Mimrah Mahmood, a 41-year-old permanent resident from the Maldives, was stunned to discover he had a low sperm count after a year of trying to conceive with his wife. Despite living what he considered a healthy lifestyle—being athletic and abstaining from smoking and alcohol—the diagnosis challenged both him and his wife, who initially assumed infertility might stem from her side.
As male infertility rates rise, experts point to a variety of factors, including lifestyle and environmental influences, that contribute to issues like low sperm count and poor morphology. However, societal norms often lead men to avoid seeking help, with many feeling embarrassed or hesitant to address their struggles. Kimberly Unwin from Fertility Support SG highlights the cultural stigma that discourages men from discussing infertility openly.
Mahmood noted the difficulty some friends had in understanding his diagnosis, believing that physical masculinity should preclude such issues. Similarly, Adrian Ang, a 37-year-old media professional, faced feelings of shock and helplessness upon learning about his sperm’s poor quality. He felt guilty that his wife bore the brunt of their fertility challenges, often internalizing his emotions due to the lack of a support network.
Both men have since become advocates for openness about male infertility, with Ang emphasizing the importance of normalizing discussions around these issues. Dr. Chua Ka-Hee from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital notes that the number of male infertility cases is rising, with about a third of fertility issues stemming from men.
Despite the emotional toll of their journeys, both Mahmood and Ang find fulfillment in their roles as fathers—Mahmood has three children conceived through IVF, while Ang has a son born after several IVF attempts. As conversations around male infertility grow, support groups and resources like Fertility Support SG are helping to destigmatize the issue, encouraging men to seek help and share their experiences.
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