The research conducted at the University of Jerusalem on Western men’s fertility in 2017, (refer to my last blog where it is detailed extensively) is leading to a growing realization that male infertility is not just a problem now, but it is a runaway increasing problem and growing at 1.4% every year.
Until recently the focus on fertility research has been centered on women’s reproductive health and male reproductive health has been ignored. IVF targets women and this takes a huge toll on the physical and emotional reactions of women.  GP’s often feel they do not have an option but to refer couples to fertility clinics when they conduct sperm testing and the results are on the low side. This makes men feel utterly powerless and adds to their deep questioning of their masculinity.

 

There is another option and it is a much more rewarding path to take, and that is the natural fertility method of Reproductive Reflexology.  This treatment provides a structured approach to assess and treat both male and female fertility. The method has established protocols that have been researched thoroughly with a 68% success rate without any synthetic hormones or chemicals.  The treatment costs are low, it is relaxing and even enjoyable.  Best of all, it is non-invasive without any injections or needles and it is a treatment that works for men without taking away their dignity.

 

Doctors are already advising their male patients to avoid smoking, limit their alcohol, avoid sexually transmitted diseases, wear loose underpants to avoid heat stress and although this will all help, it will not cut the mustard to even make a small dent in the problem.  There has to be a significant reason why male productive health is reducing and reducing drastically.  We already know that problems with the pituitary and hypothalamus gland can cause issues with testosterone as can chemotherapy and radiation.  Anti-depressants and steroids also interfere with a man’s sperm levels but that is surely limited to a few unlucky men not all 50% of our men.

 

 

We also need to be realistic about a man’s ability to father a child at an older age.  A man’s sperm production is at its highest before the age of 40 years and from that age sperm levels gradually reduce to the age of 60 and significantly from then on.  It is not only women who need to avoid putting off starting a family until it is too late.

 

All of this points to a very black future for all mens’ fertility but it does not have to be this way.  There is a clear lack of investment in male fertility and the funding and research to support it.  Unfortunately, we are ignoring a very serious barrier to our future existence, and why are the health industry, the government and all men not jumping up and down about it.   Is this just a bit of an embarrassing truth? Why is this problem not being discussed widely?  Have we put it into the too hard basket or is it just “women’s business” along with traditional family matters?  This problem should be a barbecue stopper, a source of conversation down at the pub or at the local coffee shop, a public health matter discussed in the schools or in universities, on the golf course or at the footy.  This problem has no relevance to men’s masculinity whatsoever, it is a worldwide massive problem for humanity.  This information needs to be circulated widely and then we will find the money necessary to fund the research.