It’s not just her!  New blood tests puts men’s fertility under the microscope

Men are involved in around half of all fertility struggles*, and yet fertility is still perceived as a woman’s issue, with men less likely to get tested. 

With male infertility rates reportedly on the rise*, this National Fertility Awareness Week (2-6 November), Medichecks, the UK’s leading at-home blood test provider, is launching Fertility IQ tests for both men and women, so couples can find out where they stand together.  With 1 in 6 people experiencing fertility challenges**, Medichecks hopes the tests will help people to take that first step. 

Medichecks knows that too many couples assume pregnancy will ‘just happen’ and only look for answers after months or years of trying, with men the least likely to speak up or get tested till after their partner.  As National Fertility Awareness Week aims to break taboos and myths around infertility, one of the biggest myths we need to step away from is that infertility only affects women. 

“Fertility is often treated as a given, but the reality is things can often be a bit more complicated,” says Dr Áine Rose Rafferty, from Medichecks.  “Fertility is influenced by a range of factors for both men and women, including hormone balance, thyroid function and overall metabolic health.  However, awareness of these indicators remains low.

“Fertility is not just a woman’s issue,” Dr Áine Rose adds.  “This is a stigma we need to break.  Greater understanding and shared responsibility is key to improving outcomes. No one should feel alone in seeking answers.  By making hormone testing more accessible, we hope to help people take a proactive step towards understanding their health, for now or in the future.”

Fertility struggles are often faced in silence, and for men that silence can feel even louder.  Charity, Fertility Network UK runs HIM Fertility, a support group for men facing fertility challenges, whether on their own or as part of a couple.  Medichecks hopes its new tests will encourage more men to start the conversations, with their partner, their GP or even a support network like HIM Fertility. 

Targeted biomarker panels for reproductive and hormonal health

Medichecks Male Fertility IQ Test - £129

With 15 biomarkers, the Male Fertility IQ test is designed to give men a clearer picture of factors that may be relevant to them.  The test also includes thyroid markers, often perceived to be a female concern, Medichecks wants men to understand that thyroid imbalance can affect fertility and wellbeing in men too. 

The test also measures total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, SHBG, albumin, FSH, LH and prolactin, alongside nutritional markers including ferritin, folate, active vitamin B12, vitamin D and magnesium. 

Medichecks Female Fertility IQ Test - £199

Helping women to understand their own ovarian reserve and reproductive hormones, the test measures AMH as an indicator of ovarian reserve, alongside FSH, LH, oestradiol, testosterone, thyroid hormones and nutritional markers including ferritin, folate, active vitamin B12, vitamin D and magnesium. 

The new tests aim to close the gap on fertility uncertainty and give both partners the chance to understand their reproductive health together, creating a starting point for further conversations. 

“Worrying about fertility can feel incredibly lonely,” says Dr Áine Rose.  “It often seems like everyone around you has an opinion to share, a timeline to meet, or a success story to compare you to.  For anyone worried about fertility, that pressure can become relentless, trapping you in a loop of painful questions - ‘Am I too old? Is it too late? Have I left it too long? Did I cause this?’

“I have experienced the uncertainty, fear, and hope that can come with fertility and pregnancy and it is important for both men and women alike to know that they are not alone in this journey.  Kick starting your process with a small test can make a huge difference to helping you clearly plan for the future.” 

Both tests are available from Medichecks.com.  Male Fertility IQ £129 and Female Fertility IQ £199.