Appy · 2 min
Understanding male fertility
4 sections · 2 min read
Why does male fertility belong in this conversation?
This article is in Appy, the women's section, because understanding your partner's fertility is part of understanding your shared journey. This is not about blame. It's about empathy, partnership, and being informed together.
Male factor contributes to approximately 50% of all fertility difficulties. Yet in South Asian communities, the assumption often falls on the woman first. Understanding the male side helps you advocate for both of you.
What are the basics of how male fertility works?
Male fertility depends on: • Sperm count, how many sperm are produced • Motility, how well sperm can swim • Morphology, whether sperm are normal shape • Hormones, , , all play a role A is the primary test. It's non-invasive, quick, and should be offered alongside female investigations, not as a last resort.
Why do some men resist getting a fertility test?
Research on South Asian men and fertility testing consistently shows significant resistance. A study of Pakistani couples found men delayed by an average of 5 years. The reasons are cultural, not medical: • Fear that abnormal results reflect on masculinity • Cultural association of fertility with virility and sexual prowess • Family assumption that fertility is "her problem" • Embarrassment about producing a semen sample • Denial as a coping mechanism
Understanding these barriers helps you approach the conversation with empathy rather than frustration. He's not being difficult, he's navigating cultural weight that tells him his identity is at stake.
How do you talk to your partner about getting fertility tests?
• Frame it as a team effort: "Let's both get checked so we know where we stand" • Normalise it: "1 in 7 couples need help. Testing both of us is standard practice." • Remove blame: "This isn't about finding fault. It's about finding answers." • Share information: Show him the Ask Yaar section, it's designed to help men understand fertility in a way that feels comfortable • Give him space: He may need time to process before he's ready to act • Involve a friend: Research shows South Asian men are more likely to seek testing after conversations with male friends than with partners or family
How did this land with you?
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Reviewed by clinicians
Authored and reviewed by clinicians from the founding team. Information only, not personalised medical advice.