From my experience supporting couples through their fertility journeys, I've seen firsthand how often male fertility is overlooked. Many clinics and patients tend to place the entire burden on the woman, especially when she's over 40, but male factors contribute to roughly 50% of infertility cases. Sperm quality has declined dramatically worldwide in the past decades — sperm counts have dropped by more than half in 40 years. This means that even if basic sperm parameters seem 'normal,' there may still be issues like high DNA fragmentation hurting the chances of natural conception or IVF success. I've noticed that DNA fragmentation tests are often not offered upfront, even though they provide crucial information that could influence treatment decisions and improve outcomes. Couples I've worked with have had to advocate strongly to get these tests done, and when we identify male fertility issues, lifestyle changes, supplements, or medical interventions can make a significant difference before jumping into more invasive and costly procedures like IVF. It's also important to remember that fertility is a team effort — both partners' health matters immensely. When trying to conceive naturally or preparing for assisted fertility treatments, both partners engaging in improving their health and understanding their fertility status creates the best chance of success. If you're in the over-40 age range, this is even more important since egg quality naturally declines, but optimizing male fertility could greatly boost your chances. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about sperm DNA fragmentation tests and ensuring both partners receive thorough fertility evaluations. Learning more about both partners' fertility helps reduce blind spots and tailor an effective approach for your unique TTC journey.