A survival guide to Father’s Day while dealing with male infertility

Holidays are generally expected to be a joyous time for many, an opportunity to celebrate with loved ones and friends (not to mention a potential day off work). But in certain circumstances, they might conjure up loss or even frustration. On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, couples who are struggling to conceive could have a particularly difficult time. We all have our own parents to acknowledge on these days, but a man who desperately wants to be a dad might be reminded of his infertility challenges.

But perhaps instead of a source of disappointment, this holiday could be a reminder that hope is not lost. Father’s Day could be a celebration of the continuing valiant effort to conceive with the help of our Nashville and Murfreesboro fertility specialists.

If a couple is already in treatment, they can spend the day knowing it is entirely possible that come next Father’s Day, there could be a little one there to celebrate with. For couples that have not yet taken these steps, the holiday could be a nudge to do some research and get excited about alternative ways to begin the process of starting a family.

He’s dealing with male infertility, too?

For any man struggling with infertility, take the day to seriously decompress (and that doesn’t just mean to literally take off your tight biking shorts). Father’s Day should be a relaxing day for a couple trying to conceive. Spend the day doing your favorite activities that you neglect due to everyday obligations.

Also, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are plenty of men (and women) around the world who have been faced with fertility challenges, but sometimes it can help to think of some people you might “know.”

• Jimmy Fallon is one celebrity who has been very open about his struggle with infertility. He and his wife Nancy tried diligently for five years before deciding to go with surrogacy.
• Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg shared publicly about the difficulty to conceive with his wife Priscilla Chan before they eventually welcomed daughter Max to the world in 2015.
• Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey opened up on his television series The F Word about his low sperm count and the anxiety he and his wife experienced undergoing IVF. Ramsey and his wife now have four children.
• Actor Tom Arnold revealed that he has had a low sperm count and wasn’t able to conceive in previous relationships. But after many years Arnold now has a son with Ashley Groussman and says he’s thankful it didn’t happen before. It happened when it was supposed to.

It can be encouraging to know that if the process of bringing a new life into the world begins with such purposeful intent, it can really demonstrate a couple’s inherent ability to be truly thoughtful and dedicated parents.

The staff at our Nashville and Murfreesboro fertility centers wishes you a happy Future Father’s Day. Contact us for an appointment.

Nashville Fertility