Kiddipedia
They say life begins with a race – but when it comes to sperm, unfortunately not every competitor is built to win.
And while infertility is often thought of as a women’s health issue, data shows that of the one in six couples who face fertility challenges, half of the issues are attributed to a male factor.
Understanding a male’s sperm health is just as important as exploring the reproductive health of a woman is.
But unlike a woman’s egg count, a man’s sperm count, if found to be low or even zero (a condition known as Azoospermia),can be reversed, and this is why a semen test is often the first investigation a fertility specialist will suggest.
Male fertility issues can include poor-quality sperm, low sperm count or blockages, or because of injuries to the groin area or genetic conditions.
At this year’s Bridge to Brisbane event, which drew a record 41,000 participants from near and far, City Fertility put male fertility health in the spotlight with a playful ‘Egg & Sperm Race’ aimed at bringing the microscopic journey to life on a very public stage.
More than 20 of the leading fertility group’s staff lined up on the Gateway Bridge in the wee hours on a Sunday to take part in the 30th year of the annual fun run, with several of them donning a very important costume to raise fertility awareness.
Embryologist Courtney Liehme led the team dressed as an egg, with a selection of other staff taking to the course as sperm, the race offering a cheeky yet vital reminder that when it comes to conception, speed isn’t the only measure of success.
For sperm, health, movement, shape and overall quality can all play a role in fertility success – which means that not every sperm wins the race.
“While it was definitely a bit of fun, the message underlining this is crucial,” City Fertility’s Head of Marketing Nishi Jarver said.
“While fertility is often framed as a women’s health issue, male factors contribute to around half of infertility cases, making sperm health an important part of the fertility conversation.”
For City Fertility, the ‘stunt’ was about making fertility communication more accessible – taking something microscopic, clinical and often uncomfortable to talk about and turning it into a visual moment people can immediately understand.
It follows the national fertility group’s foray into the NRL this season as the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ preferred fertility partner.
Head to the City Fertility website too book a free fertility health check or head to our specialist page to book a consultation.
+++++
KEY FACTS ABOUT MALE INFERTILITY
The common signs of infertility include:
- Reduced sexual desire or impotency
- Testicular pain, and or swelling
- Issues with ejaculation
- Minimal amount of ejaculate
Sperm quality can be affected by
- A lack of regular exercise / obesity
- Smoking / alcohol intake / drug use
- Heat stress from tight pants or shorts
- Steroid use
- Age – male fertility starts to reduce between 40-45 years
About City Fertility
City Fertility is one of Australia’s leading fertility service providers, offering comprehensive fertility assessment and treatment through its national network of clinics and experienced specialists. City Fertility, which has 13 fertility centres and laboratories nationwide, 50 consulting locations across four states, and more than 60 specialists across Australia, is committed to evidence-based, compassionate, couple-centred care.
