Male infertility is a significant global concern, yet it often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Because when it comes to infertility, there's still a prevalent misconception that it's solely the woman's issue. However, it's now clear that this isn't accurate. In fact, only one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to women. Another one-third is due to men's health issues, while the remaining one-third stems from problems jointly experienced by both partners.
This Men's Health Week, let's bring awareness to this important issue! According to a study conducted in 2023 by Kahn et al., approximately 1.4 out of every 100,000 men experience infertility at some point during their reproductive years.
Factors for Male Infertility
Common male infertility factors include abnormal semen quality, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. These can be impacted by lifestyle choices or underlying health conditions. That's why it's crucial for men to prioritize their reproductive health. But also socio-demographic factors like delayed childbearing and lifestyle changes contribute to the increasing prevalence of male infertility. Even factors like pollution, endocrine disruptors, and infectious diseases contribute to male infertility in developing countries.
Numbers of Male Infertility
What is particularly surprising is the fact that the 30–34 years age group showed the highest prevalence of male infertility globally, followed by the age group of 25-29.
The study showed that globally, more than 56 million men suffered from infertility up to 2019, with a significant increase of 76.9% in prevalence compared to 1990. This increase is huge compared to the growth in population from 1990 until 2019, being 46% during the same time period.
Summary
Thus International Men’s Health Week, let’s recognize the significant impact of male infertility globally. Despite its prevalence, male infertility often remains overlooked due to misconceptions. However, the reality is clear: male infertility accounts for a substantial portion of infertility cases. Moving forward, let's prioritize discussions and initiatives that address the complexities of male infertility, ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.
*Study: Khan, M. S., Awan, F. N., Najeeb, S., & Naeem, M. (2023). Prevalence of male factor infertility and its association with comorbidities: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 23, 155. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16793-3
