Traditionally, the burden of fecundity has fallen in women, as well as the blame when a couple is infertile. Although it is well established now that close that 50% of the cases of infertility are male-related and that about 7% of men may have trouble conceiving, some myths still persist in an area traditionally associated with virility. On the other hand, recurrent media reports on toxic effects on sperm production and viability may have contributed to generate anxiety about declining male fertility. In this symposium, we will discuss male reproductive health from multiple perspectives, from basic research on spermatogenesis to the social and psychological impact of male infertility.

 

Having children in the 21st century is frayed with many unknowns and conditions, but it is also open to new possibilities. Many more people have the opportunity  to become parents, but many choose not to (or is it that they are not allowed to?). In this one-day symposium, we want to open a discussion on what it means to be a parent, in a time when non-genetic parenthood can easily be revealed.