Infertility in celebrities brings needed attention to the difficult journey many of us undertake on our road to parenthood. When you look at infertility in celebrities, you discover that their desire to conceive a child is no different from ours. This is our common ground, and it is all too human.
When male celebrities share their fertility struggles, it also helps ease some of the lingering myths surrounding the topic. These include the perceptions of some that infertility is mostly an issue that affects women; or that male infertility is somehow linked to masculinity.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The reality is that only 2 percentage points separate male and female infertility rates in the United States. Also, sperm concentrations in men residing in Western countries fell 52 percent between 1973 and 2011. This means it’s crucial to have the conversation, to remove the barriers when it comes to the conversation. In other words, infertility is an issue that affects both sexes equally.
As for the men? These men come from all walks of life. Men just like you. The results of this study would go on to be part of a feature story in Newsweek in 2017. When men share their stories, specifically infertility in celebrities, it opens the conversation and changes the negative connotations.
Let’s look at seven male celebrities who have helped start the conversation.
Infertility in Celebrities: Just the Men
Gordon Ramsey. The celebrity chef, known for his explosive personality in the kitchen, holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. What many do not know is that Ramsey also struggled with fertility issues. The chef has been open and even vocal about his low sperm count.
He and his wife conceived three children through in vitro fertilization. When it comes to the conversation – infertility in celebrities – Ramsey has probably been the most forthcoming.
Mark Zuckerberg. The Facebook founder is one of the most successful entrepreneurs on the planet. However, when it came time to start a family with his wife, the couple found that they needed help.
After three miscarriages, the Zuckerbergs got pregnant and had a child.
Jimmy Fallon. The host of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and his wife struggled with infertility for five years before relying on a surrogate. The couple became parents in 2013. Following this, Fallon was inspired to write a children’s book after the birth of his daughter.
Keith Urban. The country crooner and husband of actress Nicole Kidman dealt with fertility issues for a few years. This prompted Urban and his wife to use a surrogate. Today their child born from a surrogate is 9 years old.
Lance Armstrong. Tour de France winner and famous cyclist – not to mention controversial public figure – had his sperm frozen prior to testicular cancer treatments. He relied on this sperm to father three children following cancer remission.
This brings great hope for men diagnosed with cancer, but still interested in having children. There are many programs available to freeze sperm. A testicular cancer diagnosis, in other words, does not mean you have to abandon your dream of fathering a child.
Nick Cannon. Comedian Nick Cannon, who has Lupus, had difficulties conceiving a child with his former wife, singer Mariah Carey. The couple successfully used in vitro fertilization treatments and today are the proud parents of twins!
John Legend. Singer John Legend and his model wife Chrissy Teigen wanted to start a family after getting married. After much struggle, they turned to in vitro fertilization and documented their journey on social media. Today, they are the proud parents of two children.
Lessons Learned
As men and women struggle with infertility, we learn that we can talk about it. We can understand that fertility issues have nothing to do with masculinity or femininity. Infertility is a human problem, and when we talk about it, we make it easier for the next generation to do the same.
Male infertility statistics continue to rise, which means you can’t be afraid to have the conversation. It’s important to pick up where celebrities leave off. You can’t be afraid to reach out to skilled fertility experts for help. You can’t be afraid to try. Another lesson learned? The results of reaching out for help are worth it!
If you would like to learn more about GENESIS Fertility New York or are ready to schedule an appointment, please speak with one of our New Patient Specialists at 718-705-7724
