Most workplace conversations about reproductive health benefits center around women. But male infertility actually contributes to approximately 30% of all infertility cases, and about 1 in 6 couples struggle with fertility issues.
Translation: This means if you have male employees, a portion of them are either currently dealing with fertility challenges or will at some point down the road. But here's where it gets interesting — and a little frustrating. While women are often more vocal about fertility struggles (thanks to societal conditioning!) men are dealing with their own complex mix of medical, emotional and financial challenges. They're just doing it silently.
It's not just about "providing sperm" (although that's how most people think about male fertility) but it’s also about facing challenges such as…
Medical Testing & Treatment → Semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic screening, varicocele repair, and other procedures that can be just as expensive and time-consuming as female fertility treatments.
Mental Health Support → The emotional toll of fertility struggles hits 30% of men with depression, anxiety, relationship stress and feelings of inadequacy and shame. And they don’t have the same support systems as women to vent or get help.
Surgical Interventions → From sperm retrieval procedures to corrective surgeries, male fertility treatments can be invasive, require recovery time, and cost thousands of dollars.
Ongoing Monitoring → Fertility isn't a one-and-done situation. Men often need regular follow-ups, medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications that require ongoing medical support.
Here's likely what's happening in your office:
Men are quietly scheduling "dentist appointments" for fertility consultations. They're using vacation days for procedures. They're stressed about costs, worried about privacy, and carrying the burden unsupported by benefits that seem designed for female employees.
Comprehensive Male Fertility Support Includes...
Audit Your Current Benefits: Are you looking at your fertility coverage through a male lens by addressing their specific needs?
Update Your Communications: When you talk about fertility benefits, is the language inclusive? "Fertility support for all employees and their partners" sends a very different message than "maternity benefits."
Train Your Teams: Are HR Managers and Benefits Administrators equipped with the fertility lingo and challenges that affect men, and know how to provide appropriate support?
Create Male-focued Spaces: Do you have support groups, educational sessions, or resources that acknowledge their unique experience?
Ready to build fertility benefits that actually work for your entire team? Book a 15 minute call and learn more about myStoria for Employers.
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