Failure to diagnose treatable male infertility leading to unnecessary IVF, experts say

Experts report that many couples are undergoing unnecessary IVF treatments due to under-researched and under-treated male infertility within the UK's NHS. Despite men accounting for 50% of infertility cases, treatable conditions like varicocele are often missed due to a lack of awareness among GPs, limited specialist access, and insufficient NHS testing for men. This delay in diagnosis and treatment contrasts with the rapid testing often given to women, according to Vaibhav Modgil, a consultant urological surgeon. Experts had hoped the government's new men's health strategy would address this issue, but were disappointed by its omission, while a refresh of the women’s health strategy may address male infertility. Dr. Michael Carroll emphasizes the need to raise awareness about lifestyle factors impacting male fertility and the mental health toll of infertility on men.

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