Male infertility causes about 30% of all infertility cases, yet most discussions about fertility focus on women.
This stigma can discourage men from taking proactive steps regarding their health and seeking treatment. The emotional toll of infertility can also isolate men, leading them to remain silent rather than seek support.
At Dr. Tanya’s Fertility Centre, we believe it’s time to include male fertility in the conversation about conception.
Male factor infertility is nearly half the picture
About 1 in 6 couples in Canada experience infertility. Male infertility, female infertility, or both can cause the problem.
Often, people focus on the woman’s health, but a man’s fertility also significantly impacts conception. Some research suggests that male factors contribute to up to 50% of conception problems, though estimates vary. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that out of all infertility cases:
- 3 out of 10 are linked to causes in men
- 4 out of 10 are linked to causes in women
- 2 out of 10 are linked to causes in both men and women
- 1 out of 10 are unexplained
Varicocele, or dilated scrotum veins, is the most common cause of male factor infertility. This condition affects sperm production, leading to decreased sperm quantity and quality. It impacts 15% of all men in the general population and 50% of all infertile men. Surgeons can repair it through surgery or a procedure called embolization, but improvement occurs only in about 50–70% of cases.
The average sperm count has also dropped over the decades, potentially affecting fertility if sperm quality is also low. Therefore, couples trying to conceive should consider male fertility just as seriously as female fertility.
Break the stigma of male infertility
Infertility often remains a taboo topic. As we continue to raise awareness about female infertility struggles, we also need to address male infertility.
Despite being a common cause, discussions about conception often overlook sperm problems and male infertility. This issue arises for two reasons: men often suffer in silence, and there is less awareness about their health factors.
By discussing male factor infertility, we can break the stigma surrounding it.
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Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg opened up about his struggles with infertility and miscarriage as he was expecting his baby girl.
“You worry your problems will distance you or reflect upon you — as if you’re defective or did something to cause this,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
While society often portrays women as having “baby fever” and dreaming of a family, many men share these goals. Although it may not be a common topic of conversation, many men also hope to start a family. When fertility issues arise, they can feel just as devastated.
Sperm count has many factors
Singer John Legend and his wife model Chrissy Teigen struggled to start a family until they tried IVF. He said the process, “deepens your love for your partner because you see them in a different light going through, in our case, the trouble of actually having a kid.”
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When most people think about male factor infertility, they probably first consider low sperm count, as it’s the most discussed cause. However, male infertility can also stem from defects in sperm production (either quantity or quality), defects in sperm transport, or problems with sexual function, such as erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
While sperm count may be a factor, many other elements influence overall sperm quality. The WHO defines abnormal sperm parameters as follows:
- Low sperm concentration/count: Fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter. About 10-15% of infertile men have no sperm.
- Poor sperm motility: < 40% motility; The majority of sperm move slowly and may not reach the egg.
- Abnormal morphology: < 4% normal morphology. A large number of sperm have defects and are misshaped (large head, double tail, etc.).
Any of these problems can lead to suboptimal sperm that are less likely to fertilize an egg, affecting up to 2% of men. Additionally, 1 in 100 men in the general population experiences no sperm production.
Lifestyle factors affect male fertility
To improve or maintain male fertility, you can make a few lifestyle changes.
When evaluating your habits, keep these facts in mind:
- Smoking can deteriorate sperm quality
- Alcohol intake affects semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm morphology
- Recreational drugs like cocaine, steroids, and opiates may impair sperm function
- Men who are obese have more sperm with DNA fragmentation and abnormal morphology
- Psychological stress may lower sperm concentration and increase the likelihood of abnormal morphology
Although these factors may not solely cause infertility, they can reduce the likelihood of conception. Semen quality has been linked to overall health.
Men can be proactive
Whether a man wants to start a family now or in the future, he can take proactive steps to safeguard his fertility.
While some men can father children into their 70s or beyond, a man’s fertility declines with age, similar to women. Research shows that semen quality peaks between ages 30 and 35, with a significant reduction in sperm quality and quantity occurring after age 55.
Men who plan to have children later in life can prepare by using a sperm banking service.
Additionally, if you’re undergoing medical treatments that might affect your fertility, being proactive is crucial.
Even if you’re young and healthy, you can request a sperm test from your doctor to ensure everything is in order. Discovering and addressing any issues early allows you to take proactive measures to protect your fertility.
Male factor infertility can be treated
If you suspect fertility issues, you can undergo a semen analysis. To identify other potential problems, your doctor might inquire about past testicle injuries, examine you for hormone issues, or order genetic testing.
More than half of male infertility cases are treatable. Treatment options vary based on the cause and may include surgery to repair damage or medication to address hormone imbalances and other issues.
If you cannot correct male fertility issues, you can explore assistance options such as insemination or IVF.
There is support
Men often struggle to ask for emotional support, particularly if they feel guilty about their fertility issues. This can lead to a sense of isolation. To counteract this, seeking support online can be helpful.
Studies show that when men engage with online infertility support groups, they experience emotional benefits. They report feeling less isolated, hopeless, and depressed.
To get started, check out these male factor infertility Facebook support groups:
- Fertility Matters – Men’s Support Group by Fertility Matters Canada— Open to all men struggling to build a family.
- Men’s Fertility Support – IVF/IUI/ICSI— A male-only group to talk about journeys with IVF, IUI, ICSI, or miscarriage.
- TTC with Male Factor Infertility— A safe space to share stories and ask questions.
Male Factor Infertility— For those trying to conceive with sperm issues, morphology, volume, etc.
There is less focus on male infertility, but it’s a common cause for couples struggling to conceive. The stigma surrounding male infertility can make it difficult to ask for medical help or emotional support.
If you think you’re experiencing problems, remember that you’re not alone. Fertility specialists at Dr. Tanya Williams Fertility Centre can support you on your journey.
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