Possible causes of infertility in men
Just as in women, emotional and psychological reasons can contribute to infertility in men. What might cause such issues? The root of infertility in both genders can arise from anywhere: from transgenerational traumas to personal life experiences.
If a couple is medically healthy and there is no apparent reason the woman can’t conceive, it’s worth examining whether there are any emotional factors in the man that might be hindering conception.
For example, the prospective father may have high expectations for himself and might be terrified of how he will meet them, how he will be a perfect dad.
Some men fear becoming fathers due to unhealed traumas from their own childhoods, wanting to ensure their child doesn’t endure similar experiences. They worry that lingering anger from unresolved childhood wounds and the parenting patterns they were exposed to might undermine their intentions of being a good father. While some might argue that it’s entirely up to the individual to determine how he behaves towards his children, anyone who has seen the impact of such deep-seated traumas — the anger, depression, or addiction they can trigger — would understand that this mindset is, in its own way, rooted in responsibility.
If a couple wants a child, it’s better to address and resolve these issues first. Thus, the child doesn’t have to live with an adult who suffers from depression, addiction, or intense anger. Often, the prospective father might not even be aware of these fears; he may unconsciously block his fertility.
Another prevalent issue is the unresolved grief and guilt stemming from past miscarriages or abortions. Many believe that miscarriages or terminated pregnancies predominantly affect women, but this isn’t true. If a man has experienced such an event in his life, it can indeed be a significant factor contributing to infertility. The weight of grief and guilt can profoundly impact men as well.
Transgenerational causes for infertility also exist. For instance, consider a situation where a female ancestor in a man’s lineage died during childbirth. Even though we logically understand that the child’s father is not at fault, Bert Hellinger’s observations suggest that the human psyche might interpret this tragedy differently. Within the family dynamic, the story may evolve to suggest that the woman’s pregnancy resulted from the man’s unchecked desires, indirectly placing the blame for her death on him. If the associated grief and guilt aren’t addressed, a family narrative can develop implying that pregnancy is perilous. Such beliefs might manifest as sexual dysfunctions in some families, while others grapple with infertility.
Another example where the family system could influence infertility is if a male ancestor met a tragic end, like a young soldier who perished childless in a war. A descendant might unconsciously honor this often-overlooked family member by mirroring his fate, opting to remain childless.
Beyond these scenarios, various other experiences or events can result in male infertility. Many of these causes lurk beneath conscious recognition. While these perspectives may seem unconventional to many, it’s essential to acknowledge that the human psyche operates based on intricate and sometimes enigmatic principles. When medical evaluations and conscious reflection fail to pinpoint the cause of infertility in a couple, exploring the depths of the subconscious might provide answers.
– Eszter
