Doveras × Chief: bringing male fertility into the conversation

About the conversation

It was a pleasure to host an important conversation about fertility and family building, through the lens of male fertility, with the Chief community. Is “Spermageddon” real? How can the male partner show up better? And from testing to lifestyle changes, where should you start?

Why does male fertility matter to the largest network of women executive leaders? Too often, women and people with ovaries carry the burden of a couple’s fertility challenges. Yet at least 40% of all fertility challenges come back to male-factor issues, according to the Opens in a new tab: American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

You’re more than just your sperm count.

Top takeaways

Male fertility health is a window into overall health

It is also a predictor of future health concerns. Focusing on pre-pregnancy and fertility health can support your longer-term health. Dr. Peter Schlegel

Male fertility affects everyone

When men and people with sperm aren’t brought into the conversation and tested early, couples are driven toward more invasive and costly treatment. Leslie Schrock

You’re more than your sperm count

Beyond traditional semen parameters, sperm epigenetics can reveal a great deal about what’s happening under the hood. Kristin Brogaard, PhD, Inherent Biosciences

Accessible male fertility care is in short supply

Male-factor issues contribute to as many as half of infertility cases, yet most people don’t know where to turn for help. Pamela Pure, Posterity Health

Lifestyle changes can improve fertility potential

Lifestyle factors, from diet to toxin exposure to activity, have a significant impact on sperm health and function. Doveras built the world’s largest database of fertility lifestyle science to translate that research into guidance for each person. Nara Lee, Doveras

We’re deeply grateful to Chief member Abenaa (Abby) Hayes for hosting.