A FERTILITY expert is calling for more support for men with sperm problems.

Ian Stones, a fertility and wellness expert based in Hove, was keen to raise the subject during this year’s Fertility Awareness Week, which culminates with a show in London this weekend.

The 41-year-old said: “Fertility awareness is very heavily focused on women, which is understandable to an extent – but when there is a problem with sperm, guys need to know that it’s OK to talk about it.

“Getting a diagnosis of subfertility can be devastating.”

Ian said it is slowly becoming easier for men to talk about mental health, but it can still be really difficult for men to talk openly about fertility problems.

He said: “I think there needs to be a cultural change, so that men can talk about fertility more easily.

“But it’s also just about knowing there are services you can go to.”

As a fertility consultant, Ian works with couples to help them start a family.

He said: “I can offer stress management and emotional support, as well as practical advice for improving fertility and overall health.

“But there are also charities who can help like Fertility Network UK, who have organised the Fertility Awareness Week.

“In Hove we also have the Agora Clinic, and they offer an advanced male fertility screening test.

“It’s important people know about the services available.”

Ian said with the right guidance men can make a positive change to their sperm health, but if they don’t know where to turn, pressure can build up in relationships.

He said: “Some guys will do their own research, but others only hear advice from their partners, and this can feel like nagging.

“All this pressure can take its toll on relationships.”

According to Ian, a stressful lifestyle is one of the biggest factors which can affect fertility.

“Good diet and nutrition can make a big difference, and exercise and weight management are also important for men and women.

“There are some very practical things guys can do, such as reducing alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, which will all help with sperm quality.”

Ian also believes education on fertility should be part of the curriculum as well as sex education.

“We spend most of our adult lives trying not to get pregnant, but I think it should be taught in schools – let’s teach them about safe sex, but also about fertility and their health.”