Infertility is often perceived as primarily a women’s health issue, yet male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. At the recent HLTH conference in Las Vegas, television personality and former football player Colton Underwood participated in a panel discussion aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding male infertility. Underwood shared his personal journey and emphasized the need for greater male involvement in the family-building process.
During the panel, Underwood recounted his initial experience with fertility challenges alongside his husband. He described a moment of surprise when he learned about the state of his sperm health. “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,’” he explained. This revelation came as a shock, as Underwood had always viewed himself as a healthy male.
Through conversations with family and friends, Underwood discovered that male infertility is more common than many realize. He identified several lifestyle factors that contributed to his fertility struggles, including frequent use of hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, tight workout clothing, and testosterone replacement therapy. After modifying these habits and following a treatment plan, his sperm health significantly improved, and he and his husband now celebrate the joy of parenthood with a one-year-old son.
Underwood’s experience is not unique. Josh Halpern, chief scientific officer of Posterity Health, and Asima Ahmad, co-founder and chief medical officer of Carrot Fertility, have encountered similar stories in their work. Halpern noted that many men face emotional challenges upon learning about their fertility issues. “There’s a lot of shame and stigma. There’s a lot of guys who feel a responsibility… take it very hard,” he remarked during the discussion.
Panelists highlighted the importance of routine fertility testing for men, aiming to normalize the conversation around male fertility. They advocated for increasing access to at-home testing options, which could make initial assessments more convenient and less daunting. Emotional and peer support were also deemed crucial for those navigating infertility, alongside education on factors influencing fertility, such as testosterone replacement therapy.
Ahmad stressed the necessity of viewing infertility as an issue that affects men and women equally. “Infertility is not just a woman’s issue,” she stated. She further elaborated that infertility encompasses more than just sperm health; it is indicative of overall health. Factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep quality, and stress management are all interconnected with fertility care.
The panel at the HLTH conference served as a vital platform for addressing the often-overlooked challenges of male infertility. As more voices like Underwood’s emerge, the hope is to cultivate a supportive environment where men feel empowered to engage in discussions about fertility, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for families.
