Why Corey Parchman’s IVF Journey Is Shattering the Silence Around Male Infertility
Did you know that nearly half of infertility cases involve male factors — yet men rarely talk about it? That silence is exactly what former NFL player Corey Parchman is challenging with his new book, IVF Playbook for Men. His candid journey through IVF treatment is not just a story; it’s a movement encouraging men to break free from the stigma that so often keeps them in the shadows.
I recently watched Corey’s interview on CBS Mornings (you can check it out here) and it was eye-opening. Here’s a guy who was used to the spotlight on the football field, now stepping courageously into a very different kind of battle — one many men silently endure.
Why is male infertility such a hush-hush topic?
Society’s expectations of masculinity don’t usually include vulnerability, especially when it comes to reproductive health. Men are often expected to be the “strong” ones, so admitting struggles with fertility can feel like admitting defeat. The truth is, male infertility is more common than most people realize, affecting about 1 in 20 men worldwide.
Corey’s book serves as a beacon for men in that predicament, offering practical advice and emotional support for navigating IVF — a process historically seen as a “women’s journey.” But the reality is, IVF and fertility challenges involve both partners, and men’s roles and feelings deserve just as much attention.
So, what can we learn from Corey’s openness?
- Acknowledgment is powerful: Talking about male infertility breaks down stigma and encourages more men to get tested and seek help.
- Knowledge is empowerment: Understanding the science behind infertility and IVF demystifies the process, making it less intimidating.
- Support systems matter: Emotional honesty helps partners connect more deeply during a stressful time.
As someone who’s passionate about making fertility options more accessible, I find Corey’s message deeply inspiring.
Speaking of accessible options, have you ever wondered how home insemination kits fit into this picture?
Not everyone needs or wants to immediately jump into clinical IVF. Some couples or individuals prefer to start their fertility journey from the comfort of home. That’s where companies like MakeAMom come in, offering reusable insemination kits tailored to different needs — whether that’s low motility sperm, sensitivities, or working with frozen samples.
Their kits, such as CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker, provide affordable, discreet, and user-friendly alternatives that empower people to take control of their fertility journey on their own terms. And guess what? They report an impressive success rate of 67%, which is pretty encouraging!
Corey’s story and the availability of home options highlight an important truth: fertility journeys are deeply personal and diverse, and everyone deserves support without judgment. Whether you’re navigating IVF like Corey or exploring at-home insemination, breaking the silence is the first step toward hope.
Feeling inspired yet? Maybe you or someone you know has faced or is facing male infertility — have you talked about it openly? What’s holding you back?
Let’s keep this conversation going. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. After all, the more we talk, the more we heal — and the less stigma survives.
To explore more about accessible fertility options and how at-home insemination could work for you, take a quiet moment to visit MakeAMom’s resourceful site — it might just open new doors you hadn’t considered.
Remember, fertility struggles don’t discriminate, and neither should support.