Infertile Men Increasingly Visiting Hospitals on Their Own... Why?

Increased Awareness of 'Couple's Shared Issues'... Impact of Expanded Health Insurance Coverage for Infertility Treatments

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The number of men receiving infertility treatment has surged by 47% over five years due to causes such as delayed marriage, smoking, drinking, stress, and exposure to environmental hormones. In contrast, the number of women receiving infertility treatment during the same period has decreased by 10%.

In the past, there was a mistaken stereotype that infertility was caused by women, but recently, with increased scientific awareness and expanded national support for infertility treatments due to low birth rates, more men have been visiting hospitals.

According to data submitted by the National Health Insurance Corporation to In Jae-geun, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, the number of infertility patients increased by about 4%, from 216,063 in 2015 to 224,743 in 2019.

In particular, the number of male patients increased noticeably. The number of male patients was 53,980 in 2015 and surged by about 47% to 79,251 in 2019 over five years. Meanwhile, the number of female patients decreased by about 10%, from 162,083 to 145,492 during the same period.

Professor Kim Dae-geun of the Department of Urology at Cha Women's Medical Research Institute Seoul Station Center explained, "Although male infertility tests have been simpler and cheaper, women have visited infertility clinics more frequently. However, as male infertility cases account for about 40% of total infertility and awareness has increased that infertility is not a problem biased toward one side but an issue couples must work on together, more men are visiting hospitals."

If pregnancy does not occur within one year despite normal marital relations, it is infertility
Couples should undergo infertility testing together

Infertility refers to a situation where a couple who does not use contraception fails to conceive within one year despite normal marital relations. Male infertility arises from complex and diverse causes, including individual lifestyle habits. It can be divided into sperm production disorders, where the testes fail to produce sperm properly; sperm transport disorders, where sperm are normally produced in the testes but cannot be ejaculated due to obstruction in the epididymis or vas deferens; accessory gland dysfunction caused by problems in the seminal vesicles or prostate; and sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders.

Experts unanimously agree that improving lifestyle habits is important to prevent infertility. To promote healthy sperm production, it is advisable to refrain from excessive drinking, maintain an appropriate weight through proper exercise and a balanced diet. Since the testes, the male reproductive organs, are sensitive to high temperatures, prolonged exposure to hot saunas or excessive cycling should be avoided. Wearing tight pants for extended periods is discouraged; instead, wearing loose-fitting bottoms to allow good ventilation is recommended.

Professor Song Seung-hoon of the Department of Urology at Gangnam CHA Hospital said, "If pregnancy does not occur despite attempts over a certain period, it is advisable for couples to undergo infertility testing together. In cases of male infertility, it is not uncommon for severe conditions such as hypogonadism, pituitary tumors, chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, and diabetes to accompany reduced fertility, so early diagnosis and treatment of underlying diseases are important."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.