When a couple is unable to bear a child, all the fingers point to the woman, but nobody raises a question about the man. She has to go for multiple doctor’s appointments, checks, and procedures.
But, Why?
Have you ever thought that men are also silently dealing with the issue, and due to shame or fear, they are not expressing it? This is not a simple cultural cliche; it reflects the damaged reality and lack of awareness. Even society puts pressure on them to be normal, as this topic is more about their masculinity.
But, having reproductive health issues is not related to their masculinity; it is more about health concerns. And we should normalise talking about this, rather than making it a taboo.
It is a common belief that infertility is only a woman’s issue; it is not linked with men. But it is not true. In fact, male factors contribute to infertility in an infertile couple by 40%. Not only this, in 20% of infertile couples, the problem lies solely with the male partner, while 30% cases involve both partners.
In most of the cases, male infertility can be successfully treated, but if it is managed and treated on time. Over the years, treatments have evolved. Through lifestyle modification and managing stress, men can enhance their sperm quality. IVF and ICSI aid in treating underlying challenges.
The fact is that, just like women, men also have a biological clock. They tend to experience infertility issues later in their life, but their sperm count and testosterone levels drop with age. You know what, old parental age is linked with increased risk of genetic conditions, time of conception, miscarriages, and reduces the success chances of assisted reproductive technologies. It is crucial to remember that the biological clock is not exclusive to women.
This is the biggest myth, and mostly thought about. Previous infections can have lasting effects on male fertility. STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia can scar and block the reproductive tract. Other than that, inflammation, impaired sperm production, damaged testicles, and poor sexual health are some of the concerning conditions that can occur due to past infections.
It is necessary to understand how deeply infertility is woven into men’s lives, because this is actually shaping their mindset. Still, more than 50% of men don’t talk about their fertility- this defines what it means for them.
Being mocked by society and even family is their biggest fear. But have they actually tried to talk to them openly? If not, fertility experts like Aveya Fertility Centre are working to provide space and support for people facing difficulties and to ensure they receive the right treatment for their condition.
When a man discovers that they have low sperm count, their direct response is related to questions about sexual performance and libido. But it is essential to note that. Sperm production and sexual function are regulated by different hormonal pathways. You know what, a man with no sperm in his ejaculation may have entirely normal testosterone, a healthy sex drive, and no erectile difficulties. This issue is called azoospermia, and happens when semen travels back to the bladder instead of the penis. It doesn’t point a finger at manhood. Even in many cultures, fertility is seen to be the feature of hegemonic masculinity, and it portrays that, if a man is dealing with infertility, then it raises concern of their manhood.
Shame operates differently from guilt, like I feel something bad, rather than I’m bad. Not just that, societal pressure and fear of being judged are also a factor which restricts most men from getting the right treatment. Infertility does not diminish the manhood of anyone. Due to lifestyle, stress, obesity, and other factors, it can happen. And with timely medical intervention, it can be improved.
Several studies also pointed out that some men don’t talk about their reproductive health even with their partners, and this also undermines the relationship dynamic. They also thought about burdening their partner because of their health concerns. But the fact is, their partner is the only one who can actually help and encourage them to start focusing on the things that can help them.
Medical experts reported that nearly 40% to 50% of infertility cases are due to male factors, and still, most of them point fingers at women. Despite all the information, only 21% of people are fully aware of infertility, especially in men. This shows how many still do not know that infertility is not gender biased and can happen to men and women due to several factors.
You know what, this silence can make things worse. You should know the consequences that you might face, so it is better to talk about it if you are facing any challenge.
It is time to break the silence on the topic of infertility in men. This is not something that men need to hide. It’s hardly surprising, but the fact is male infertility exists. It’s also true, however, that male infertility is largely treatable through diagnosis and proper care. Infertility hurts – just as much for men as for women. What makes things even more difficult for men with infertility problems? Stigma, the silence during consultations with doctors, the silence as one reads the test results late into the night, the silence of not talking to anyone else about what might be your deepest fears. All of these and then some.
Aveya Fertility Centre is one of the top-tier fertility centres that help men and women to deal with the concerns that they don’t actually share. So, if you are still wondering who to talk to, contact Aveya Fertility Centre.