Men’s Fertility Journey: Trust in Clinicians Outweighs Social Media Concerns
A new study reveals that while trust in institutions is eroding, men facing fertility challenges overwhelmingly rely on medical professionals for information and guidance, exhibiting a healthy skepticism towards social media.
Trust is paramount when it comes to men’s health engagement, a concept rooted in “honesty and honors lived experience” according to the American Medical Colleges’ Center for Health Justice. As societal pressures and a lack of social connection impact male fertility, understanding where men turn for information is critical. This analysis, the third in a series based on the Progyny Men’s Health survey of 1,003 U.S. men (ages 18-55) conducted in June 2025, explores men’s attitudes toward trust, preferred information sources, and the role of social media.
The Clinician Remains King: Where Men Seek Fertility Information
Seven in 10 men who have conceived or attempted to conceive identify their primary care doctor or nurse as their top source of fertility information. Specialists – including urologists and reproductive endocrinologists – are a close second, tied with general online search engines like Google. Medical websites are utilized by 43% of men, while family, friends, and online forums are consulted by 27%.
Notably, employers and health plans are infrequently used as resources, presenting a significant opportunity to build trust and expand support networks. This finding underscores a gap in current offerings and a potential area for improvement in men’s healthcare.
A Tale of Two Paths: Information Seeking Varies by Experience
The study reveals distinct patterns in information-seeking behavior based on a man’s experience with conception. Men actively on a “conception journey” – those who have conceived or tried – consistently favor clinicians as their primary source of information. Conversely, men who have not yet considered conception tend to rely more on general online searches and medical websites, demonstrating less engagement with clinical professionals.
Social Media: A Convenient but Cautious Approach
Despite its accessibility – with 66% of conceiving-minded men viewing it as convenient – social media plays a limited role in men’s fertility information gathering. Only 14% of men currently on a conception journey cite social media as a source, significantly lower than the rates for clinicians, search engines, websites, and even personal networks.
More specifically, a mere 11% would primarily rely on social media for guidance. The overwhelming consensus among men actively trying to conceive is to “occasionally” check social media, but to “mostly trust” medical professionals. Even the youngest men in the study prioritize the expertise of clinicians.
Concerns About Misinformation and Mental Health
Men express significant reservations about the reliability of fertility information found on social media. Concerns center around the prevalence of misinformation, a lack of credible verification, and the potential for increased anxiety and depression. While older men harbor more skepticism, a general understanding exists across all age groups that social media isn’t entirely trustworthy.
However, the study also acknowledges the positive role social media can play in fostering community and providing access to information, particularly for younger men. There’s a growing maturity in how men approach social media, balancing critical awareness of misinformation with an appreciation for peer support and empathy.
The Erosion of Trust and the Importance of the Front Line
The findings arrive at a time when broader trust in institutions is declining, as consistently documented by Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer. While trust in the healthcare industry remains relatively stable, segments like health plans, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals have seen erosion.
Crucially, trust in frontline healthcare professionals – nurses, pharmacists, and doctors – remains strong, consistently ranking among the most honest and ethical professions in the U.S., according to Gallup. For men navigating fertility challenges, bolstering this trust is essential, as clinicians are both key information sources and potential partners in achieving conception. Men also place trust in academic medical centers like the Mayo Clinic, and advocacy organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Urological Association.
A “Village of Trust” – Leveraging Employers and Clinicians
A significant opportunity exists to improve trust with employers. The research indicates a deficit in this area, with only 21% of conceiving-minded men likely to trust their employer for fertility information. This is despite the Edelman Trust Barometer consistently showing relatively high consumer trust in employers, particularly as the primary source of health insurance.
Leveraging the high levels of trust placed in both employers and clinicians is key. With employers being the most trusted institution overall, and clinicians consistently ranked as highly ethical, a “village of trust” can be built to support men’s fertility journeys. Fertility and family-building benefits are increasingly valued by workers – 40% of U.S. employers offered such benefits in 2024, up from 30% in 2020, according to SHRM. These benefits are seen as a way to create a more inclusive workplace and attract and retain talent.
Ultimately, the enduring trust between patients and their clinicians is a powerful asset, particularly in an era of declining faith in media, government, and NGOs. Supporting clinicians and fostering strong patient relationships through reliable information and digital health innovations can address the negative aspects of social media and promote greater social cohesion for men and their partners.
To delve deeper into the Progyny Men’s Health Survey data, explore blog post #1 in this three-part series, which discusses men feeling overlooked and underserved in their fertility journeys. And here’s a link to blog post #2 on the financial challenges of family-building and fertility.
