social and phycological impacts, such as feelings of isolation and loneliness, on learning they’re infertile. So, it’s important that men have access to support services.
Infertility is a widespread and complex issue.
Experiencing infertility can be difficult for couples, who should be supported and informed about issues that may arise. In recent years a rise in infertility has been observed, with a record number of people reported to be accessing fertility treatment.
In a recent media release, Dr Karin Hammarberg, a fertility expert at the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, says that apart from those experiencing fertility issues, the extent of the problems couples face in trying to get pregnant isn’t widely realised. She emphasises that fertility is an issue for both men and women and that it’s important to plan well ahead.
“It can be truly heartbreaking,” she said. “This is a big issue for men and women. A lot of people might think they can turn contraception off and then have sex and fall pregnant. It’s often not that simple. And of course, if you don’t have a partner or are in a same-sex relationship, there can be other hurdles.
“If you want to have a child in future, learn more about your fertility and factors that can affect it, so you can plan ahead. There are a lot of things you can do now to improve your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby in future.”1
How common is male infertility?
It’s accepted that the male factor is present in 50 per cent of all infertility cases. In 30 per cent of cases, the male factor is the sole responsibility and in 20 per cent it’s the co-contributing factor with the female factor.2 Despite this, the true extent of male fertility is unknown.
“We don’t really know how common male infertility is, because we only find about it if a man seeks assistance with fertility problems, and not all of them do,” said Associate Professor Tim Moss, Health Content Manager at national male health organisation Healthy Male. “It’s widely accepted that a male factor contributes to infertility for half of all infertile couples.”
Additionally, despite men expressing the desire to eventually have children, studies indicate that fertility knowledge is limited, and men are interested in gaining knowledge from healthcare professionals and from online sources.3 This demonstrates that men want to be more aware of health issues that may affect their fertility in future.
What is infertility and when are couples considered infertile?
Generally, a couple is considered infertile if they have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.4 Infertility can be caused by a number of issues, but most cases of infertility can be treated to assist the couple to conceive.5
Male infertility is broadly caused by:
- Sperm production problems.
- Blockage of sperm transport.
- Sexual problems.
- Sperm antibodies.6
Those concerned about fertility should seek help from their health professional. Some common steps toward a diagnosis of fertility issues include:
- Physical examination.
- Blood testing.
- Testicular biopsy.
- Ultrasound scan.
- Semen analysis.7
Contributors to male infertility
Fertility is impacted by factors including genes, weight and more. Overall health can impact the chances of conception, but lifestyle changes can improve overall fertility.
According to the Queensland Fertility Group, it’s important that men implement healthy lifestyle choices in order to protect their fertility. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, drinking in moderation, avoiding recreational drug use and ceasing smoking can all have a positive impact on fertility.8
We often hear about the ticking biological clock for women in terms of their fertility, but age is also a factor for men. Studies have indicated that as men age, sperm quality can be affected.9
Treatment
Treatment of male infertility depends on circumstances and will vary according to what is causing infertility. A doctor may prescribe medications and, if these are unsuccessful, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF are available to help couples to conceive.10 Health professionals can assist in finding the correct treatment tailored to the individual.
How can we support men experiencing infertility?
A variety of psychological and social effects may follow the diagnosis of male infertility.
“A man doesn’t experience infertility on his own, because the condition affects both partners who aspire to be parents,” Associate Professor Moss said. “Men need guidance to help them in their relationship, and to feel like they can access support and act towards achieving the outcome they desire.”
Infertility, masculinity and awareness
Research suggests infertility is associated with adverse impacts for men, and that the condition is more stigmatised in men than women. Researchers argue that men associate infertility with virility and sexual potency, which can lead to men feeling personal inadequacy and emasculated.11
As a result, men need accessible support services available them to assist them during their fertility journey, remembering that infertility usually is affecting a couple and not just an individual. Providing men with appropriate resources and support to look after themselves and their partners is essential.
A fact sheet from Healthy Male states: “Men may be shocked when they find out they are infertile. There is still a common but incorrect belief that infertility is a woman’s problem. Therefore, when men are told there is a sperm problem, they are often unprepared.”12
Awareness should be raised around men’s fertility to reduce stigma and the negative social impacts experienced due to stereotypes and perceptions of masculinity.
“In general, men need greater awareness of the things that can have a negative effect on their fertility, or what they can do to maximise their chances of having children,” Associate Professor Moss said.
If customers disclose that they’re experiencing fertility issues, directing them to resources and websites to enable them to seek support can be helpful. To learn more about infertility, customers can visit national infertility support network Access Australia or national male health organisation Healthy Male.
To learn more:
- Access Australia: access.org.au/
- Healthy Male: healthymale.org.au/
If you struggled with the content in this article:
- PANDA: 1300 726 306
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
References included in this article are available on request.
This feature was originally published in the June issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine.
