The Fertility Podcast

Where to find the right family building support

As we wrap up 2025, this final episode of The Fertility Podcast is a heartfelt reflection on the year we’ve had and a look ahead to what’s coming. I’m joined by Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action, for a candid chat about the emotional toll of trying to conceive at this time of year, what has changed in the support landscape, and why we need more trust, better information, and continued compassion in the fertility space.If this time of year feels like a gut punch, you are not alone. Whether you are grieving a loss, recovering from a failed cycle, or quietly carrying the weight of infertility, I hope this episode reminds you that your experience matters and that support is out there.What we discuss in this episode:Why it is okay to feel conflicted or overwhelmed during the festive seasonCreating your own boundaries, traditions, and safe spaces during the holidaysWhat Fertility Action’s support groups are hearing most including pregnancy announcements, TTC burnout, relationship issues and intimacy questionsHow the groups are structured (TTC versus positive test and beyond) and why that mattersThe rise in patients feeling confused by medical advice, conflicting information online and social media rabbit holesFertility as both emotional and transactional and how clinics need to do better at meeting patients with empathy and psychological safetyThe importance of honest, regulated medical guidance and why peer support should not replace professional adviceProgress on fertility education and policy change and why 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for advocacyKatie’s hopes for empowering patients and reaching earlier stages in the fertility journey through GP education and accessA note on the mental load this season:If you have found yourself thinking “I really thought this would be our year”, you are not alone. That sense of grief, reflection, and uncertainty can be especially heavy during the holidays. But you are allowed to set limits. To say no. To opt out of conversations or events. You are not selfish for protecting your peace.Whether it is preparing a few phrases for difficult family questions, giving yourself permission to decline invites, or joining a support group for the first time, do whatever helps you feel grounded.And if you need a glimmer of hope, plan something just for you. Something small, comforting, or creative such as making a Christmas bauble while you chat with others who get it.Let’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.comLearn more about support groups and resources at fertilityaction.orgSubscribe on your podcast app to stay updated for 2026Leave a review or share this with someone who might need itThank you again for listening this year. However you are ending 2025, I wish you peace, space to breathe, and a gentle start to whatever comes next.Until next time.

Coping at Christmas - words of wisdom from the TTC community

Tips from the TTC communityIn this penultimate episode of 2025, I wanted to share something a little different. This time of year can be incredibly difficult if you’re trying to conceive, dealing with loss, or navigating life after fertility treatment. So I gathered a brilliant group of patient advocates and professionals to offer their heartfelt, practical advice for getting through the holidays.From awkward questions at the dinner table to setting boundaries and finding your tribe, this episode is full of small but powerful ideas to help you protect your wellbeing and find support, whatever your journey looks like.What we discuss in this episode:Why you don’t need to shrink yourself to make others comfortableHow to prepare phrases and "outs" for difficult conversationsThe power of setting boundaries and being selfish in the kindest wayFinding your community and not navigating it aloneWhat to say to that nosy aunt (or how to head it off entirely)Navigating solo parenthood, donor conception and surrogacy during the holidaysCoping with involuntary childlessness and sitting in grief without guiltWhy men need support too, and how to show up for each otherEmbracing joy in small ways, even during a painful seasonYou’ll hear from:Julianne Bouteloup, perinatal psychologist and founder of Parenthood in MindMel Johnson, solo motherhood coach from The Stork and IAisha Balisaria, patient advocate and founder of Mind Body Revival CoachMichael Johnson‑Ellis, co‑founder of My Surrogacy JourneyKreena Dhiman podcaster, speaker and donor conception advocate - The Art of Being BraveKev Button, founder of The Man CaveHayley King, from Path to Parent HubVanessa Haye, writer, speaker and infertility advocateLet’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.comFollow our advocacy work: @fertility.actionExplore and connect with this episode’s guests via the links in the show notesSubscribe to the podcast to stay updated as we plan for 2026Please know that whatever you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone. Your emotions are valid, and you deserve support. Take what you need from this episode, and share it with someone who might need it too.Until next time.

Men's Fertility Matters- What to Ask Your GP – with Dr. Anand Patel

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Anand Patel, a GP and specialist in men’s health, for an honest and incredibly practical conversation about how male fertility is handled in general practice.Anand shares the exact questions men should be prepared to ask their GP, why basic investigations are often missed, and how a simple examination could reveal more than you think.If you or your partner are just starting to explore fertility testing, this is a must‑listen.What we discuss in this episode:What to say (and bring up) during your GP appointment if you’re worried about fertilityWhy most GPs aren’t trained in fertility and what that means for patientsHow to advocate for yourself when you’re not sure what to askThe “ICE” model (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations) and how it helps patients get better careThe critical role of basic examinations that are often skippedWhat conditions and warning signs GPs should be looking forWhy GP training needs to change and how newer trainees may be more up to dateFertility MOTs, NHS limits, and when private care may make more senseThe emotional impact of male factor diagnoses and how to create more compassionate conversationsWhat a decent male fertility assessment should actually includeSpecial thanks to Examen, sponsor of this episodeExamen offers direct, cutting‑edge sperm DNA fragmentation testing (including both single and double‑strand DNA damage), used by 85% of fertility clinics across the UK and Ireland.Tests are:Non‑invasiveAvailable via clinics or partner hubsDesigned to provide clarity, confidence and actionable insightYou don’t need a referral to get tested. Simply book online, drop off your sample and receive detailed results to discuss with your clinic.🎧 Learn more at examenlab.comLet’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.comFollow our advocacy work: @fertility.actionLearn more about Dr Anand Patel and his work:Website / Clinic: Centre for Men’s Health – Anand Patel Centre for Men's HealthInstagram: @dranand InstagramLinkedIn: Dr Anand Patel uk.linkedin.comExplore SDF testing with your clinic or directly at examenlab.comPlease subscribe and leave a review if this episode was helpful. And if you know someone who needs this kind of GP‑level support, send it their way.Until next time.

‘Seeing men in the fertility conversation’ with Kevin Mceleny

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Kevin McEleny, Consultant Urologist at Newcastle Fertility Centre and Nuffield Health. Kevin is a specialist in male fertility and urology and has worked for years to raise awareness around the crucial but often overlooked role of male health in fertility care.We talk about how much of male fertility is still ignored, under-tested and underfunded, and what that means for couples trying to conceive. As someone who has experienced male factor infertility personally, this episode means a lot to me, and I know it will to many of you too.Whether you're going through IVF, facing a male factor diagnosis, or simply wanting to understand the full picture, I hope this episode helps you feel more informed and empowered.What we discuss in this episode:Why it’s still so common for men to be left out of fertility investigationsWhat kinds of tests should be done for men and why basic semen analysis isn’t enoughWhy timing, hormones and lifestyle can drastically impact sperm qualityWhat conditions might be missed if men aren’t tested properlyThe emotional toll male fertility issues can take, and why support is essentialWhat male patients should expect when seeing a urologist or fertility specialistWhy early and equal testing matters for both partnersThis episode is a call for more inclusive care, not just for women, but for men too. Because fertility is a shared journey, and everyone deserves to be heard.Special thanks to Examen, sponsor of this episodeExamen offers direct, cutting-edge sperm DNA fragmentation testing (including both single and double-strand DNA damage), used by 85% of fertility clinics across the UK and Ireland.Tests are:Non-invasiveAvailable via clinics or partner hubsDesigned to provide clarity, confidence and actionable insightYou don’t need a referral to get tested. Simply book online, drop off your sample and receive detailed results to discuss with your clinic.🎧 Learn more at examenlab.comLet’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.comFollow our advocacy work: @fertility.actionLearn more about the men’s health campaign with Fertility Action and Test HimExplore SDF testing with your clinic or directly at examenlab.comPlease subscribe, leave a review and share this episode if it resonated, especially with someone who may need this conversation.Until next time.

Cracking the Code: Sperm DNA, Miscarriage, and the Future of Fertility Care

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 analysisThe difference between single-strand vs double-strand sperm DNA damage and how they impact fertilityHow new research links high SDF levels to recurrent pregnancy loss, even when semen analysis appears normalWhy it’s problematic that men are only looked at after multiple pregnancy lossesThe lifestyle and health factors that impact sperm quality, and how quickly men can improve itWhat the sperm testing process looks like and where to access itThe importance of including men in the conversation around fertility and pregnancy lossHow 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 medicallyIf 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 episodeExamine 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-invasiveAvailable via clinics or partner hubsDesigned to provide clarity, confidence, and actionable insightYou 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.comLet’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.comFollow our advocacy work: @fertility.actionLearn more about the men’s health campaign with Fertility Action and Test HimFind out more about SDF testing via your clinic or directly at examinelab.comPlease 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.