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A plea has
been made to end the taboo about risks to male fertility
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Men are unaware that
getting older, drinking too much and being obese can reduce their fertility,
according to a new poll. The survey found some men did not want to discuss fertility
problems with their GP or partner, while many underestimated the proportion of
fertility problems that are attributable to men. Almost half (49%) of more than 2,000 men polled were not aware
that sperm suffers more genetic faults as men get older.
More
than one in three men were unaware that fertility decreases the more men drink,
while 33% of men smoked regularly despite the fact smoking reduces sperm
quality.
Almost
half (46%) of men were also unaware that being overweight or obese meant it
could take longer for couples to conceive.
Some
55% of men were also unaware that sexually-transmitted infections could affect
their fertility.
Press Association report continues:
The
poll was carried out by Nuffield Health in partnership with the charity Infertility
Network UK.
Helen
Lyall, a consultant at Nuffield Health Glasgow Hospital, said: "From my
experience, it is clear that men may be embarrassed to talk about fertility
problems and it's generally women who make the first step towards addressing
fertility concerns.
"However,
with one in six couples facing fertility issues, it is important to reassure
men that this is not a taboo subject and to take away the stigma around
discussing fertility."
Of
those men surveyed, almost a third said they had suffered fertility issues.
Almost
60% of these said it had negatively affected their relationship, one in three
said it had hit their work life and 40% said it had an impact on their mental
health.
Susan
Seenan, chief executive of Infertility Network UK, said: "Men are half of
the fertility equation - they experience the pain and grief of struggling to
become parents too.
"However,
the male perspective can be overlooked. The survey reveals that nearly half of
all men feel there is not enough support and information for men about
fertility issues and going forwards we hope to address this with men and their
partners, as well as healthcare professionals."
In approximately 40% of
infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing
cause of infertility.
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