Infertility affects millions of couples. In fact, 1 in 8 couples of childbearing age in the U.S. have fertility issues.
The public perception is that women are most affected by infertility, the numbers say otherwise. Men contribute to 50% of infertility issues in couples and are solely responsible for 20-30% of infertility cases.
While approximately 44% of women with fertility problems seek medical assistance, 80% of men in infertile couples won’t receive a fertility evaluation.
Whether it’s fear of having to provide a sample at a doctor’s office or lack of knowledge of their role in infertility, some men exclude themselves from the fertility discussion. However, those barriers are being removed.
Guys don’t have to go through an awkward sperm test at a clinic anymore. They can test check their fertility status at home with SpermCheck, an over-the-counter fertility test for men.
And, lack of knowledge and support isn’t an issue either, thanks to organizations like RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association.
RESOLVE provides couples with fertility support and information, and increases infertility awareness through public education and advocacy. The organization has helped both women and men by providing a community of support for family building.
Each year, the organization honors individuals and groups that help improve the lives of people living with infertility with its Night of Hope awards gala. This year’s event will be Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Chelsea Piers in New York.
HONORING INFERTILITY ADVOCATES
The Night of Hope consists of seven awards, including the Hope Award for Achievement, given to individuals or organizations whose actions improve the lives of those diagnosed with infertility.
This year’s Achievement recipients are Dawn Davenport and Amanda Micheli.
Davenport is the director of Creating a Family, an infertility and adoption non-profit. The organization provides support and information before, during, and after infertility treatment.
Micheli is the director of the documentary HAVEABABY, which follows several aspiring parents who are struggling with infertility and the high cost of treatments. The couples enter a Las Vegas fertility clinic’s annual contest which offers a free round of in-vitro fertilization.
Other recipients of this year’s awards include the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Infertility impacts all genders and people of all walks of life. RESOLVE provides hope for those couples, for a night in November and beyond.
