Previous studies have looked at female depression and fertility, but the link on the male side is far less studied. Now there is an important new study from the US National Institutes of Health’s Reproductive Medicine Network. This study suggests a compelling link between mental health and fertility may exist for men too.
The study looked at 1,650 women and 1,608 men who were recruited from 6 locations in the United States. Most of the participants were couples who were undergoing some form of fertility treatment, but not IVF. They answered a questionnaire relating to their mental health.
60% of males with depression unlikely to achieve a live birth
It was found that around 6% of the women and 2% of the men were suffering from major depression. Although the number of men with major depression was small, just 34 in the study. However, there was a strong correlation with infertility, those with major depression were 60% less likely to have a live birth.
Importantly, of these 34 men, only three less than 9% achieved a live birth with their partner. This compared to a 25% live birth rate for the men without major depression.
The researchers theorize several factors that may explain why male depression may interfere with fertility, such as:
- Sexual dysfunction due to reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Delayed or inhibited ejaculation
- Decrease in the frequency of intercourse
- Possible negative change in sperm quality
Whilst the exact cause is still unknown, the study with its strong correlation between depression and infertility reflects past research. When previous studies investigated sperm quality and stress, they found men with high stress levels had lower levels of testosterone.
The author’s note, ”Our study provides infertility patients and their physicians with new information to consider when making treatment decisions.”
If depression is suspected in the male partner then this should be covered as part of their fertility treatment.
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