Male infertility is more common than many people realise, yet it remains one of the least openly discussed aspects of the fertility journey. Melbourne sport broadcaster Sam Hargraves is changing that. After being diagnosed with azoospermia (a condition where no sperm is present in the semen), Sam found himself confronting feelings of shame, embarrassment, and a deep sense of having failed his partner. His story, shared during Men's Mental Health Week, is a powerful reminder that fertility challenges affect men just as profoundly as women.
Male factors contribute to around 30 to 40% of infertility cases, according to Genea Melbourne fertility specialist Dr Chandrika Parmar. Causes range from obstructive azoospermia (where a physical blockage prevents sperm from being released) to non-obstructive causes such as hormone imbalances or genetic conditions. The good news is that testing is straightforward, and there are many pathways forward. For some men, lifestyle changes including reducing alcohol, improving diet, and managing stress can make a meaningful difference. For others, options such as surgical sperm retrieval or donor sperm may be explored.
For Sam and his partner Evie, IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) made their dream of a family possible, twice over. He credits open conversation, a strong support network, and a willingness to face the unknown as the things that carried him through.
His message to other men is clear: getting tested is not a measure of your worth, and talking about it could change everything.
Read Sam's full story to find out how he and Evie navigated azoospermia, IVF, and what it truly means to be a man.
Dr Chandrika Parmar
Dr. Chandrika Parmar, an esteemed gynaecologist, and infertility specialist, is renowned for her compassionate and patient-centric approach to fertility care. With a philosophy rooted in holistic and personalised treatment, Dr. Parmar is committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each patient. Her extensive experience and dedication to her patients have made her a trusted name in the field of reproductive medicine.
