Millions of Men Are Infertile. Now, They’re Starting to Talk About It.

“It doesn’t make you less of a man,” one man tells Time.

Male suicide
The vast majority of suicides among young people are male. (Getty)
Getty Images

For decades, it was thought that women were the root cause of infertility. With extensive research, Time reports, it’s now understood that up to 50 percent of infertility cases are due to sperm-related issues — but men “are largely absent from public conversation” about the issue.

Speaking with former body builder Bradley Goldman, Time reports Goldman’s zero-sperm count was “earth-shattering” to him. Although fertility drugs are helping his count slowly increase, Goldman told the magazine that has sex drive has suffered and he’s lost 30 pounds of muscle. He’s feeling depressed and has less energy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Thankful … ▪️ Every year is not going to be easy. Everyday won’t feel great. But, if you’re able to read this you’ve got something to be thankful for. ▪️ Today, take a minute to reflect on the beautiful things you have in your life. Today I’m thankful for: My wife My family My health My friends My business ALL OF ? YOU ? The roof over my head The food on my plate And so much more! ▪️ Don’t forget, put your Tupperware away. Leave the dried chicken breast at home and load your plate up with some tasty food and delicious dessert today! Your fitness goals won’t disappear with one meal as long as you snap back quick! Take the day to enjoy all the food, all the love and most importantly to enjoy those who you choose to spend your time with. ▪️ Have a happy #Thanksgiving ! #BeStrongStayFit ?: @sincerelykinsey

A post shared by Bradley Goldman (@bestrongstayfit) on Nov 22, 2018 at 7:48am PST

“I have 10-plus thousand people that follow me on Instagram,” Goldman told Time, “who don’t know who the f-ck I am.”

But importantly, the outlet reports, he isn’t alone. And more men are coming around to understanding that it’s OK to discuss fertility issues, especially as research shows that sperm count “has declined more than 50% in less than 40 years” among men who live in Western countries.

“I feel like I’m your stereotypical masculine-looking man,” Goldman told Time. “I’m tattooed. I have muscles. I work out. And I’m infertile. How many other guys out there that have this machismo, this mind-set about them, are in my shoes as well?”

There is a place for support and help, though, that’s specifically for men only: Men’s Fertility Support, a group on Facebook with nearly a thousand members.

“I was not about to share with a bunch of random dudes what I’m going through,” Goldman said he initially thought, but then caved. After reading a message posted by a man who said he’d considered suicide because of fertility issues, Time reports Goldman broke down in tears.

“That’s what so many men go through, and just keep their mouth shut.”

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.