Time to Talk Tackle
Infertility is not just a female issue - men account for around half of all infertility problems – and with male infertility rates reportedly on the rise, it’s time to face the issue head on. It’s time to talk tackle!
Us Brits are not very good at talking about what goes on between the sheets or down south. But, with infertility affecting around 1 in 7 couples in the UK, it’s time to break the silence.
There is a real lack of support for men experiencing male fertility issues, so the HIMfertility campaign has been set up by comedian, Rhod Gilbert, to encourage men to talk about fertility problems and signpost them and their partners to much-needed support.
Keep scrolling to learn more about male fertility and how you can get the right support.
A Message from Rhod Gilbert
“I started the HIMfertility campaign after my wife and I had issues trying to conceive. The experiences we had while exploring fertility issues showed me just how little support and understanding there is around male infertility. I wanted to encourage men to open up and talk about the issue and, most importantly, to get the right support.”
Causes of Male Infertility
Infertility can be caused by many different things. It’s not just sperm count. Problems with male reproductive organs or other medical factors can have an impact as well as lifestyle and age-related factors. So while you may not be trying now, the choices you make can affect your fertility in the future.
Poor Quality Sperm
Infections
Testicles
Sterilisation
Ejaculation Disorders
Medicines & Drugs
Hormones
Systemic Illness
Smoking
Bad Diet
Obesity
Alcohol & Caffeine
Lack of Exercise
Age
Stress & Depression
Steroids
Male Infertility Myths
Myth 1:
“Infertility only affects women”
Myth 2:
“Men don't have a body clock”
Myth 3:
“There's nothing I can do about my fertility”
Case Studies
Craig's Story
James's Story
Male Infertility Support
If you or your partner have experienced issues around male infertility, there is support available to you. Visit Fertility Network UK for more information.
Click on the link below to listen to the latest episodes from Fertility Podcast on male infertility. Also, visit the Men's Fertility Support Group on Facebook for more support.
GET SUPPORT
A word from Freshwater - the agency behind the campaign
When Rhod got in touch to ask if we would be part of this campaign, we were delighted. We’re passionate about the issue of infertility and were keen to help raise awareness. The campaign has been great fun to work on and to promote such a serious message in such a way has meant a lot to us. We have worked on many public awareness campaigns for important health issues in Wales and across the UK, so HIMfertility felt like a natural fit. You can read more about our work here.
We’re happy to have played a small part in raising awareness of the issue of male infertility and look forward to seeing how people respond; we’re hoping this campaign will get people involved, encourage them to share the message and talk to each other. In the words of the HIMfertility campaign, it’s time to talk tackle!