How to tackle a very male taboo

Men matter too. Infertility is not just a female issue as men account for around half of all infertility problems. With male infertility rates on the rise, it’s time to face the problem head on.

The experiences my wife and I had while exploring fertility issues showed me just how little support and understanding there is around male fertility. I wanted to encourage men to open up and talk about the topic and, most importantly, to get the right support.

I wanted to encourage men to open up and talk about the topic and, most importantly, to get the right support.

Talking tackle

While making the documentary Stand Up to Infertility, we set up in a shopping centre in Cardiff and invited men to come and talk about their fertility – their experiences and how they felt. I didn’t think it would be easy to ask strangers to talk tackle, but I didn’t realise exactly how hard it would be – and that’s a real problem. 

Sadly, it’s a pretty common experience, and that’s why the HIMfertility campaign aims to educate men on what affects their fertility and encourage men to speak up without fear. I am delighted the campaign merged with Fertility Network UK’s male fertility initiatives. Together we are dismantling common myths about male fertility and tackling taboos.

Male-only monthly online meetings

It’s been a pleasure to co-host a monthly Zoom group, and see the online group grow on Facebook. We started off with a handful of men opening up for the first time on our documentary, sharing their experiences and now we have hundreds of men able to access peer support online. If you are affected, why not join the next meeting.