• Businessman and public speaker Brian Mazza was diagnosed with male factor infertility after he and his wife, journalist Chloe Melas, struggled to conceive.
  • Tests revealed Mazza had a low sperm count, which he described as a source of guilt and embarrassment.
  • The couple attempted intrauterine insemination (IUI) without success before turning to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  • They successfully conceived their first son, Leo, on their first round of IVF in 2017, followed by their second son, Luke, two years later.

Quick Summary

Businessman, influencer, and public speaker Brian Mazza has publicly shared his diagnosis of male factor infertility. After trying to conceive with his wife, journalist Chloe Melas, for a year following their 2014 wedding, the couple faced challenges. Medical tests revealed that Mazza had a low sperm count, which he admitted made him feel guilty and embarrassed.

Despite the emotional strain, the couple pursued fertility treatments. They attempted intrauterine insemination (IUI) but had no success. They eventually turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF), which resulted in the birth of their son, Leo, in July 2017. Their second son, Luke, was born exactly two years later. Now, Mazza is using his platform to advocate for open discussions about male infertility, aiming to help others avoid the feelings of shame he experienced. He continues to raise awareness as a recognized advocate in the field.

The Struggle to Conceive

Before their marriage in 2014, Brian Mazza and Chloe Melas agreed they wanted children. However, after a year of trying to get pregnant without success, the process became emotionally taxing. Mazza described the period as challenging and disheartening, noting the frustration that comes when a goal remains out of reach.

The couple eventually sought medical help. A doctor ran a series of tests, discovering that Melas had a diminished ovarian reserve. They also tested Mazza, which he found awkward. He recalled the environment of the clinic being uncomfortable, noting that he was ushered into a room next to the secretary's desk. The test, conducted in 2016, eventually provided answers regarding their inability to conceive.

The sense of disappointment each month was challenging and disheartening.
— Brian Mazza

The Diagnosis and Emotional Impact

The results of the fertility tests confirmed that Mazza had a low sperm count, identified as the primary cause of the couple's conception issues. The diagnosis triggered complex emotions for Mazza, who felt he was letting down his wife and family. He expressed feelings of guilt and embarrassment, worrying that his wife might resent him.

Mazza, who prides himself on being fit and healthy, struggled to understand why this was happening to him. He questioned if past actions were responsible, though he later realized that was not the case. Despite these feelings, he adopted a problem-solving mindset, looking for a way to approach the situation logically.

The Path to Fatherhood

Brian Mazza and his wife decided to move forward with fertility treatments. They first tried intrauterine insemination (IUI), but the procedure was unsuccessful. Consequently, they moved on to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Mazza noted that the process was relatively easy from a male perspective because he was physically removed from the procedure, though he attended every doctor's appointment to support his wife.

The couple kept their journey private from family and friends to protect their situation and avoid feeling like they were letting people down. Their persistence paid off: they successfully got pregnant on their first round of IVF. Their son, Leo, was born in July 2017. Two years later, in 2019, their second son, Luke, arrived. Mazza described holding his sons as the realization of every dream he had ever had.

Advocacy and Breaking the Taboo 🗣️

Today, Mazza is dedicated to raising awareness about male factor infertility. He believes the topic needs to be openly discussed to remove the associated stigma. By sharing his personal story, he hopes to help others who are going through similar experiences feel less isolated.

Mazza's efforts have been recognized by the World Fertility Awards, which named him 'Champion for Male Fertility Advocacy.' He continues to use his public profile to advocate for men's reproductive health. As he watches his sons, now 8 and 6, grow up, he views them as bright, athletic, and kind miracles.

"If someone asked if I felt guilty, embarrassed, or was worried that Chloe was resentful toward me, I'd answer yes."

— Brian Mazza

"Holding Leo and Luke in my arms was every dream that I'd ever dreamed."

— Brian Mazza

Frequently Asked Questions

What diagnosis did Brian Mazza receive?

Brian Mazza was diagnosed with male factor infertility, specifically a low sperm count.

How did Brian Mazza and Chloe Melas have children?

After unsuccessful attempts with IUI, the couple successfully conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), resulting in two sons.

What is Brian Mazza's goal regarding his diagnosis?

He aims to break the taboo surrounding male infertility and raise awareness to help others feel less shame.