When people talk about infertility, the focus almost always falls on women. Hormones, cycles, IVF — the spotlight rarely shifts. But here’s the truth: male infertility is just as common, and yet it’s barely talked about. For a lot of men, fertility struggles come with a heavy mix of silence, stigma, and even shame — which means the stats often surprise people. So, how common is male infertility really? Let’s break it down, bust a few myths, and get honest about what it actually looks like.

The reality: Male infertility is half the story

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: infertility affects men and women equally. In fact, studies show that in couples struggling to conceive:

• Around 30–40% of cases are due to male factors alone.
  
  
• Another 20–30% involve both male and female factors.
  
  
• That means male infertility plays a role in up to half of all infertility cases.
  
  

So no, infertility isn’t just a “women’s issue.” It’s a couple’s issue — and male factors matter just as much.

What causes male infertility?

Male infertility isn’t one single diagnosis. It’s an umbrella term for several issues that can affect sperm health, including:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia) — fewer sperm than normal.
  
  
• Poor sperm motility — sperm that don’t swim effectively.
  
  
• Abnormal sperm morphology — sperm with unusual shapes that struggle to fertilize an egg.
  
  
• Blockages or structural issues — preventing sperm from being released.
  
  
• Hormonal imbalances — like low testosterone or pituitary problems.
  
  
• Lifestyle and health factors — smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress, and certain medications can all impact fertility.
  
  

Common misconceptions about male infertility

Despite how common it is, myths still dominate the conversation. Let’s bust a few:

• “Infertility is a woman’s problem.” False. Male infertility is just as common as female infertility.
  
  
• “If you can get an erection, you’re fertile.” Not true. Sexual function and fertility aren’t the same.
  
  
• “A healthy lifestyle guarantees fertility.” While lifestyle helps, genetics and medical issues can still affect sperm.
  
  
• “IVF is always the solution.” Not always. Sometimes IUI, medication, or even small lifestyle changes can make a difference.
  
  

The emotional impact on men

Talking about infertility is hard enough — but for men, there’s an added layer of stigma. Fertility is often tied to masculinity, which means a diagnosis can hit self-esteem and mental health hard. Many men stay silent, which only fuels the misconception that infertility is rare in men.

Why awareness matters

The more we talk about male infertility, the less isolating it becomes. Normalizing it means:

• Men feel less shame in getting tested early.
  
  
• Couples get answers faster, rather than focusing only on female partners.
  
  
• We can push back on outdated stereotypes that fertility is “a woman’s problem to solve.”
  
  

The bottom line

Male infertility is common — much more common than people think. It accounts for up to half of all infertility cases, yet remains hidden behind stigma and misconceptions. The truth? Infertility isn’t about blame or gender. It’s about partnership, shared challenges, and finding solutions together.

At Gaia, we support both partners on the journey, offering Plans that cover treatment costs, therapy sessions, and guidance from a dedicated advocate. Find out more here.