Fertility problems affect around one in six couples in the UK, with male factor infertility playing a role in approximately half of all cases. Yet despite how common male infertility is, support for men often lags far behind what’s available for women.
Many men received only a basic semen analysis and little else, and emotional support is often minimal or completely absent. This can feel incredibly isolating, bringing up difficult feelings that relate to masculinity, guilt, shame, or anger that have nowhere to go.
If you’re struggling with male infertility, you deserve proper support – both medical and emotional. In this blog, we’ll walk through where to find help in the UK, from clinical pathways to peer support groups, and offer guidance on how to advocate for yourself during this difficult time.
Why male infertility is still ‘taboo’
Despite affecting millions of men, male infertility remains surprisingly difficult to talk about. There are several reasons for this stigma:
Viewed as a woman’s issue
Infertility has traditionally been viewed as a woman’s issue. Testing and treatment pathways have historically focused on female partners, with male infertility often treated as an afterthought. This continues to shape how fertility services are structured today.
‘Threatens’ masculinity
Fertility is deeply tied to cultural ideas about masculinity – virility, performance, and the ability to ‘provide’ offspring. For many men, infertility can feel like a threat to their identity, making it incredibly difficult to open up about their struggles, even to partners, friends, or family.
Lack of dedicated services
Fertility Family’s Male Fertility Service Coverage Report highlighted that male fertility services in the NHS are limited and patchy across the UK. Many areas lack dedicated male fertility specialists, leaving men without clear routes to expert help. This reinforces the message that male fertility ‘doesn’t matter as much’ – which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Absence of safe spaces
The formation of online forums and support groups shows that men do want to talk about infertility – they just need safe, understanding spaces to do so. Many men report feeling they have no one else to turn to, which is why peer support has become so valuable.
Most importantly, all the above points mean one thing: none of this is your fault. The stigma around male infertility is societal and systemic, not personal. Support does exist, even if it’s not always well signposted. Understanding common male infertility myths can also help challenge some of the unhelpful narratives around this issue.
Medical support for male infertility in the UK
Navigating the medical system can feel daunting, but understanding the pathway helps you know what to expect and how to advocate for a thorough investigation.
GP as the first step
Your GP is typically the starting point if you’re concerned about fertility or have been trying to conceive (TTC) for 12 months without success (or earlier if there are known risk factors like undescended testicles, previous cancer treatment, or erectile dysfunction).
What to expect
Your GP will usually arrange a semen analysis, take a medical history, and may order basic blood tests to check hormone levels. However, it’s worth knowing that men often receive fewer investigations than women at this stage.
How to prepare
Before your appointment, write down your questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask specifically about further male-focused tests or referrals to specialists. Being proactive can help ensure you get the thorough assessment you deserve. Our guide on questions to ask your urologist can help you prepare.
NHS and fertility clinics
If initial tests reveal concerns or you’ve been trying for an extended period, you may be referred to a fertility clinic. It’s helpful to understand the difference between NHS fertility clinics and private clinics regulated by the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority).
Many clinics offer andrology or urology input specifically for male-factor issues. It’s entirely reasonable to ask about male-focused assessments when exploring clinic options. Some clinics have dedicated male fertility specialists who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
What to ask
When choosing or being referred to a clinic, enquire about their approach to male fertility assessment, whether they have andrologists or urologists on staff, and what additional tests they routinely offer for men.
Additional investigations men can ask about
Standard NHS pathways often miss important diagnostic tests that could identify treatable issues.
Investigations you can ask about include:
- Hormone profiling: Beyond basic testosterone, hormone profiling includes Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Lutenising hormone (LH), prolactin, and thyroid function – all of which affect sperm production.
- Physical examination: A testicular exam can identify varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) or other structural issues.
- Scrotal ultrasound: Imaging can detect physical abnormalities not found through examination alone.
- Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: This measures DNA damage in sperm, which can affect fertilisation and pregnancy success.
- Oxidative stress testing: Assesses whether oxidising agents such as free radicals are present in excess.
- Genetic testing: Where indicated, genetic tests can identify chromosomal issues or specific gene mutations affecting fertility.
These investigations can sometimes identify treatable issues, potentially improving sperm health and avoiding or improving outcomes with fertility treatments like IVF for male infertility. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about these tests if they haven’t been mentioned.
Emotional male infertility support
The emotional impact of male infertility is profound and often underestimated. Men commonly experience depression, low mood, relationship strain, sexual avoidance, and feeling sidelined during treatment – yet they’re less likely than women to access emotional support.
This isn’t because men don’t need support. Stigma around masculinity (‘I should be strong’), lack of services pitched specifically to men, and not knowing where to turn all contribute to men suffering in silence.
Thankfully, dedicated male infertility support is growing. Here’s where to find it:
National groups
NeXYs Fertility: An extensive support group offering a WhatsApp community, online support groups, in-person meetups, panel discussions, resources, and coaching. NeXYs focuses specifically on men at any point during their fertility journey, whether you’re just starting to have concerns, undergoing treatment, or processing loss.
They understand the unique challenges men face and provide judgement-free spaces for connection and support.
Online communities and forums
Online communities offer anonymity, 24/7 access, and the chance to hear from people who truly get it – often making them easier to engage with than face-to-face support, especially if you’re struggling to open up.
Reddit communities:
- r/guyvf: Emotional support around IVF from a male perspective
- r/IVF and TTC subreddits where men are active participants
Facebook groups
- Male Factor Infertility
- Male Fertility Support
- Various private groups connected to organisations
Important note: While online communities offer valuable peer support, advice from strangers is not a substitute for medical guidance. Not all fertility supplements or treatments recommended online are evidence-based, so always verify information with healthcare professionals before making changes.
Talking therapies and couple support
Many fertility clinics and charities can signpost you to counsellors with experience in infertility. Therapy benefits both partners, not just the person undergoing treatment procedures.
Accessing therapy is an active, responsible step – not a failure or sign of weakness. A trained therapist can help you:
- Process difficult emotions
- Improve communication with your partner
- Develop coping strategies for the uncertainty of fertility treatment
Some clinics offer counselling as part of their service, while others can refer to fertility-specific therapists. It’s worth asking what’s available.
How partners, friends, and family can support men
If someone you care about is experiencing male infertility, your support can make a real difference. Here’s how to help:
Listen without jumping to fixes
Sometimes men just need to vent or process feelings without being offered solutions. Simply being present and listening validates that their feelings matter.
Avoid blaming language
Infertility is nobody’s fault. Avoid language that suggests blame or failure, and instead acknowledge how difficult the situation is.
Validate his feelings
Let him know that his emotions – whether that’s sadness, anger, frustration, or grief – are real and valid. Men are often told to ‘stay strong,’ but expressing vulnerability takes strength.
Offer practical support
Attend appointments together if he’d like company, help prepare questions for doctors, or share information about support groups. Small practical gestures show you’re in this together.
Recognise different coping styles
Both partners may grieve and cope differently – that doesn’t mean one cares less than the other. Give each other space to process in your own ways while staying connected.
“Male fertility is still too often treated as an afterthought, despite the fact that it plays a role in a significant proportion of infertility cases. Many men still face real barriers when trying to access basic fertility testing and support. When men feel overlooked or unsure how to access help, it can delay diagnosis and add unnecessary stress for couples. At NeXYs Fertility, part of our mission is to help plug these gaps by ensuring men feel included, informed and supported throughout the fertility journey.”
Impryl: Science-backed male fertility support supplement
While medical and emotional support are crucial, optimising sperm health through targeted nutrition can also play an important role in your fertility journey.
Impryl is a fertility supplement for males and females containing activated micronutrients specifically formulated to support optimal sperm health. It works at the cellular level to support energy production and protect against oxidative stress – both key factors in sperm quality.
While Impryl isn’t a cure for male infertility, it has helped many couples trying to conceive by supporting sperm health alongside lifestyle changes and medical guidance.
Hear about Matt’s fertility story.
If you’re looking for science-backed nutritional support as part of your fertility plan, Impryl may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Moving forward
Male infertility is common, often treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. You deserve proper medical care, clear answers, and support.
Whether you’re just starting to worry or already in treatment, help is available – from specialists who can identify underlying issues to peer groups who understand what you’re going through.
Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your GP, seek support, and advocate for the care you deserve.
