Men struggling with fertility issues are increasingly speaking out about the physical and emotional challenges they face, often feeling neglected during the treatment process.
Research from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals that male infertility is now the leading cause for couples in the UK to seek IVF, with 37% of couples undergoing treatment for male-related fertility issues compared to 31% for female factors. However, the emotional impact on men facing these struggles is significant, with studies by the Fertility Network and Nuffield Health showing that 40% of men experience mental health issues as a result of fertility challenges.
Jonathan Luwagga, 35, a business officer from South East London, shared his personal experience of undergoing numerous medical procedures after he and his former partner struggled to conceive in 2021. Despite undergoing multiple tests, including prostate and testicle examinations and a microTESE procedure, Luwagga found the emotional toll to be overwhelming. “I lost so much weight. I was stressed, tired, and developed high blood pressure,” he told The i Paper. His mental and physical health deteriorated during the process, which also strained his relationship.
Luwagga expressed concern about how his fertility issues may impact future relationships, noting that many men feel reluctant to discuss their struggles. “I had to do a lot of research to find support networks. Before that, I was embarrassed and scared to talk to others because I didn’t want to feel emasculated,” he explained. He believes that greater attention needs to be given to supporting men through infertility, urging healthcare providers to offer information about support groups and counseling resources.
Yiannis Christodoulou, 41, from Canterbury, echoed these sentiments, describing his IVF journey as mentally draining. Christodoulou, an NHS worker and competitive triathlete, was informed in 2022 that he had low sperm motility and was advised to stop cycling to improve his fertility. Despite multiple cycles of IVF with his wife, they struggled with a lack of communication from their fertility clinic. “The communication was never there from day one,” he said, highlighting the frustrations of navigating IVF without proper guidance.
Christodoulou, who only discovered counseling was available after his second IVF cycle, also shared his dissatisfaction with being forced to use vacation days to attend medical appointments. “It felt unfair that I wasn’t allowed to take medical leave,” he said.
Carla, 45, from Leicestershire, discussed her husband Mark’s experience with male infertility. After a decade of struggling with unexplained fertility issues, Mark was eventually diagnosed with male factor infertility. However, Carla recalled the lack of support and the emotional toll her husband experienced, especially when medical professionals dismissed the importance of his infertility. “He felt like he wasn’t important, like they just wanted him to produce a sample,” Carla said. The couple eventually had their daughter after undergoing two rounds of IVF with ICSI, but the emotional impact of their journey was lasting.
Sharon Martin, interim CEO of Fertility Network UK, emphasized that male infertility often goes overlooked, despite being a major contributor to fertility struggles. “Men hurt too when they cannot become parents,” she said, noting that many men feel emotionally isolated and powerless during the fertility process. Martin acknowledged that men frequently struggle to talk about their issues, which is why the Fertility Network has set up a support group specifically for men. “Our HIMfertility group provides a safe space for men to share their experiences,” she added.
As awareness of male infertility grows, experts are calling for better support systems for men, ensuring they have access to counseling and resources throughout the fertility journey. By breaking the stigma and encouraging open dialogue, the emotional burden of infertility can be shared, making the process less isolating for men and ultimately improving the experience for all involved.
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