November marks the second month of “baby-making season”, the period in which many couples conceive, beginning in the fall and continuing through the cold winter stretch. It’s also the kickoff to Movember, known sometimes as Men’s Health Awareness Month. Movember is a popular campaign challenging the stigma around men’s health issues while encouraging men to engage in dialogue and seek regular care.
While men’s reproductive health is just one aspect of this conversation, it’s a massively important piece of the puzzle, one that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
Men are less likely to visit a doctor than women. Fertility issues among cisgender, heterosexual couples have historically placed the onus on women to get checked out and pursue treatment. But of the nearly 1 in 7 couples who struggle with infertility, the male factor is a cause approximately half the time.
A more dedicated, robust focus on men’s health is needed, not only for men as individuals, but for their partners who are trying to become pregnant.
Causes of Male Infertility
To be ready for conception, healthy sperm must be produced in enough quantity, and this sperm must be carried into the semen. The motility of the sperm, or how it moves, is important as well.
Male infertility can be caused by several things. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a non-exhaustive list of medical issues that can disrupt a man’s fertility.
Varicocele: this is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It reduces sperm quantity and quality. Varicoceles are common and often reversible.
Infection: inflammation of the epididymis or testicles, as well as some sexually transmitted infections, can interfere with sperm production or sperm health, at times leading to scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. If these issues are treated, sperm can usually still be retrieved.
Antibodies: immune system cells can sometimes mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to destroy them.
Hormonal imbalances: abnormalities affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands can cause infertility.
Ejaculation issues, tumors, undescended testicles, celiac disease, problems with sexual intercourse, and certain medications can also impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.
Environmental and lifestyle causes of male infertility include industrial chemicals, heavy metal exposure, radiation, overheating of the testicles, nutrient deficiencies, drug and alcohol use, smoking, and weight.
Prevention
While male factor infertility is not always preventable, abstaining from smoking, alcohol and drugs, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged heat for the testicles, and reducing stress, can all aid in fertility.
Seeking Care
Education around male infertility is important, but knowing one might have an issue and actively pursuing help don’t always go hand-in-hand.
In cisgender heterosexual relationships, a lot of pressure is put on the woman to maintain ideal health, which plays a role in why male factor infertility is not given proper attention. The way we socialize men to avoid these difficult medical conversations also plays a role.
According to Harvard University, men who hold more traditional views on masculinity are more likely to avoid the doctor. This correlation suggests strength and self-reliance, two qualities typically expected of men by our cultural norms, can get in the way of them undergoing routine exams.
Encouragement and Education
Ultimately, the responsibility to overcome patriarchal expectations that get in the way of their fertility and overall health lies with men themselves, but that doesn’t mean partners, friends, and family can’t help along the way.
Researching and presenting information to our loved ones can be a positive first step to them seeking medical care, including fertility treatment. Everyday Health says that in a survey, almost 20% of men admit to going to the doctor because a loved one insisted.
Again, the onus is on the individual to take an active interest in their health and in their role in the conception process, but occasionally we all need some outside encouragement.
New Studies
The Florey Institute published research in October 2024 about paternal gut health and its impacts on sperm.
Bacteria in the gut is affected by diet, exercise and stress. These researchers have shown that a depleted microbiota can impact men’s sperm, potentially leading to changes in their child’s brain development.
This research was done on mice, but it may have implications for those looking to start a family. It suggests the possibility that even before they become a parent, a man’s nutrition and overall health can impact their future child’s brain.
Professor Anthony Hannan said the following about this research:
“We’re used to hearing that women need to look after their physical health for the sake of their baby. Our discoveries in mice, and emerging findings in humans, suggest that it’s important that men do so too.”
Conclusion
It’s clear that men’s overall health plays a definitive role in the likelihood of conception, and may also play a role in the health of their future offspring. This is important to consider during “baby-making season”, and through the month of November, when we put a particular focus on men’s healthcare. We should all be encouraging men to talk about their struggles, and to do away with barriers put up by cultural and societal assumptions. Seeking treatment for fertility or any health issue has nothing to do with masculinity. In fact, it takes a unique strength to face these problems head on, and to hopefully find a solution with the aid of a healthcare team.