Shhh don’t say anything. Let them think its just women. Don’t insult my manhood.

These statements and others are often expressed when the topic of male infertility/subfertility arise.
I want to take the sting out of the reality for men by sharing the common nature of this issue.

Number one, fellas you are not alone. It may not be discussed in your circle but 1 in 5 men will deal with infertility.

1 in 6 people globally are affected with infertility.

Is this new? Not really, because we are living in a more vocal world we see a dominance in numbers and conversation. People have been dealing with infertility for centuries but through silence and shame.

In ancient cultures death and disownment could be the result of not conceiving. In that regard we have come a long way. Take a breath.

Let’s look at the definitions first

Infertility- Not getting pregnant despite having carefully timed, unprotected sex for one year.

Subfertility- any form of reduced fertility with prolonged time of unwanted non-conception. Meaning its taking longer to get pregnant that what you desire.

Infertility is defined clinically in women and men who cannot achieve pregnancy after 1 year of having intercourse without using birth control, and in women who have two or more failed pregnancies.

Why Is It So Difficult?

Many different medical conditions and other factors can contribute to fertility problems, and an individual case may have a single cause, several causes, or—in some cases—no identifiable cause. Overall, one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors.

To conceive a child, a man’s sperm must combine with a woman’s egg. The testicles make and store sperm, which are ejaculated by the penis to deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse. The most common issues that lead to infertility in men are problems that affect how the testicles work. Other problems are hormone imbalances or blockages in the male reproductive organs. In about 50% of cases, the cause of male infertility cannot be determined.

A complete lack of sperm occurs in about 10% to 15% of men who are infertile. A hormone imbalance or blockage of sperm movement can cause a lack of sperm. In some cases of infertility, a man produces less sperm than normal. The most common cause of this condition is varicocele, an enlarged vein in the testicle. Varicocele is present in about 40% of men with infertility problems.

Other issues that could be causing infertility are oxidative stress, endocrine disrupting chemicals (often found in products), and poor eating habits.

Look Up

I believe its important to acknowledge the challenge because research and treatment have come a long way. While its not guaranteed that all men will be treated the success rate of many men finding solutions has increased.

Who Do You Talk To?

It is necessary to go through channels of medical advice:

Visit with your Urologist, they can diagnose and treat male infertility. These doctors examine semen volume, as well as the number of sperm, their shape, and their motility, or movement. 

Ways to Increase Fertility

*Always consult with your Physician before taking anything new or outside of your Dr’s protocol.

1. Prioritize Sleep: Getting quality and ample sleep has been shown to improve sperm quality (Aarhus University study)
2. Fertility Supplements: Women take supplements to improve reproductive health and men should consider as well. B12, Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin E. Zinc is known for maintaining healthy testosterone levels while Selenium is documented for improving low sperm quality.
3. Maca Root: Grown in Peru eating dried maca root can improve libido. This dried vegetable can increase sexual performance and may increase sperm count with 1.75 grams taken a day.
4. Tribulus Terrestris: this herb has been credited to improving overall conception possibility. It improves erectile function and libido. It does not increase sperm count so consult with your Physician.
5. There are surgical procedures for some men who may deem as a qualifiable candidate. Discuss this with your Dr.

Before I Go

There is no magic pill or a one-size fits all. I never want anyone to believe that everything works for everyone. I can assure you that small changes make big differences as with most things in life. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol matter immensely. If you’re a smoker try to redirect that habit toward something that will support your overall health and fertility goals. Eat fresh foods, fiber, exercise and stay hydrated with water. We underestimate the damage of dehydration.

I encourage you to have a trusting health team that is skilled in reproductive health and ask them all of the questions regardless of how small or insignificant you think it may be.

If your route does not take you in the direction of natural fatherhood don’t despair. Grieve what may not happen biologically. Take time to process it. Don’t stay in that grief, get professional help and support if you feel stuck. When the time is right you can consider other options of fatherhood. There are so many children that would love a loving and providing male figure in their lives.

Your focus in this world is to be the best you that you can be and to live the life that brings you peace and joy while doing the same for others.

Be Well Be Whole

Images: iStock photography

Research citing: National Institute of Child Health and Development