Fertility Network UK partners with TFP Fertility on innovative male fertility project
Fertility Network UK partners with TFP Fertility on innovative male fertility project
National charity Fertility Network UK is delighted to announce an innovative partnership
with leading fertility clinic TFP Fertility to increase awareness of male fertility and
support for men on a fertility journey.
Sharon Martin, interim chief executive Fertility Network UK, said: ‘This partnership aims
to break the silence surrounding male infertility and enable men to speak up about the
impact a diagnosis of infertility has on their mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as
help them navigate the support available.
All too often fertility is not seen as a male issue, despite male factor infertility being the
most common reason for UK couples to seek fertility treatment. Working with TFP
Fertility, we aim to challenge the myths and taboos around male fertility and foster an
environment where men do not suffer in silence, or feel shame about their diagnosis, or
isolated because of not knowing where to turn for support.
Mrs Martin added: ‘Fertility Network’s ground-breaking research investigating the impact
of fertility problems on men revealed how infertility hits men hard – affecting their
mental health, self-esteem, relationships, sex life, masculinity, career and finances. We
know men hurt too when they cannot become parents; we hope our work with TFP
Fertility will enable a shift from infertility being seen as a ‘women’s issue’ within society
and improve support for men, in particular online.’
Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Fertility comments, “As leaders in fertility, we are
continuously exploring innovative solutions to advance reproductive care. This includes
research into how fertility clinics can better support men facing infertility. Through our
partnership with Fertility Network UK, we are committed to enhancing every aspect of
support for men, from counselling and support groups to treatments and raising
awareness of common diagnoses.
“Thanks to advancements in technology, there is hope for men to overcome a variety of
reproductive challenges and create their dream of starting families”.
Men, just as much as women, experience the pain and grief of struggling to become
parents and feel the emotional and physical fall-out from fertility issues in other areas of
their lives. However, the male perspective can often be overlooked or side-lined. There
may be pressure to be ‘the strong one’ during fertility investigations and treatment. Men
may also feel ‘powerless to help’ as, so often, it is their female partner who is
undergoing the tests, or treatment and feeling the effects of fertility medications. Male
fertility issues can be hugely isolating. Men don’t always find it easy to open up and talk
about fertility problems with friends, family or colleagues – sadly, this means it can be
very difficult to receive much-needed emotional support.