A couple from Cornwall has shared their deeply personal journey through male infertility, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges associated with this condition. Jenna and Shaun Greenaway married in 2013 and began their quest to start a family a few years later. Following several months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, they decided to pursue fertility testing, which led to shocking results – while Jenna’s tests showed no issues, Shaun was diagnosed with azoospermia, a rare condition characterised by an absence of sperm in semen.
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Jenna, now 41, recalled how devastating the diagnosis was for them both. “To be told you have zero sperm, not even a low count, was incomprehensible. We had no idea what that meant for our future,” she stated. The diagnosis significantly impacted Shaun’s sense of masculinity and identity, leading him to voice his fears about not being able to fulfil what he perceived as his role as a man. “He even said I could leave him if I wanted,” Jenna remembered, highlighting the emotional toll that infertility can exert on both partners.
Medical professionals suggested that Shaun’s condition may have stemmed from a severe mumps infection he suffered in his twenties. Undeterred, the couple decided to explore all available options, beginning with a procedure called varicocele embolization aimed at improving sperm production. Despite the procedure’s low success rate of 30%, the couple invested their hopes in it, only to face further heartbreak when it failed.
“I will never forget the day we received the call telling us it hadn’t worked. We were utterly devastated,” Jenna recalled. Following this disappointment, Shaun underwent a more invasive surgical procedure where doctors attempted to locate viable sperm. Unfortunately, their efforts yielded no results, forcing the couple to engage in tough discussions about their future. “We had to talk about what we’d do if it wasn’t successful,” Jenna explained.
After evaluating various alternatives, Jenna and Shaun made the decision to pursue donor sperm in 2019. Jenna began fertility treatments, which brought a new set of challenges. Not only was she diagnosed with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in their treatment plan. “It was a lonely time for us, and I felt quite isolated. We didn’t know anyone else going through IVF for the same reasons, and some family members were impatiently asking when we would have children,” she shared.
Throughout this period, the stigma surrounding infertility took a toll on Shaun, who was reluctant to disclose his diagnosis. This secrecy meant that friends and family often assumed Jenna was the reason for their struggles. “Infertility issues are equal; it’s a 50/50 scenario, yet everyone tends to assume the woman is the issue,” Jenna pointed out. She took it upon herself to deflect inquiries about their situation, aiming to protect Shaun from the added burden of scrutiny.
Finally, in June 2020, their embryo transfer was conducted, and within weeks, the couple received the joyous news that Jenna was pregnant. Their twins, Ray and Evelyn, were born in February 2021. Jenna noted that while people often remark on how much their son looks like Shaun, biological connections do not define their family. “The bottom line is that genetics don’t really matter. Shaun is an incredible dad, and it’s about the love and upbringing that truly make a parent,” she emphasised.
One of the turning points in their journey came when Shaun began opening up about his infertility struggles. “He had really struggled with this for a long time. Early on, he said, ‘If you want to leave me, I understand’,” Jenna recalled. However, after Shaun became more vocal and shared his experiences, Jenna noticed a significant change in him. “Seeing him speak out lifted such a weight from his shoulders. He isn’t ashamed anymore,” she said.
Today, the Greenaways have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about male infertility and encouraging open discussions regarding these issues. Shaun has transitioned into a role as a male fertility advocate and coach, sharing his story and insights on social media through the Instagram account @Knackered_Knackers. He has also co-founded the Male Fertility Hub, a community resource designed to support men grappling with similar challenges.
Through their experience, Jenna and Shaun Greenaway hope to destigmatise male infertility and encourage others to share their stories, reinforcing the notion that parenthood is defined by love, not just genetics. Their journey, filled with struggles and triumphs, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding reproduction and the importance of support in overcoming personal challenges.