Male Infertility Explained: Sperm Health, Genetics & Why Couples Struggle to Conceive

Male infertility affects nearly 50% of infertility cases yet so many couples still believe fertility struggles are “a woman’s issue.”This Men’s Health Awareness Month and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re breaking the silence around one of the most overlooked conversations in reproductive health: male factor infertility.In this powerful episode of Cry It Out Loud, we sit down with Dr. Russell Hayden, male infertility specialist, microsurgeon, and urologist at Shady Grove Fertility, to answer the questions so many couples are desperately Googling — but rarely talking about openly.We dive deep into the science behind low sperm count, azoospermia, sperm DNA fragmentation, testosterone, varicoceles, lifestyle factors, recurrent miscarriage, IVF, ICSI, and unexplained infertility while also unpacking the emotional toll infertility takes on men and relationships.Because behind the lab results is often a man silently carrying shame, pressure, grief, and mental health struggles no one prepared him for.In this episode, we discuss:• The most common causes of male infertility• Why sperm health matters more than many realize• DNA fragmentation, recurrent miscarriage & embryo quality• Low testosterone myths and fertility misconceptions• When men should seek fertility testing• Male infertility treatments, surgery & IVF options• Men’s mental health during infertility and TTC• The emotional burden men often carry silentlyWhether you’re trying to conceive, navigating infertility, IVF, recurrent pregnancy loss, or simply want answers, this episode is one every couple should hear.Because infertility impacts families and men deserve support too.Hosted by Chasing the Rainbows, a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit providing free daily support for infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, and pregnancy after loss.👉 chasingtherainbows.org