• PHYSICAL CAUSES OF INFERILITY ARE FOUND IN BOTH 
  
  MEN AND WOMEN. 

  
  Infertility Fact: “Infertility affects men and women equally,” writes the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, continuing, “In approximately 40 percent of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility” (SRS, “FAQ Quick Facts About Infertility”). According to the NIH, about “one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors” (NIH.gov, “How common is male infertility, and what are its causes?”, citing the CDC).
   
  Infertility Awareness: Male infertility often involves issues with sperm production, such as low or absent sperm count, problems with sperm motility, or abnormally-shaped sperm. Structural issues such as blockages may also occur within the man’s reproductive tract. Male infertility has many causes, ranging from varicoceles (large veins), medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hormonal disorders, genetic disorders, infections, and environmental factors. Sometimes no cause can be determined and, as with female fertility issues, the cause of infertility may simply be unexplained.
   
  Action: We all carry crosses, so it’s important to resist making assumptions, or to ask intrusive questions that imply guilt or blame, such as: “Which one of you is the problem?” Regardless of the cause, infertility is always a shared experience within a couple’s marriage, and unity and a sense of purpose are essential. Affirm the goodness and beauty of the couple’s marriage as it exists right now and pray for the strengthening of their bond. If a couple shares with you that they struggle with infertility, encourage them to draw strength from the Lord, who brought them together according to His perfect plan.