In this special episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Lalana Songra, medical advisor at Examine Lab, to talk about the urgent need for better understanding and testing around male fertility, particularly sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).

As someone whose own fertility journey involved a male factor diagnosis, this is a topic close to my heart. And it’s still one that doesn’t get enough attention.

We explore why male fertility plays such a vital role in conception, pregnancy loss, and future child health, and how overlooked it still is in both diagnosis and support.

What we discuss in this episode:

• What sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) actually is and how it’s different from a standard semen analysis
• The difference between single-strand vs double-strand sperm DNA damage and how they impact fertility
• How new research links high SDF levels to recurrent pregnancy loss, even when semen analysis appears normal
• Why it’s problematic that men are only looked at after multiple pregnancy losses
• The lifestyle and health factors that impact sperm quality, and how quickly men can improve it
• What the sperm testing process looks like and where to access it
• The importance of including men in the conversation around fertility and pregnancy loss
• How better male testing can lead to more accurate, personalised treatment decisions (like ICSI vs IVF)
• Why early intervention and equal diagnosis for men matters, not just emotionally but medically

If you’ve had unexplained infertility, failed cycles, or losses with no clear answer, this episode could help you explore new questions and possibilities.

Special thanks to Examine, sponsor of this episode

Examine offers direct, cutting-edge sperm DNA fragmentation testing (including single and double-strand damage) used by 85% of fertility clinics across the UK and Ireland.

Tests are:

• Non-invasive
• Available via clinics or partner hubs
• Designed to provide clarity, confidence, and actionable insight

You don’t need a referral to get tested – just book online, drop off your sample, and get detailed results you can discuss with your clinic.

🔍 Learn more at examinelab.com

Let’s keep the conversation going:

• Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• Email your thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.com
• Follow our advocacy work: @fertility.action
• Learn more about the men’s health campaign with Fertility Action and Test Him
• Find out more about SDF testing via your clinic or directly at examinelab.com

Please subscribe and leave a review if this episode spoke to you – and do share it with someone who may need this conversation.

Until next time.

Hi, it’s Natalie here. This episode is an emotional and important one. I’m joined by Tim Royal, a television director known for his work on Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and EastEnders, who reached out to me to share the story behind his short film "It’s the Hope That Kills You."

If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know that male factor infertility was part of my own fertility story. And this month on the podcast, we’re shining the spotlight on male infertility and men’s experiences, which often go unheard. Tim’s story speaks to that silence and the emotional toll that fertility treatment can have on men.

What we talk about:

• How Tim felt marginalised and overlooked throughout the IVF process
• The emotional weight of never being called by name or offered therapy
• The pressure of “sample day” and why language matters in the clinic
• The cumulative trauma of repeated failed transfers and insensitive staff questions
• A powerful idea: colour-coded patient folders to avoid retraumatising questions
• The stark contrast between treatment at St Mary’s Hospital and CARE Fertility
• Tim’s experience of debilitating anxiety and his journey to seek therapy
• The importance of recognising and challenging intrusive thoughts
• How IVF reshaped his relationships, identity, and day-to-day mental health
• Tim’s reflection on IVF as a team effort, and how he supported his wife
• The impact of working on scripts about fertility while living through treatment
• Choosing to use film as a tool for honesty, empathy, and social change
• How hope can both carry and crush us during infertility
• The moment everything changed: a final transfer, a fertility stone, and holding on to the “1 percent”

About the film

It’s the Hope That Kills You is a 13-minute short film written and directed by Tim, based on his and his wife’s seven-year fertility journey. It is raw, authentic, and quietly devastating, capturing the micro-aggressions, emotional weight, and relationship strain of infertility.

Tim self-funded the film and created it to spark conversations and help others feel seen. It’s especially powerful for those trying to support loved ones but unsure how.

The film will be available to watch for free on YouTube on 30 November.

It has a Christmas element and was inspired by their 11th and final transfer, which took place on Christmas Eve.

You can follow the film’s Instagram page for updates: @itsthehopethatkillsyoufilm

Support for Men and Mental Health

As Tim shares, his anxiety became life-altering and the lack of support for men in the fertility space made it worse. If you’re navigating something similar, please know there is help available.

Organisations and initiatives that support men:

• ExamenLab – Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing
• Fertility for Men
• The Male Fertility Coach
• testhim - Male Fertility Support
• The Male Fertility Podcast
• Fertility Matters at Work
• Fertility Action – Regular support groups and workplace advocacy

Don’t forget to ask your clinic about advanced sperm DNA testing. Many men are told their semen analysis is “normal,” but tests like those offered by ExamenLab go deeper by detecting hidden DNA fragmentation that can impact conception,...

This week, I’m joined once again by my lovely former co-host and friend, Kate Davies.

You might remember Kate as the science bit of The Fertility Podcast, an independent fertility nurse and all-round champion for women’s health.

These days, she’s got a very fancy title as Vice President of Medical, Women’s Health and Longevity at Ultra Human, and also works as Clinical Lead for One Day Tests, who’ve been a previous sponsor of the pod.

In this episode, we’re diving into what blood tests can really tell you about your fertility and overall health.

Whether you’re just starting to try, have PCOS, or have been on your journey for a while and still don’t have all the answers, this one’s for you.

Kate and I talk about:

• What your blood tests can (and can’t) reveal about your fertility
• How often you should get your bloods checked
• Why it’s so important to monitor cholesterol and glucose if you have PCOS
• The key tests to ask for if you’ve got unexplained infertility such as thyroid, vitamin D, and prolactin
• How to use your results to advocate for yourself, especially if you’ve been dismissed before
• And yes, we even go through my blood test results from One Day Tests
• Kate also shares what she’s been working on with Ultra Human, including the fascinating world of biometric health tracking.
• She also introduces something called the Havening technique, a research-backed way to help manage stress and anxiety that’s well worth looking into.

Mentioned in This Episode

• One Day Tests👉 onedaytests.com - Use code TFP10 for 10% off your blood test.
• Fertility Action - Our amazing partners raising awareness of male fertility. Find them on Instagram @fertilityactionuk.
• Fertility Matters at Work - My other hat! Our big event, The F Word at Work Live, is happening on 5th November, and tickets are still available at fertilitymattersatwork.com

Before You Go

Please make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen.

It really helps others find the podcast and means you won’t miss an episode (especially if I have a little break).

If you found this chat helpful, I’d love it if you left a quick review.

You can also find links to all the resources and everything Kate and I mentioned in the show notes below.

Thank you, as always, for listening and for letting us be part of your fertility journey. 💜

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of The Fertility Podcast. I’m Natalie, and this is a slightly different one.

Please note the trigger warning on this episode.

As it is Baby Loss Awareness Week, I want to hold space for anyone who has experienced loss, is grieving, or is navigating uncertainty in their fertility journey. In this episode, I’m resharing a previous conversation hosted by Kate Davis, my former co-host and an independent fertility nurse. Kate spoke with Jade, who bravely shared her story of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. This episode comes with a trigger warning as it discusses pregnancy loss in detail. If this is not the right time for you to listen, please take care of yourself and maybe explore other episodes from our ten-year archive.

Before we return to Jade’s episode, I want to briefly share something personal.

Last week, my family and I were caught up in the terrorist attack in Manchester during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. We were at our synagogue when the lockdown happened. My husband, who volunteers for our community’s security, was outside in a stab-proof vest, which is a sad reality for British Jews. We spent the day on edge, and in the days since, it has taken a toll emotionally. I want to thank those who reached out with kindness and acknowledgement. If you have Jewish friends or colleagues, please take a moment to check in. A small gesture goes a long way.

Now, back to this important episode.

In this powerful re-shared conversation, Kate speaks with Jade, who opens up about her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, including two ectopic pregnancies. Jade shares her experience navigating diagnosis, advocating for her own care, and the emotional and physical recovery process. She also reflects on the fear of trying again and the trauma of nearly losing her life.

• Jade’s multiple pregnancy losses including miscarriage and two ectopic pregnancies
• How she knew something was wrong even when the symptoms didn’t match textbook examples
• Her experience with methotrexate treatment and emergency surgery after rupture
• The importance of advocating for yourself when seeking medical help
• Emotional trauma and grief following pregnancy loss
• The mixed feelings around tube-saving surgery and IVF as a future path
• Common myths about ectopic pregnancy and how symptoms can differ
• How hospital staff and personal support helped her through it
• The role of the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and the support she received
• Jade’s message to other people navigating early pregnancy and loss

• Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• Explore the work and support groups from Fertility Action: fertilityaction.org
• Learn more about ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
• Read about the Baby Loss Certificate scheme: www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate

If you or someone you know needs support, here are some brilliant charities offering resources, counselling, and community:

• Petals – The Baby Loss Counselling Charity
• Tommy’s
• The...

Welcome to this episode of The Fertility Podcast and joined by Betty Mukherjee, who you may know, if you're a fan of Channel 4's Race Across the World as she was in series 4 with her brother James and spoke about her condition MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser) and is now doing amazing advocacy work on the topic and sharing her own experiences as she finds out more regarding her family building options.

Betty opens up about receiving her MRKH diagnosis at 16, how it shattered the future she had imagined, and how sharing her story publicly on national TV changed her life. She reflects on the healing power of vulnerability, the support of her partner Dan, and the importance of balancing self-care, fitness, and mental wellbeing during fertility treatment.

What we talk about:

• The challenges of being a teenager diagnosed with MRKH
• Why conversations with siblings and friends were avoided for years
• The reality of egg freezing, hormone injections, and physical side effects
• The role of mental health support—both professional and personal
• Using YouTube and social media to share raw, vulnerable moments
• Finding comfort in everyday rituals, like lighting candles, cooking, and walking her dog, Maple

Betty’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope—and a reminder that “shame dies when stories are shared in safe spaces.”

• Follow Betty on Instagram
• Watch Betty’s journey on YouTube
• Learn more about MRKH: MRKH Support Resources
• Previous podcast episodes with Julianne Boutileb (psychological advisor mentioned in this episode)
• Andria Trigo shares her story of life with MRKH
• Sign up for support groups and advocacy through Fertility Action
• Explore more about the Fertility Matters at Work initiative and tell your workplace about The F Word at Work Live

Welcome back to another episode of The Fertility Podcast, and if you're listening in real time, it's September, which means it’s PCOS Awareness Month, and that’s exactly what we’re focusing on today.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ro Huntriss, an award-winning fertility dietitian and founder of Fertility Dietitian UK. Ro breaks down what PCOS is, how nutrition and lifestyle changes can make a real difference, and how to advocate for yourself, especially when you feel dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare professionals.

● Why conversations about fertility nutrition are finally becoming more mainstream

● What PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) actually means and how it shows up differently for everyone

● The emotional impact of being dismissed by your GP and how to push for answers

● How to identify insulin resistance and support your body through nutrition

● The truth about carbs – why reducing carbohydrate load and choosing low glycaemic index foods helps

● What a balanced, PCOS-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner can actually look like

● The role of resistance training, HIIT, sleep, and stress in PCOS management

● Understanding supplements like inositol and when they might help

● How to advocate for yourself with your GP using NHS resources and tracking symptoms

● Misconceptions about fertility and PCOS – and why hope and progress are still possible

● Managing the mental load of trying to conceive while navigating PCOS

● Why support, education, and specialist care can change the journey completely

• Follow Ro on Instagram for practical fertility nutrition advice: @fertility.dietitian.uk
• Learn more about PCOS at Verity and NHS Choices and Fertility Nutrition Centre
• Revisit our previous episode with Ro and with PCOS specialist Kate Davies
• Sign up for support groups and advocacy through Fertility Action
• Explore more about the Fertility Matters at Work initiative and join us for our 5 November event The F Word at Work Live
• Enter your organisation in the Fertility Friendly Employer Awards – deadline extended until Friday 26, September

Welcome to the latest episode of The Fertility Podcast, which is during World Childless Week. If this is your first time listening, welcome. I’m a fertility advocate, a podcaster, and a mum of one. During the last decade of making this podcast, I've shared many stories of people's route to parenthood talking about those who have brought home a baby and also those who haven't as I have always wanted to ensure that whatever you are going through, you can find people who you can relate to. I also have a deep responsibility to include the voices of those who are childless not by choice, as their experiences and the acceptance that comes with revaluating the reproductive story you might have grown up provides such valuable insight.

In this episode, I’m joined by Helen Gallagher, the inspiring voice behind the Happy and Childless podcast. Helen shares her powerful story of navigating grief, identity, and purpose after coming to terms with not having children. We talk about what acceptance really looks like, how the workplace can be more inclusive, and why connection and compassion matter more than ever.

If you’re in this place yourself, or you know someone who is, I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone. And if now is not the right time, that’s okay too. Just remember that when you are ready, there is a whole community out there waiting to welcome you.

• Helen’s experience with involuntary childlessness and why she became an advocate
• How her blog and podcast began as a therapeutic outlet and grew into coaching and workplace support
• The emotional complexity of living in a blended family and grieving a path you never got to walk
• Her journey of self acceptance, healing, and finding purpose after infertility
• The power of community and why connection is vital when you feel isolated
• How workplaces can unintentionally exclude employees who are childless not by choice
• The impact of back to school season and family-focused milestones on the childless community
• The importance of compassion, boundaries, and emotional literacy at work
• What World Childless Week is and why it matters
• Advice for anyone starting to process the idea of stopping fertility treatment
• How Helen now helps others through coaching, podcasting, and advocacy
• You are not alone. One in five women and one in four men do not have children, and most are not by choice.
• Your worth is not defined by parental status.
• Connection, community, and support are everything. There is no shame in seeking help.
• Acceptance takes time. Grief and joy can co-exist.
• Being childless does not mean being joyless. There is purpose and meaning on the other side of loss.

• Listen to Helen’s podcast: Happy and Childless
• Visit World Childless Week to read stories and join the community
• Check out the work of Jody Day (Gateway Women), Jessica Hepburn, Aisha Balisaria, Yvonne John, and Robin Hadley
• DM me anytime on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• For support groups, visit Fertility Action

Here's other onspired convesations with The Fertility Podcast archives from people from the CNBC community

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Fertility Podcast. I’m Natalie Silverman, your host, and I’m so glad you’re here. This week’s episode is a bit different as I’m handing the mic over to Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action and a familiar voice on the pod.

Katie’s chatting with Sarah, one of the original members of the Fertility Action support groups, about her IVF experience, her partner’s diagnosis, and the ups and downs of navigating treatment. Sarah generously opens up about the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatment, and how support groups, nutrition, acupuncture, and speaking to others have helped her find strength through it all.

What we talk about:

• Sarah’s fertility journey, starting with an unexpected male factor diagnosis just before Christmas
• The impact of delays and lack of communication within the NHS
• Why they went private, and how they made early decisions to pursue IVF and microtese
• The emotional toll of IVF failures, and the support that helped her feel less alone
• Sarah’s experience navigating fertility in the workplace and opening up to colleagues
• The effect of infertility on relationships, and how she and her husband learnt to support each other in different ways
• Discovering the importance of nutrition and thyroid health with a fertility nutritionist
• Switching to mild IVF and learning to advocate for herself at every step
• What she found in the Fertility Action support group: community, routine, understanding
• Talking therapy, nutrition, acupuncture and peer support as part of her toolkit
• Sarah’s brilliant injection tip and her #IVFninja moment
• Male mental health and how her partner processed his diagnosis
• Sarah’s call to action for more fertility education and support in schools and primary care

This conversation is raw, real, and a beautiful reminder of how much power there is in being seen and heard by people who get it. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story and showing us that it's okay to find your own way through.

Let’s keep the conversation going

• What do you wish you’d known before starting treatment?
• Who’s helped you feel seen on this journey?
• Have you joined a support group before? What was your experience?
• What’s been the most unexpected part of your fertility experience?
• Have you tried acupuncture or nutrition support? Did it help?

Huge thank you to our sponsor One Day Tests - use the code TFP10 at checkout for a discount

Links and Resources:

• Sarah mentioned the amazing Rosie Tadman who you can find out more about here
• Follow Fertility Action on Instagram: @fertility.action
• Join a support group: details on fertilityaction.org
• Message me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• Thank you to our sponsors One Day Tests - use the code TFP10 at checkout for a discount

We also mention fertility acupuncturist Hannah Pearn

PLEASE do subscribe or leave a review. It really helps others find the podcast, and I’d love to know what’s resonating with you xx