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Exploring the science
Future of Fatherhood 2019, Part 3
Male fertility decline receives little attention because fertility is wrongly considered primarily a women's issue.
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January 1, 2019
LEGACY: The Future of Fatherhood, Part 2
Male fertility issues are often overlooked when couples struggle to conceive, unfairly placing blame primarily on women.
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January 1, 2019
LEGACY: Future of Fatherhood, Part 1
Male fertility has declined 50-60% in two generations, yet women bear disproportionate blame for couple infertility issues.
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January 1, 2019
Researchers find stressful pregnancies may impact fertility for male offspring
Maternal stress during pregnancy correlates with reduced testosterone levels and sperm quality in male offspring.
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March 17, 2020
Scientists have discovered a “sperm sensor” molecule that could improve fertility
Yale researchers identified a molecule that may help sperm reach and fertilize eggs.
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March 17, 2020
New study highlights potential impact of steroids, including 90% chance of fertility damage
Men pursuing fitness goals should know that steroid use for enhanced results risks infertility and serious health complications.
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March 17, 2020
Experts say the male fertility crisis is “alarming”
Sperm counts have plummeted 50% in four decades, prompting scientists to warn of a male fertility crisis.
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March 17, 2020
Can common household products harm fertility?
Male subfertility affects over a third of couples, so protecting your fertility through reasonable precautions is important.
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March 17, 2020
Using stem cells to preserve male fertility
A 2019 study shows freezing testicular tissue may preserve male fertility, though extracting sperm from it remains scientifical...
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March 17, 2020
New Harvard study analyzes connections between diet and male fertility
Exercise and diet both matter for weight management, but nutrition habits are far more important than workouts alone.
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March 17, 2020
Newcastle study discovers a gene that could be a breakthrough in male fertility
Understanding genetics' role in fertility helps people make informed decisions about their health and family planning.
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March 17, 2020
Harvard study finds marijuana use is linked with higher sperm concentrations
As marijuana legalization spreads across U.S. states, scientists are examining both its potential health benefits and risks.
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March 17, 2020
Study uncovers one cause of male infertility hidden for 150 years
A 2019 University of Nevada study overturns 150-year-old sperm transport theory, potentially leading to new male infertility tr...
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March 17, 2020
Gene editing: Questions of ethics and standards
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania began a 2018 trial using gene-editing to enhance immune cells to fight three canc...
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March 17, 2020
Chlorine and male fertility
Adolescents exposed to chlorinated pools over 250 hours before age 10 had 300% higher rates of abnormally low testosterone.
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March 17, 2020
Christianity and fertility care
Major Christian denominations differ on fertility treatment: Protestants allow most interventions but ban donation, Catholics r...
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in Kenya: A falling birth rate, shifting demographics, and allocation of government resources
Kenya's fertility rate halved from eight to four children per woman over four decades, the lowest in East Africa.
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in Spain: The “go-to” country for fertility treatments
Spain's 2006 law allows all women over 18 to access IVF and artificial insemination, unlike France's restrictions on single and...
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in Egypt: A country of 100M
Nine months after Egypt's 2011 Arab Spring revolution, birth rates surged dramatically in this already high-fertility nation.
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March 17, 2020
Chemicals, the alarm bell of male fertility
Toxic chemical exposure, particularly phthalates in household products, significantly impairs male fertility more than female f...
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March 17, 2020
Flying, skiing, and hiking: The link between high altitude and male fertility
High altitude's low oxygen and rapid dehydration may reduce male fertility, affecting aircraft personnel and frequent flyers di...
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in South Korea: On “loner culture” and the “birth strike”
South Korea's densely populated youth increasingly prioritize solitude over collective gatherings, defying traditional Asian va...
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in the USA: The impact of prescription medication
Most Americans start their day with pills, though over half of all prescription medications don't work as intended.
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in Germany: The lowest birthrate in the world
Germany has struggled with one of the world's lowest birth rates among developed nations, though recent data shows modest impro...
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March 17, 2020
Harvard studies effect of obesity on male fertility
Obesity and Male Fertility – Harvard Study Review Concludes Excess Weight a Threat to Sperm Production.
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March 17, 2020
Islam and fertility care
Islam permits infertile couples to pursue fertility treatments like IVF, provided the procedure benefits only the married coupl...
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March 17, 2020
Judaism and fertility care
Judaism's 14 million followers across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform traditions generally support IVF as a means to fulfill...
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March 17, 2020
Parental age on the rise in US cities
Women's first conception age averages 31-32 in major cities like New York and San Francisco, but 20-21 in rural areas.
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March 17, 2020
Harvard study examines underwear’s effect on fertility
A 2018 study of 656 men found connections between underwear type and testicular function markers.
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in Brazil: Is Zika a risk?
Hope Solo faced backlash from Rio crowds for warning about Zika virus risks on social media during the 2016 Olympics.
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March 17, 2020
Fertility in China: Examining cultural and environmental barriers to conception
China's One-Child Policy (1979–present) initially aimed to control population growth but ultimately created unforeseen social p...
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March 17, 2020
Unexpected risks to male fertility
Vehicle exhaust, antihistamines, and soft drinks can all negatively impact sperm quality and fertility.
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March 17, 2020
Epigenetic inheritance: Can fathers pass on experiences through their genes?
Throughout history, playwrights have explored whether children inherit their parents' moral failings alongside physical traits.
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March 17, 2020
Future possibilities in cryogenic storage
Walt Disney's frozen body became the subject of urban legend, fueled by his visionary predictions about future technology and s...
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March 17, 2020
The rise of “coronababies”: COVID-19 pandemic and fertility trends
COVID-19 concerns are reshaping family planning decisions as people weigh risks to pregnancy and newborn health.
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March 30, 2020
INTERVIEW: Halle Tecco, Natalist founder & CEO
Legacy partnered with Natalist to discuss fertility testing options for couples trying to conceive.
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June 17, 2020
Will COVID-19 affect male fertility?
Legacy's male fertility experts discuss current research on COVID-19's effects on male fertility, pregnancy, and family planning.
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November 23, 2020
The Future of Fatherhood & Fertility, 2021
Examining last year's fertility trends amid the pandemic to forecast 2021's outlook.
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January 1, 2021
Air pollution and male fertility
A Chinese study of 10,000 couples found that air pollution strongly correlates with infertility, but the mechanism remains uncl...
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February 26, 2021
Do the COVID-19 vaccines affect male fertility?
New COVID-19 vaccines don't affect fertility; here's what the evidence shows.
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July 19, 2021
How wildfires may affect sperm quality
Learn what male birth control options are available now, and new options you may have in the future.
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September 6, 2021
How sperm health affects embryo quality
High-quality embryos are crucial for IVF success, but sperm health significantly impacts embryo quality.
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January 24, 2022
Does the sperm choose the egg — or does the egg choose the sperm?
Research reveals that eggs actively select sperm based on genetic compatibility, not passively waiting for the strongest to win.
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May 5, 2022
Racial disparities in fertility health
Racial disparities in fertility include higher miscarriage rates and abnormal sperm parameters among certain groups.
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May 7, 2022
How where you live can affect your fertility: environmental- and location-based impacts
Your environment may affect fertility; learn how location impacts your ability to build a family.
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June 6, 2022
How endocrine disruptors affect male fertility
Learn about endocrine disruptors, their impact on male fertility, and practical ways to reduce your exposure.
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August 5, 2022
Cleaner cleaning: Reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and improve fertility
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals threaten fertility, so learn their sources and make safe, green cleaning products to reduce expo...
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August 9, 2022
New study finds frozen sperm is as effective as “fresh” for IUI
Frozen sperm performs as well as fresh sperm in intrauterine insemination, according to the largest study of its kind.
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August 31, 2022
Research confirms paternal age affects a couple’s fertility and IVF success rates
Paternal age may significantly affect fertility treatment success and live birth rates more than previously recognized.
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September 14, 2022
Oxidative stress and male fertility
Oxidative stress reduces male fertility; this guide covers testing, reducing free radicals, and improving reproductive health.
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October 7, 2022
History of sperm freezing
Learn about sperm freezing history, costs, and Legacy's flexible preservation options.
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October 19, 2022
New research from Legacy validates at-home, mail-in sperm DNA fragmentation testing
Halosperm DNA fragmentation analysis showed comparable accuracy in shipped versus fresh sperm samples.
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November 7, 2022
What is sperm hyperactivation?
Sperm hyperactivation is a crucial step enabling fertilization; discover how it works and how to test for it.
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November 15, 2022
Should you postpone fertility treatment after COVID infection?
COVID infection raises fertility concerns for patients undergoing treatment, but evidence shows minimal impact on fertility or ...
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November 23, 2022
2022 study confirms male fertility is still declining — and the decline may be accelerating
A 2022 study confirms global male fertility decline is accelerating; here's how to improve sperm health.
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November 30, 2022
New research finds that the highest quality semen samples are collected mid-day
New research debates the time of day when sperm count is highest, and the best time of day to get pregnant.
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December 8, 2022
Is there really a male fertility crisis?
Sperm counts are declining—discover what this male fertility crisis means and how to protect your reproductive health.
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December 14, 2022
The connection between nature and sperm quality
Explore the connection between nature and sperm quality and how proximity to green space can improve male fertility.
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December 16, 2022
History of fertility testing
Modern fertility testing, developed through centuries of research, helps you understand your fertility and improve your overall...
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December 24, 2022
Climate change and male fertility
Climate change affects male fertility by reducing sperm quality through environmental factors.
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February 10, 2023
Hyperspermia and fertility
High semen volume may indicate hyperspermia, which can affect fertility.
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February 20, 2023
Fertility coverage in the United States
Does insurance cover IVF? Find out about different types of fertility coverage you may be entitled to.
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February 22, 2023
Using your FSA or HSA to pay for fertility testing and treatment
Learn how FSAs and HSAs cover fertility services including sperm testing, IVF, and sperm freezing.
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February 27, 2023
THE SPERM REPORT: Legacy & Carrot explore what Americans know about sperm in 2023
The 2023 Sperm Report reveals misconceptions about fertility based on nearly 3,000 respondents and how family planning has evol...
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March 7, 2023
THE SPERM REPORT: Legacy & Carrot survey finds most people don’t know what affects male fertility
Male fertility is affected by multiple factors that many people don't understand, but we'll explain them here.
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March 8, 2023
THE SPERM REPORT: Legacy & Carrot survey reveals a knowledge gap around age and male fertility
Delayed parenthood affects male fertility, making it crucial to understand age-related reproductive changes in men.
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March 9, 2023
THE SPERM REPORT: Legacy & Carrot survey reveals hormone therapy patients aren’t being informed about fertility risks
Hormone therapy access is growing, but education about its fertility impact lags behind available preservation options.
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March 10, 2023
Legacy and Carrot survey: Most people want fertility benefits
Most people believe employers should offer fertility benefits, and good news: these benefits are increasingly becoming available.
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March 13, 2023
What is a normal sperm count?
Normal sperm counts are essential for fertility; learn testing methods and ways to improve your sperm health.
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March 30, 2023
Physical labor is linked to semen health, new research finds
Physical labor and exercise significantly impact male fertility by affecting sperm count and testosterone levels.
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April 23, 2023
Research reveals microplastics present in all testicles studied
Researchers discovered microplastics in human and dog testicles, raising concerns about male fertility.
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May 30, 2024
Studies finds dad’s diet can affect his sperm and his sons’ metabolism
A father's high-fat diet may impair his sperm health and alter his sons' metabolism.
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June 14, 2024
5 ways to reduce microplastics in your body and protect your sperm
Microplastics permeate our environment and bodies, found in water, food, and air, with unknown long-term health consequences.
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May 5, 2025
Antioxidant in blueberries may protect male fertility from microplastics, research suggests
Eating anthocyanin-rich dark plants may protect male fertility from microplastic damage, new research suggests.
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May 15, 2025
Average age of fathers in the United States: Paternal age trends in the latest data (2026)
American fathers are getting older, with men increasingly becoming parents later in life and significant variations across majo...
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February 27, 2026