Why Men Still Don’t Talk About Infertility (But They Absolutely Should)

Let’s get one thing straight: men’s infertility is NOT a punchline or a taboo anymore.

If you’ve never heard of Corey Parchman, a former NFL player turned fertility advocate, then you’re in for a game changer. Recently, Corey graced CBS Mornings to talk about his new book, IVF Playbook for Men — a candid, no-nonsense guide through the emotional and physical rollercoaster of IVF from a guy’s perspective. The goal? To smash the silence that so many men endure alone when facing infertility.

So why is male infertility still such a hush-hush topic?

Well, society has long painted fertility struggles as a “woman’s issue.” But guess what? Male factors cause or contribute to approximately 50% of infertility cases. Yet men rarely open up about it. Corey’s story shines a much-needed spotlight on this imbalance.

Imagine being a professional athlete, accustomed to physical prowess and peak performance, suddenly faced with an invisible struggle that challenges your identity in a deeply personal way. That’s Corey’s journey. And it’s one that resonates with countless men worldwide.

What keeps men quiet about infertility?

  • Cultural expectations: The stereotype that “real men” always perform, especially on the physical and reproductive fronts, creates pressure to stay silent.
  • Emotional isolation: Without outlets to express feelings or share experiences, men often bottle up the anxiety and shame.
  • Lack of tailored resources: Many fertility supports focus on women, leaving men feeling left out or invisible.

Enter Corey Parchman’s IVF Playbook for Men — a beacon for breaking barriers.

In his book and interviews, Corey discusses the nitty-gritty of IVF and fertility treatments from a male viewpoint. He offers:

  • Practical advice: What to expect throughout the IVF process.
  • Emotional support: Normalizing men’s feelings, fears, and frustrations.
  • Community building: Encouraging men to connect and share their journeys.

But that’s not all.

How does this relate to you or someone you know?

Whether you’re a man silently struggling with fertility, a partner eager to support, or just curious about the male side of this puzzle, Corey’s story is a reminder: infertility affects everyone — and open conversation is the first step toward healing.

What can we do to support male fertility conversations?

  • Start the dialogue early: Don’t wait until a crisis to talk about fertility concerns.
  • Educate yourself: Understanding male infertility helps reduce stigma.
  • Explore flexible options: Innovative at-home insemination tools, like those offered by companies such as MakeAMom, empower individuals and couples to take charge on their own terms — often outside traditional clinical settings.

MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits cater to various needs, including low motility and sensitivities, with a respectable success rate of around 67%. They’re discreet, reusable, and designed to support diverse fertility journeys, which is exactly the kind of practical resource men and couples need alongside emotional support.

Why should men care?

Because fertility isn’t just about biology — it’s about identity, relationships, and dreams of parenthood. Corey’s brave sharing helps deconstruct outdated ideas about masculinity and infertility. It reassures men they’re not alone or “less than.”

And when men feel empowered to speak up, seek help, and access resources, everyone wins.

To sum it up:

  • Male infertility is common but under-discussed.
  • Corey Parchman’s IVF Playbook for Men is a groundbreaking resource shattering stigma.
  • Open conversations lead to emotional relief and better outcomes.
  • Practical tools like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits put power in your hands.

So, here’s a question for you: How can we, as a community, amplify male voices in fertility conversations? Drop your thoughts below, share this post to spread awareness, and let’s keep breaking down barriers together.

Oh, and if you want to watch Corey’s interview for yourself, check out the original CBS News segment. It’s worth every second.