Breaking the Stigma of Male Infertility to Promote Greater Health Equity
Despite the global prevalence of male infertility, it is often stigmatized and poorly understood, resulting in significant disparities in access to treatment.
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By - Male infertility is a growing concern affecting millions of people worldwide. According to recent trends, male infertility accounts for 40–50% of infertility cases and affects roughly 7% of all men.
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“Infertility, in general, in the United States is very common. Roughly 15% of couples in the US will experience fertility issues,” Philip J. Cheng, MD, a male fertility specialist and urologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, told Healthcare Strategies.
Around 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility issues. In one-third of infertile couples, men are responsible, and in another third, the problem can't be identified or is with both the man and woman, according to the NIH.
“Male infertility can be caused by different factors such as an abnormality with sperm production such as low sperm production or abnormal numbers of normal sperm or modal sperm,” Cheng explained.
In a review and meta-analysis published in Human Reproductive Update, researchers found that the global average sperm count dropped 51.6% between 1973 and 2018.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, sexual dysfunction, and lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins and conditions, can also contribute to male infertility.
Unfortunately, one of the most significant challenges of male infertility is its associated stigma. According to Cheng, men often feel ashamed or emasculated and become reluctant to seek medical help, which can delay treatment and further worsen their reproductive health.
“When it comes to healthcare, it is underutilized by men. They are less likely to have primary care physicians, initiate infertility care, and see those physicians,” Cheng added. Conversely, “females are more likely to initiate this evaluation and seek out a reproductive specialist.”
Advancements in medical research and technology have provided several treatment options for male infertility, including assisted reproductive techniques (ART), hormone treatments, surgery, and medications. Seeking treatment can significantly increase the chances of successful conception and help couples achieve their dream of parenthood, shared Cheng.
To achieve greater health equity, raising awareness about male infertility and encouraging men to seek medical help if they suspect they are experiencing fertility problems is essential. Couples are encouraged to seek professional help if they have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success.
To overcome infertility, people should consult with their healthcare specialists to discuss their options and create a personalized treatment plan that suits their needs, concluded Cheng.
