Infertility is not just a female issue - men account for around half of all infertility problems – and with male infertility rates reportedly on the rise, it’s time to face the issue head on. It’s time to talk tackle!

Us Brits are not very good at talking about what goes on between the sheets or down south. But, with infertility affecting around 1 in 6 couples in the UK, it’s time to break the silence.

There is a real lack of support for men experiencing male fertility issues, so the HIMfertility campaign was set up by comedian Rhod Gilbert, to encourage men to talk about fertility problems and signpost them and their partners to much-needed support.

HIMfertility has now found a new home with Fertility Network UK, and we’re continuing to work with Rhod to spread awareness of male fertility causes and impacts.

Keep scrolling to learn more about male fertility causes and myths, or click the links in the sidebar to learn more about common conditions.

 

A message from Rhod Gilbert

I started the HIMfertility campaign after my wife and I had issues trying to conceive. The experiences we had while exploring fertility issues showed me just how little support and understanding there is around male infertility. I wanted to encourage men to open up and talk about the issue and, most importantly, to get the right support.

 

 

 

How common is male infertility?

In approximately half of couples experiencing difficulties conceiving, part of the problem lies with the male. Male infertility has a variety of causes. The most common cause is that the man’s semen has too few normal sperm to pass through the female tract and fertilise the egg. Scroll down to learn about other causes.

If you have been trying unsuccessfully for a baby for 12 months, you should see your GP. However if you have any of the following problems you should visit your GP straight away:

  • undescended testicles
  • injury or trauma to the testicles
  • sexually transmitted infections

Your GP should examine you and arrange for you to have a semen analysis. If necessary your GP will then refer you to a fertility specialist who may arrange for further tests. You will then be able to decide on the best treatment to help you to conceive.

 

Causes of male infertility

Infertility can be caused by many different things. Problems with male reproductive organs or other medical factors can have an impact, as well as lifestyle and age-related factors. So while you may not be trying now, the choices you make can affect your fertility in the future.

Click on the icons to learn more.

 

Male infertility myths

 

Myth #1: “Infertility only affects women”

 

Myth #2: “Men don’t have a body clock”

 

Myth #3: “There’s nothing I can do about my fertility”

 

A word from Freshwater – the agency behind the HIMfertility campaign

“When Rhod got in touch to ask if we would be part of this campaign, we were delighted. We’re passionate about the issue of infertility and were keen to help raise awareness. We have worked on many public awareness campaigns for important health issues in Wales and across the UK, so HIMfertility felt like a natural fit. You can read more about our work here. We’re happy to have played a small part in raising awareness of the issue of male infertility and look forward to seeing how people respond; we’re hoping this campaign will get people involved, encourage them to share the message and talk to each other. In the words of the HIMfertility campaign, it’s time to talk tackle!”

 

Sign up to the HIMfertility mailing list

Fertility Network UK hosts monthly HIMfertility Support Group meetings, co-hosted by Toby Trice, Ian Stones, and Rhod Gilbert depending on availability. If you’d like to be notified when a new meeting is scheduled, please sign up to the mailing list:

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