Sports broadcaster Sam Hargrove shares his journey through male infertility, from receiving a devastating zero sperm diagnosis to becoming a father of two boys through IVF. His openness about the emotional impact of infertility challenges the stigma many men face, offering hope and practical wisdom for others on similar paths.

• Male infertility accounts for approximately 41-43% of fertility issues, yet many men avoid getting tested
• Sam's zero sperm diagnosis was traced to a traumatic sports injury during his teenage years
• The emotional impact of infertility can trigger feelings of inadequacy and shame in men
• Speaking openly about fertility struggles helps reduce stigma and connects people through shared experiences
• Getting tested early provides clarity and direction, preventing unnecessary relationship strain
• Fertility challenges can lead to personal growth and deeper connections between partners
• Sam now considers himself "a better man" having gone through the fertility journey
• Both partners benefit from viewing infertility as "our" challenge rather than assigning individual blame
• The Melbourne Fertility Expo on November 8, 2025 will feature conversations about fertility, including a panel with Sam

"It takes balls to talk about infertility," says sports broadcaster Sam Hargrove in this powerful, vulnerable conversation about male fertility challenges. Sam's journey begins with a gut feeling that something wasn't right when he and his partner Evie started trying for a family. Rather than waiting, he took the step many men avoid—getting tested. The devastating news came minutes before he was due on air: zero sperm.

Sam takes us through the emotional earthquake of that moment, the immediate questioning of his masculinity, and how he fought back from that dark place. With remarkable candor, he shares how a teenage sports injury likely caused his fertility issues, the intensive medical interventions that followed, and the journey that eventually led to the birth of his two sons through IVF. His story illustrates how common male fertility issues actually are—comprising at least 41% of infertility cases, though likely higher since many men refuse testing.

What makes this episode essential listening is Sam's perspective on how facing infertility transformed him. "I'm a better man now than I ever was before I found out I had zero sperm," he reflects, highlighting how challenges that initially seem devastating can become catalysts for profound personal growth. The episode also offers practical wisdom: get tested early, use available support services, and speak openly about fertility struggles to break down harmful stigma.

Whether you're facing fertility challenges yourself or simply want to understand what millions of couples experience, Sam's story offers both comfort and courage. His willingness to share helps create a world where fertility isn't wrapped in shame but discussed with the same openness as any other health concern. After all, as Sam puts it with characteristic humor, no one puts their sperm count on their resume—so why should it define anyone's worth?

Visit AustralianFertilitySummit.com.au for early bird tickets to the Melbourne Fertility Expo. Find Sam on Instagram @SamHargrove99 or listen to his Course Language golf podcast.