Australia’s first male infertility guidelines just dropped and here’s why it matters

Community Announcement
15 October 2025
www.healthymale.org.au

Did you know that male infertility contributes to one in four cases of assisted reproductive treatment in Australia, but could be a factor in up to 50% of all infertile couples?
 
For too long, fertility talk has focused almost entirely on women, but that’s finally changing. Healthy Male, a leading authority on men’s health in Australia, has today released the country’s first-ever national guidelines for male infertility, setting a new benchmark for how men are assessed, diagnosed and treated when it comes to fertility issues.
 
While we don’t often talk about it, male infertility contributes to up to half of all fertility challenges faced by couples. Until now, there hasn’t been a clear, evidence-based framework in Australia to help specialists properly investigate and manage male fertility but these new guidelines are here to change that.
 
“Men have often been left out of the fertility conversation,” says Professor Rob McLachlan AM, Healthy Male’s Medical Director. “These guidelines bring men back into focus and give clinicians the clarity and confidence they need to deliver better, more equitable care.”

The new framework includes 80 expert-backed recommendations - including first steps for testing, and treatment options- giving both doctors and patients the tools to better understand what’s going on and how to take action sooner.
 
Former AFL player and Healthy Male ambassador Reece Conca knows firsthand how isolating infertility can be. After being diagnosed with azoospermia (zero sperm count), he and his partner spent years navigating IVF before welcoming their son.
 
“For men going through infertility, these guidelines make things a lot clearer,” Reece shares. “They ensure clinicians have the best knowledge available and can help men understand what their infertility journey might involve. Men need to know they’re not alone in this.”
 
This release marks a major step forward in breaking down stigma, improving access to quality care, and helping couples make informed choices about their reproductive health.
 
If you or someone you know is navigating fertility challenges, Healthy Male is a trusted resource offering reliable, easy-to-understand information about male infertility and men’s health.
 
Learn more and explore the new guidelines here and follow @healthymale_au on Instagram for updates and expert insights.