International Men’s Health Week: Let’s Talk about Fertility

Every year, during the third week of June, International Men’s Health Week is celebrated — a time to reflect on men's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This observance, created to raise awareness about health conditions that affect the male population, also invites us to talk about a topic often surrounded by myths and silence: male reproductive health.

At Ingenes, we know that fertility isn’t a women-only issue. In 50% of infertility cases in couples, there is a male factor involved—either on its own or in combination with other issues. That’s why we believe this week is a key opportunity to break taboos, provide clear information, and open paths toward real solutions.

Why Is It Important to Talk About Men’s Health?

Traditionally, it's been assumed that men don’t need to see a doctor unless there’s an obvious symptom. However, this culture of silence has led many health conditions — including those affecting fertility — to go undiagnosed or untreated.

In particular, male reproductive health is one of the least explored areas, despite having a significant impact on the family-building goals of millions of people. In our experience, many men are unaware of:

• What factors can affect sperm quality
• That there are specialized tests to evaluate their fertility
• That male infertility can be treated in most cases

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can stem from various causes. The most common include:

• Low sperm count: a reduced number of sperm in the semen sample
• Poor motility: when sperm do not move properly or fail to reach the egg
• Morphological abnormalities: misshapen sperm that make fertilization difficult
• Hormonal imbalances: abnormal levels of testosterone or other reproductive hormones
• Structural problems: blockages in the semen ducts, varicocele, or other anatomical conditions
• Genetic factors: chromosomal abnormalities affecting sperm production or quality
• Chronic illnesses or infections: such as diabetes, testicular infections, or untreated STIs
• Lifestyle factors: alcohol or drug use, tobacco, exposure to toxins, stress, or poor diet.

How Can a Man Know If He Has a Fertility Issue?

The simplest way to begin evaluating male fertility is with a semen analysis. This test analyzes a semen sample and provides key information such as:

• Sperm count
• Shape and structure
• Motility
• Semen volume

If abnormalities are found, further tests can be done—such as hormonal panels, genetic screenings, or imaging—to determine the root cause.

At Ingenes, we offer complete male fertility assessments, always guided by a team of assisted reproduction specialists.

Male Fertility and Age: Does It Matter?

While a woman’s age tends to get more attention, growing research confirms that a man’s age also plays a role in achieving a healthy pregnancy. As men age:

• Sperm quality declines
• The risk of genetic mutations in sperm increases
• There may be a higher chance of miscarriage or genetic disorders in children

Because of this, preserving male fertility can also be a valuable option in certain cases.

Can Male Fertility Be Preserved?

Yes. The most common method is sperm cryopreservation, which involves collecting and freezing a semen sample for future use. This can be especially useful for:

• Men who want to postpone fatherhood
• Patients undergoing aggressive medical treatments (like chemotherapy or radiation)
• Men with genetic conditions that could worsen with age
• Couples planning for multiple IVF or IUI attempts

At Ingenes, we have specialized sperm banks and offer safe, reliable, and accessible preservation protocols.

Treatments for Men Diagnosed with Infertility

The good news is that most cases of male infertility are treatable. Depending on the cause, the specialist may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes: quitting smoking, losing weight, reducing stress
• Medical or hormonal treatment: to correct imbalances or treat infections
• Corrective surgeries: such as in cases of varicocele or obstructions
• Assisted reproduction: like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or techniques such as ICSI or PICSI, which select the best sperm to achieve pregnancy

The Man’s Role on the Journey to Pregnancy

Beyond medical aspects, it’s essential to understand that emotional health and male involvement are just as important in fertility treatments. At Ingenes, we encourage men to take an active role throughout the process, and we offer psychological support and emotional guidance.

Many men go through this experience in silence. That’s why creating support networks and informative spaces like this blog is key to helping more people feel empowered to seek help.

During International Men’s Health Week: Show Up for Yourself

This week, we invite you to break the silence, prioritize your health, and learn about your fertility. Getting tested is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of commitment to your life and your dreams. If you’ve been trying to have a baby without success, if you’re unsure about your fertility, or if you want to take care of your long-term health… now is the time.

Male reproductive health has been ignored for too long. International Men’s Health Week is the perfect reminder that fertility is also a men’s issue. At Ingenes, we’re here to support you, inform you, and provide real solutions. With advanced technology, medical expertise, and a comprehensive approach, we help you take the next step toward fatherhood. Taking care of yourself is part of building the future you dream of.