Male infertility: the silent stigma costing couples years of struggle

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Sperm counts are in decline worldwide, and testosterone levels are said to be plunging, but male infertility still carries a stigma. Prof Michael Carroll on what every man should know

When we talk about infertility, the focus tends to be on the woman. After some basic tests, IVF is often seen as a solution. But half of the time, infertility is caused by issues with the man’s sperm. And sperm counts are on the decline worldwide.

Toby Trice tells Helen Pidd about how he and his wife spent years trying to conceive and had had two rounds of IVF before they discovered a problem with his testicles was behind their difficulties. He says he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame afterwards. Yet his issues were resolved with a routine operation.

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