Why Male Partners Should Be Included Early in the Fertility Process

If you’re reading this post, odds are you are seeking the answers to one of the most important questions on earth: what is the best path to pregnancy? Many others in this process have realized that fertility is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but what happens when things don’t go exactly as planned? Thankfully, the field of medicine is equipped with an abundance of treatment options and procedures to help her journey, but what about his? As the story goes, when a woman has trouble getting pregnant, the full focus is on her. At Posterity Health, we know that it takes two to tango. 

Why Should the Male Be Included Earlier in the Fertility Process? 

The journey to becoming parents can be both exciting and challenging, sometimes requiring couples to go through various fertility treatments and procedures. Research shows that including the male partner earlier in the fertility process can offer many benefits. This approach not only makes the care process smoother but also increases the chances of successful conception and better health outcomes for both partners. 

Male Infertility is More Common Than You Think 

Male infertility is quite common. About 10-15% of couples have trouble having a baby, and problems with the male partner are the cause in 20-30% of these cases.

Male infertility can also play a part in another 20-30% of cases, meaning it's a factor in about half of all infertility issues. This makes it important to check both partners early on. 

Saves Time 

Time is crucial in fertility treatments. Including the male partner early in fertility assessments can speed up the care process. Often, males aren’t included in the fertility process until 22 months, delaying time to conception. Early evaluation can identify potential issues quickly, allowing for timely interventions that can improve fertility outcomes. 

Saves Money 

From a financial perspective, including the male partner earlier in the fertility process can be more cost-effective. If male factor infertility is detected early, less time and fewer resources will be spent on unnecessary or ineffective treatments for the female partner. This reduces overall treatment costs, leading to more efficient use of time and money in the journey toward conception. 

Avoid Unnecessary Procedures for the Female Partner

Traditionally, the path to conception has largely been focused on the female partner, leading to numerous invasive procedures and treatments aimed at addressing fertility issues. By including the male earlier in the process, the need for multiple diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for the female may be reduced, creating a more balanced and efficient approach to fertility care. 

Detection of Testicular Cancer & Other Underlying Health Conditions 

Sperm quality is not only important for fertility but also an indicator of overall male health. Poor sperm quality can signal underlying health issues, such as testicular cancer. Early inclusion of the male partner in fertility assessments can lead to the detection of serious health problems, allowing for prompt and potentially life-saving treatments. 

Male Fertility Care Improves IVF Success Rates 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common way to help people build their family, and it depends on the quality of both the egg and the sperm. Studies have shown that fertilization rates get much better when the sperm is healthier. When men take care of their fertility, it helps increase the chances of the egg and sperm joining successfully and forming a healthy embryo. 

Opportunity to Access Hormone Health 

Male fertility is closely linked to hormone health. Early assessment and treatment can address hormone-related issues that affect both fertility and overall well-being. By focusing on hormone health from the beginning, both partners can be in the best health possible, increasing the chances of successful conception and a healthy pregnancy. Include sexual health – erectile dysfunction, etc. 

Lifestyle Impact on Sperm 

Another compelling reason to include the male partner early in the fertility process is the impact of lifestyle choices on sperm health. Factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress levels play a significant role in male fertility. For instance, smoking has been shown to reduce sperm count and motility, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hormonal imbalances that impair sperm production. Obesity and lack of physical activity can also negatively impact sperm quality. When men are included earlier in fertility assessments, there is a greater opportunity to address these lifestyle factors, allowing time for changes that can improve sperm health before critical fertility treatments like IVF. 

Infertility can be emotionally taxing for both partners, often creating stress and tension in relationships. Historically, women have borne the brunt of this stress, largely because the fertility process has focused on them. By including men earlier in the process, it fosters a more collaborative approach to fertility care, encouraging open communication between partners. This shared responsibility can ease the emotional burden on women, creating a stronger support system throughout the journey. Men who are more involved are also more likely to engage in discussions about treatment options, which can lead to more informed decision-making for the couple as a whole. 

Joshua Halpern, MD, is a reproductive urologist and serves as the Chief Scientific Officer and Regional Medical Director for the Northeast for Posterity Health. He is also on faculty at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.