Male infertility is a significant factor contributing to approximately half of all infertility cases. Despite this, societal views often frame infertility as primarily a women’s health issue. To address this misconception, television personality and former football player Colton Underwood participated in a panel at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas. He shared his personal journey with male infertility and the pressing need to dismantle the stigma surrounding it.
Underwood recounted his experience with fertility challenges alongside his husband. Upon visiting a fertility clinic, he faced an unexpected revelation. “I found myself surprised when I started my fertility journey… my doctor [said to me], ‘Well, you have four that are dead, but I could make them work.’ It was sort of a shock to me,” he explained. This unexpected diagnosis highlighted the importance of awareness, as Underwood initially perceived himself as a healthy male.
The panel discussion revealed that Underwood was unaware of several lifestyle factors that could impact fertility. These included frequent use of hot tubs and saunas, wearing tight clothing during workouts, and undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. After making changes to these habits and adhering to a treatment plan, his sperm health improved significantly. He and his husband now have a one-year-old son, illustrating that challenges with male fertility can be overcome with the right support and knowledge.
The issue of male infertility is not unique to Underwood. Josh Halpern, chief scientific officer of Posterity Health, and Asima Ahmad, co-founder and chief medical officer of Carrot Fertility, echoed Underwood’s sentiments during the panel. Halpern noted that many men experience feelings of shame and responsibility upon learning about their fertility issues. “There’s a lot of shame and stigma… a lot of guys really take it very hard,” he stated. He emphasized that part of the role of fertility specialists is to engage men in the conversation to help normalize these discussions.
The experts advocated for routine fertility testing for men and the expansion of at-home testing options to enhance accessibility. They also stressed the necessity of emotional and peer support for individuals grappling with infertility. This includes education on various factors that influence fertility, such as lifestyle choices and medical treatments.
Ahmad reinforced the notion that infertility is not solely a women’s issue. “It’s important to emphasize that infertility is not just a woman’s issue,” she said. “We’re here to make it very clear that it affects men as well.” Furthermore, she pointed out that male infertility extends beyond sperm count. It encompasses overall health, including nutrition, exercise, sleep quality, and stress management.
Efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding male infertility are crucial for fostering a more inclusive dialogue. By sharing personal stories and advocating for increased awareness, individuals like Colton Underwood are paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding. Addressing male fertility openly can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for men and their families.
As the conversation around male infertility continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the diverse factors at play. Increasing awareness and support can help many navigate their family-building journeys with confidence. The insights shared at the HLTH conference serve as a reminder that infertility is a shared experience that requires collective understanding and compassion.