Latest news with #WorldInfertilityAwarenessMonth
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
World Infertility Awareness Month: Experts reveal 5 common factors that affect male fertility
We need to normalise conversations about male fertility Image: Alex Green/pexels Infertility is a deeply personal and emotional journey that often goes unspoken, yet it affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 adults globally will face infertility issues at some point in their lives. June marks World Infertility Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this global health challenge while encouraging open conversations and proactive solutions. Importantly, infertility is not just a women's issue; male fertility factors account for 40% of cases, yet they often remain overlooked. Here, we explore some of the most common factors affecting male fertility and why awareness is critical for couples hoping to conceive. 1. Low sperm count Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is one of the leading causes of male infertility. This condition occurs when the concentration of sperm in semen is below the threshold needed for successful conception. According to Dr Anthony Picton, a fertility specialist at Vitalab Fertility Clinic in Johannesburg, many men are unaware that sperm count is affected both internally and externally by factors such as lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to toxins. Studies also highlight the impact of heat exposure, with professions like mining and farm work creating conditions that may impair sperm production. 2. Lifestyle choices Excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone levels and reduce sperm production. Similarly, marijuana commonly used recreationally has been shown to impair sperm motility and overall quality. "Men are often unaware of how these habits impact their fertility," says Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, director at Medfem Fertility Clinic. "The choices you make today can impact your ability to conceive tomorrow. Moderation and mindfulness are key." Stress, a silent contributor to infertility, is another factor affecting South African men. High-pressure environments, financial strain, and societal expectations to provide for a family can all contribute to hormonal imbalances that disrupt sperm production. 3. Testosterone supplementation and fertility misconceptions Many men turn to testosterone supplements to address low energy levels, muscle loss, or reduced libido. However, these treatments can have the unintended side effect of suppressing natural sperm production. Picton warns that testosterone therapy is often prescribed without sufficient explanation of its impact on fertility, saying, "Men need to understand the risks before pursuing these treatments." For South Africans, where access to over-the-counter supplements is common, education about reproductive health should be prioritised. Fertility experts recommend consulting a doctor before taking any hormone-based treatments, especially for younger men planning to start families. 4. Age and health factors beyond the physical Unlike women, who are often reminded of the biological clock, men tend to believe that age doesn't affect their fertility. However, sperm quality declines with age, increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities and reducing the chances of conception. Shimange-Matsose explains, 'While men produce new sperm daily, factors like age, chronic illnesses and lifestyle habits can negatively affect sperm quality.' In South Africa, high rates of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension further complicate male fertility. Men often focus on their physical health without considering how it relates to reproductive health. Regular health screenings and early interventions can help address these issues. 5. Environmental and occupational hazards Occupational hazards unique to South Africa, such as exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation, can also impair male fertility. Miners, farmers, and industrial workers are particularly vulnerable. Shimange-Matsose says, 'We often see men who are unaware that their work environments are contributing to their fertility challenges. Protective measures and regular health checkups are crucial.' Infertility remains a taboo subject in many South African communities, where women are often blamed first when conception fails. Yet male infertility is responsible for nearly half of all cases. 'We need to normalise conversations about male fertility,' says Picton. 'It's a shared journey, and both partners should be evaluated when there are challenges conceiving.' The emotional toll of infertility, feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and frustration, can strain relationships and mental health. Shimange-Matsose advises couples to seek both medical and emotional support. Fertility clinics often offer counselling to help navigate this challenging process.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Breaking the silence on infertility: A shared journey towards parenthood
Infertility remains a largely taboo subject, but with awareness and education, we can foster a supportive community that encourages open dialogue. Image: Supplied June is World Infertility Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a global health issue that impacts millions yet remains largely unspoken. Infertility weaves a complex narrative, one that reaches beyond mere biology and touches the emotional fabric of lives across diverse backgrounds. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 1 in 6 adults worldwide will face infertility at some point in their life, making it a shared challenge deserving of our attention. 'We need to raise awareness about the causes of infertility, promote early diagnosis and treatment, and improve access to fertility care for those who need it,' says Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, a fertility specialist and director at Medfem Fertility Clinic. Infertility is not just a woman's issue Often, infertility is mistakenly assumed to be solely a women's struggle. However, Dr Anthony Picton, a fertility specialist at Vitalab Fertility Clinic, elucidates a broader perspective. 'Male factor infertility is responsible for about 40% of cases,' he states. 'Yet, it's often ignored. In many African communities, women are still blamed first, even when the issue lies with the male partner. We need to correct that through better awareness.' Education about reproductive biology is vital. 'We're taught how to avoid pregnancy, but not how to understand fertility. Many people overlook the importance of understanding the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation.' For both men and women, recognizing contributing factors to infertility is essential. For men, fertility challenges can arise from a range of issues including low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors such as substance use or exposure to environmental toxins. Surprisingly, even testosterone supplementation can adversely affect sperm production, a crushing reality often overlooked. 'Physical health doesn't always equate to reproductive health,' Dr Shimange-Matsose explained. On the female side, infertility can stem from conditions like ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, or structural abnormalities. Age remains a significant factor, as fertility generally declines after age 35, with a more dramatic decrease from 37 onwards due to diminishing egg quantity and quality. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The emotional toll of infertility The emotional ramifications of infertility can be profound yet are frequently minimised. Dr Shimange-Matsose notes, 'While the financial cost of treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) captures attention, the emotional burden—stress, anxiety, depression, and even relationship strain—can skew one's overall wellbeing.' Experts advocate for earlier consultations, not just to identify medical concerns, but to access vital emotional support offered by fertility clinics. 'Infertility should be approached as a shared journey,' Dr Shimange-Matsose said. 'When couples work together, they cultivate a more informed and supported path to parenthood.' June marks World Infertility Awareness Month Image: Pexels Fertility preservation as proactive planning Increasing numbers of individuals are opting to delay family planning for various reasons, leading to a rising interest in fertility preservation techniques, such as egg or sperm freezing. 'Elective egg freezing is gaining popularity among women wishing to secure their fertility for future use,' said Dr Picton. The best time for women to freeze eggs is in their late 20s to early 30s, a period when egg quality is optimal. As understanding of fertility preservation advances, societal attitudes are shifting. 'Egg freezing is increasingly perceived as a proactive measure, akin to an insurance policy for the future,' noted Dr Shimange-Matsose. With this new perspective, more women are returning to utilise their frozen eggs later in life. Additionally, workplaces worldwide are beginning to recognise the significance of reproductive health in workforce wellbeing, with some employers incorporating fertility benefits into executive packages, a promising trend that supports the alignment of reproductive and professional aspirations. Taking the first step If you are contemplating starting a family or wish to understand your fertility options, don't hesitate. Consulting with a fertility specialist can illuminate pathways to understanding challenges and expanding options. Early diagnosis and proactive measures can increase the likelihood of successful pregnancies while alleviating emotional distress. IOL
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NBC's Kristen Welker Was 'Terrified' to Share Her Infertility Journey. But She Found Something Special Along the Way (Exclusive)
'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker speaks with PEOPLE about her fertility journey and why she's continued to share it with fans and followers Welker and her husband, John Hughes, welcomed their daughter, Margot, and son, John Zachary, with the help of surrogate carriers On the Sunday, June 8, episode of 'Meet the Press,' Welker sits down with actress Olivia Munn to share their experiences with infertility and surrogacy Meet the Press host Kristen Welker has been telling others' stories for nearly 30 years. Four years ago, she decided to share one that's deeply personal. When Welker and her husband John Hughes — whom she married in March 2017 — started trying to have children, the couple faced a struggle with infertility. Now, in honor of World Infertility Awareness Month in June, Welker is speaking with PEOPLE about her family's journey and why she decided to share it with her TV audience and social media followers. 'One in six people struggle with infertility, and so it is important, particularly in this month, to stop and think about what that means,' says Welker, 48. 'I always try to draw a focus on the importance of resources, and my hope is also that, by having a conversation about infertility, we can find ways to increase resources for people who are struggling.' Following months of fertility treatment attempts, Welker and Hughes, 52, welcomed their first child, daughter Margot, on June 12, 2021, with the help of a surrogate. The journalist made the decision to share her story publicly from the very beginning. Then a White House correspondent and weekend co-anchor on Today, Welker filmed an intimate segment about her path towards parenthood for the morning show. She shared the personal highs and lows, revealing that after one round of in vitro fertilizations (IVF), doctors told her that the lining of her uterus was too thin to carry a child. 'It was really some of the most difficult months that I can remember,' Welker revealed in the powerful Today segment. 'I was going to the doctor in between live shots at work and just feeling like, 'You're a failure.'' Ultimately, Welker and her husband made the decision to try for a child using a gestational carrier. She says it was an easy decision to share her fertility story, 'in part because I want to be honest with the audience who welcomed me into their living rooms on their TV sets, every day.' 'And also, because I wanted to celebrate the journey that my daughter had coming to this earth,' she continues. 'I want my daughter to feel very proud of how she's here, the extent to which her dad and I loved her so much before she was born, before we could even conceive of her.' Welker admits that she was initially 'terrified' to go public with her infertility story. However, the 'incredibly positive' responses she's received in the years since have confirmed that she made the right decision. '[I've had] women, families, emailing me, texting me," she says. "People I've been friends with for years, people I've never met before [were] reaching out to say, 'Thank you for sharing your infertility journey. We are going through something similar. We have experienced something similar. Today we feel a little bit less alone because you shared your story.' ' 'A lot of the notes that I got brought me to tears,' Welker says, 'and also gave me so much strength and made me realize there is a community of people struggling with infertility. And I think that when we share our stories, we are stronger and we feel less alone.' Three years later, in May 2024, she and Hughes added to their family once again, welcoming son John Zachary with the help of another surrogate carrier. The two experiences, Welker shares, have shaped her family in so many ways. 'Both surrogates are still a part of our lives,' she explains. 'I reach out to them on birthdays and holidays. We send each other pictures, and we're in constant communication.' 'They're both really like a part of my family,' Welker adds. 'I'm just so grateful to both of them for the incredible gifts that they gave us.' Amid her intimate family journey, Welker also began exploring a new professional direction. In addition to reporting on world issues every week, she has also found a way to link headline stories with personal experiences. Her 'Meet the Moment' segments on Meet the Press have highlighted public figures dealing with real-world struggles that many viewers can relate to. She's spoken with Selma Blair about her battle with multiple sclerosis, and interviewed Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe about the issues facing women's sports. Most personally, on Sunday's episode, Welker sits down with actress Olivia Munn to discuss their respective experience with fertility and surrogacy. 'We talked about the fact that it's a challenge to get to that point of deciding that you want to go the route of surrogacy,' Welker says. 'I think that when you're battling infertility, you often feel alone, you feel isolated.' One less-discussed aspect of surrogacy that Munn pointed out is the fact that 'many women feel called to [be a surrogate]. They want to work with someone to expand their family,' Welker says. The pair also discussed life as working moms, particularly how to juggle the personal and professional at a time when the news never stops. Speaking with PEOPLE, Welker says that there have been a few instances when breaking stories have pulled her away from her family, but for the most part, she is adamant about drawing a line. 'When I'm at home, I turn off and tune out and I'm focused on my kids,' she shares. 'I am focused on them until we get them to bed.' Welker says that bedtime deadline can be difficult these days as Margot, who turns 4 on June 12, has become a 'master procrastinator,' but she does her best. The mother-daughter duo makes up for that with a weekly 'Mommy-Margot Lunch.' 'I always try to have just special days with her,' she shares. 'We're going to the park together, we're going to lunch, we're having an adventure, so that she knows that on my days off, in my time off, she and her brother, John Zachary, are my entire focus.' For Memorial Day weekend this year, Meet the Press dedicated its whole hour to a special edition on children's mental health and youth loneliness. The powerful information, Welker says, is something she'll take with her as her kids continue to grow up in an increasingly complicated world. 'I certainly drew some important lessons from it, including that it's important to create a community of parents in which you are agreeing to hold off on social media, making sure that your kids are playing face to face,' she says. 'My kids are a little too young to worry about social media, thankfully, but the tools and some of the lessons from that show are ones that I plan to carry with me.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. For now, Welker's focus remains on her family, who are in birthday mode as summer begins. They celebrated John Zachary's first birthday on May 30. 'He was just excited to try cake,' the news anchor recalls with a laugh. It's Margot who's laid out her list of demands for her upcoming fourth birthday on June 12. 'She is deeply involved,' Welker says with a laugh. 'She wants a Moana-themed event. She would like a cat and a bicycle.' Happy to give her daughter whatever she wants — within reason, of course — Welker adds that her own birthday plans on July 1 'might sound cheesy.' "I'm just excited to sit back and relax on my birthday and have dinner with them, and celebrate these miracles in my life and my husband, John, who helps make it all possible,' she shared. Welker's interview with Olivia Munn airs Sunday, June 8, on Meet the Press, 9 a.m. ET on NBC. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NBC's Kristen Welker Was 'Terrified' to Share Her Infertility Journey. But She Found Something Special Along the Way (Exclusive)
'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker speaks with PEOPLE about her fertility journey and why she's continued to share it with fans and followers Welker and her husband, John Hughes, welcomed their daughter, Margot, and son, John Zachary, with the help of surrogate carriers On the Sunday, June 8, episode of 'Meet the Press,' Welker sits down with actress Olivia Munn to share their experiences with infertility and surrogacy Meet the Press host Kristen Welker has been telling others' stories for nearly 30 years. Four years ago, she decided to share one that's deeply personal. When Welker and her husband John Hughes — whom she married in March 2017 — started trying to have children, the couple faced a struggle with infertility. Now, in honor of World Infertility Awareness Month in June, Welker is speaking with PEOPLE about her family's journey and why she decided to share it with her TV audience and social media followers. 'One in six people struggle with infertility, and so it is important, particularly in this month, to stop and think about what that means,' says Welker, 48. 'I always try to draw a focus on the importance of resources, and my hope is also that, by having a conversation about infertility, we can find ways to increase resources for people who are struggling.' Following months of fertility treatment attempts, Welker and Hughes, 52, welcomed their first child, daughter Margot, on June 12, 2021, with the help of a surrogate. The journalist made the decision to share her story publicly from the very beginning. Then a White House correspondent and weekend co-anchor on Today, Welker filmed an intimate segment about her path towards parenthood for the morning show. She shared the personal highs and lows, revealing that after one round of in vitro fertilizations (IVF), doctors told her that the lining of her uterus was too thin to carry a child. 'It was really some of the most difficult months that I can remember,' Welker revealed in the powerful Today segment. 'I was going to the doctor in between live shots at work and just feeling like, 'You're a failure.'' Ultimately, Welker and her husband made the decision to try for a child using a gestational carrier. She says it was an easy decision to share her fertility story, 'in part because I want to be honest with the audience who welcomed me into their living rooms on their TV sets, every day.' 'And also, because I wanted to celebrate the journey that my daughter had coming to this earth,' she continues. 'I want my daughter to feel very proud of how she's here, the extent to which her dad and I loved her so much before she was born, before we could even conceive of her.' Welker admits that she was initially 'terrified' to go public with her infertility story. However, the 'incredibly positive' responses she's received in the years since have confirmed that she made the right decision. '[I've had] women, families, emailing me, texting me," she says. "People I've been friends with for years, people I've never met before [were] reaching out to say, 'Thank you for sharing your infertility journey. We are going through something similar. We have experienced something similar. Today we feel a little bit less alone because you shared your story.' ' 'A lot of the notes that I got brought me to tears,' Welker says, 'and also gave me so much strength and made me realize there is a community of people struggling with infertility. And I think that when we share our stories, we are stronger and we feel less alone.' Three years later, in May 2024, she and Hughes added to their family once again, welcoming son John Zachary with the help of another surrogate carrier. The two experiences, Welker shares, have shaped her family in so many ways. 'Both surrogates are still a part of our lives,' she explains. 'I reach out to them on birthdays and holidays. We send each other pictures, and we're in constant communication.' 'They're both really like a part of my family,' Welker adds. 'I'm just so grateful to both of them for the incredible gifts that they gave us.' Amid her intimate family journey, Welker also began exploring a new professional direction. In addition to reporting on world issues every week, she has also found a way to link headline stories with personal experiences. Her 'Meet the Moment' segments on Meet the Press have highlighted public figures dealing with real-world struggles that many viewers can relate to. She's spoken with Selma Blair about her battle with multiple sclerosis, and interviewed Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe about the issues facing women's sports. Most personally, on Sunday's episode, Welker sits down with actress Olivia Munn to discuss their respective experience with fertility and surrogacy. 'We talked about the fact that it's a challenge to get to that point of deciding that you want to go the route of surrogacy,' Welker says. 'I think that when you're battling infertility, you often feel alone, you feel isolated.' One less-discussed aspect of surrogacy that Munn pointed out is the fact that 'many women feel called to [be a surrogate]. They want to work with someone to expand their family,' Welker says. The pair also discussed life as working moms, particularly how to juggle the personal and professional at a time when the news never stops. Speaking with PEOPLE, Welker says that there have been a few instances when breaking stories have pulled her away from her family, but for the most part, she is adamant about drawing a line. 'When I'm at home, I turn off and tune out and I'm focused on my kids,' she shares. 'I am focused on them until we get them to bed.' Welker says that bedtime deadline can be difficult these days as Margot, who turns 4 on June 12, has become a 'master procrastinator,' but she does her best. The mother-daughter duo makes up for that with a weekly 'Mommy-Margot Lunch.' 'I always try to have just special days with her,' she shares. 'We're going to the park together, we're going to lunch, we're having an adventure, so that she knows that on my days off, in my time off, she and her brother, John Zachary, are my entire focus.' For Memorial Day weekend this year, Meet the Press dedicated its whole hour to a special edition on children's mental health and youth loneliness. The powerful information, Welker says, is something she'll take with her as her kids continue to grow up in an increasingly complicated world. 'I certainly drew some important lessons from it, including that it's important to create a community of parents in which you are agreeing to hold off on social media, making sure that your kids are playing face to face,' she says. 'My kids are a little too young to worry about social media, thankfully, but the tools and some of the lessons from that show are ones that I plan to carry with me.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. For now, Welker's focus remains on her family, who are in birthday mode as summer begins. They celebrated John Zachary's first birthday on May 30. 'He was just excited to try cake,' the news anchor recalls with a laugh. It's Margot who's laid out her list of demands for her upcoming fourth birthday on June 12. 'She is deeply involved,' Welker says with a laugh. 'She wants a Moana-themed event. She would like a cat and a bicycle.' Happy to give her daughter whatever she wants — within reason, of course — Welker adds that her own birthday plans on July 1 'might sound cheesy.' "I'm just excited to sit back and relax on my birthday and have dinner with them, and celebrate these miracles in my life and my husband, John, who helps make it all possible,' she shared. Welker's interview with Olivia Munn airs Sunday, June 8, on Meet the Press, 9 a.m. ET on NBC. Read the original article on People
