July 7th 2024.
When I first met Gabi* and Tom*, it was clear that they had been going through a difficult time. They had been trying to conceive for a staggering five years, with no success. Initially, they had attempted to get pregnant naturally, but after a year of trying, they decided to go through two rounds of IVF. Unfortunately, both attempts were unsuccessful. As they prepared for a third round of IVF, they came to me seeking advice on how they could improve their chances and support their journey.
Upon examining Tom's semen analysis, it became apparent to me why they had been struggling to conceive naturally. His sperm volume, concentration, motility, and morphology were all significantly low. Surprisingly, Tom's initial reaction to this news was not one of heartbreak or disappointment, but rather relief. Finally, they had an explanation for their infertility. Tom wasted no time in asking me what he could do to improve his sperm health and fix the issue.
However, as our conversation continued, Tom's initial relief was replaced with frustration and anger. He couldn't understand why clinics and fertility treatments seemed to focus solely on women, when men are equally responsible for conceiving a child. I wished I had a definitive answer for him, but the unfortunate truth is that male infertility is a topic that is often swept under the rug and needs to be discussed more openly.
As a holistic fertility specialist, I have worked with all types of individuals and couples. Yet, it may surprise you to know that in my practice, a staggering 90% of the issues I deal with are due to male infertility. It's disheartening to see that men are not given the same level of attention and concern when it comes to fertility issues.
To be clear, male infertility is typically caused by a low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or sperm that do not move properly. In the past 10 to 15 years, there has been a rapid decline in both sperm quality and quantity. This can be attributed to various factors such as poor diets, exposure to chemicals that disrupt hormones, increased stress levels, and lack of exercise. It's also worth noting that more and more people are choosing to have children later in life, with the over 35 age group being one of the fastest-growing demographics. Contrary to popular belief, male fertility also declines with age.
We have all heard about the impact of age on female fertility, with the common belief being that a woman's egg quality decreases after the age of 35 and she faces an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. However, the focus on women's fertility often overlooks the fact that men also experience a decline in fertility as they age. It's unfair that women are labeled as "geriatric moms" if they get pregnant after 35, while men are not held to the same standard.
Men, did you know that your sperm are also at risk of losing their ability to fertilize an egg and support a healthy pregnancy after the age of 35 to 45? As men age, sperm production slows down, and there is an increased risk of genetic issues that can lead to miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, or preterm birth. Yet, these issues are often attributed to the woman and her age, while the role of the man's sperm is often overlooked.
It's essential for both men and women to understand that their biological clocks are ticking, and fertility declines with age for both parties. I once worked with a couple where the woman had a low AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) level for her age, and the man's sperm were on the lower side of "normal." They were just a few days away from starting another round of IVF when they received the unexpected news that they had conceived naturally. It was a joyous and miraculous outcome, considering the incredibly challenging journey that one tiny sperm had to go through to fertilize an egg.
It's truly remarkable to think that the sperm, which is the smallest cell in the body, has to swim the equivalent of 3.5 miles to reach the egg. And even after reaching the egg, there is no guarantee that it will be able to fertilize it, as ultimately, it is the egg that chooses the sperm. So, it's crucial for both men and women to prioritize their fertility and take care of their bodies to increase their chances of conceiving a healthy baby. Let's not forget that it takes two to make a baby, and both parties play an equal role in the process.
When I first met Gabi* and Tom*, a lovely couple who had been trying to get pregnant for five years, I was struck by their determination and resilience. They had already gone through a year of trying to conceive naturally, followed by two failed rounds of IVF. But instead of giving up, they decided to explore other options to support their journey and increase their chances of success.
As a holistic fertility specialist, I have seen all kinds of individuals and couples on their path to parenthood. And what may surprise you is that in my practice, 90% of the issues I deal with are related to male infertility. It's a statistic that I wish wasn't so common, but unfortunately, it is a reality that needs to be addressed.
During our initial consultation, Tom's semen analysis revealed low volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. It was clear to me why they hadn't been able to conceive naturally. But what surprised me was Tom's reaction to this news. Instead of feeling heartbroken or disappointed, he was relieved. Finally, their infertility was no longer unexplained. He immediately asked me what he could do to improve his situation and fix the issue.
However, alongside this sense of relief, there was also a hint of anger in Tom's tone. He questioned why fertility clinics tend to focus more on the female partner, even though both partners play an equal role in conception. And to be honest, I wish I had a definitive answer for this. But the sad truth is that male infertility is a topic that is rarely discussed, and that needs to change.
I have noticed a general decline in sperm quality and quantity over the past decade or so, which can be attributed to various factors such as poor diets, exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, high stress levels, and reduced physical activity. Additionally, with more people choosing to have children later in life, there is a misconception that only women's fertility declines with age. But the reality is that sperm also goes through an age-related decline, which can impact their ability to fertilize an egg and support a healthy pregnancy.
It's a double standard that has been perpetuated for years – the idea that a woman's fertility starts to decline after the age of 35, while men can continue to father children well into their 50s. And let's not forget the outdated term "geriatric mum" that was once used to describe pregnant women over the age of 35. While this term has been replaced with "advanced maternal age," the underlying bias remains.
The truth is, men's fertility also declines with age. Sperm production slows down, and there is an increased risk of genetic issues, which can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. And unfortunately, in many cases, the woman is often blamed for these issues, when in fact, it may be due to the man's sperm quality.
It's important to remember that it's not just the woman's biological clock that is ticking. Men also have a limited window of time to conceive a child, and their sperm's genetic makeup plays a crucial role in the development of the placenta, which nourishes the growing baby throughout the pregnancy.
I had another couple, who were just a few days away from starting IVF, when they got a naturally conceived positive pregnancy test. It was a moment of pure joy and happiness, especially considering the odds they were up against. After all, it's no easy feat for a tiny sperm to make its way through the equivalent of a 3.5-mile swim to reach the egg. And even then, it is ultimately the egg that chooses the winning sperm.
In conclusion, male infertility is a prevalent issue that needs to be talked about more openly and addressed with equal importance as female infertility. After all, it takes two to make a baby, and both partners' health and fertility are equally important in the journey to parenthood. So let's break the stigma and start having conversations about male infertility, because it's time to give it the attention it deserves.
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