If you’ve found your route to parenthood hasn’t been straightforward, The Fertility Podcast is for you. From how to optimise your fertility to getting pregnant naturally, navigating IVF, understanding donor conception or surrogacy to how to prepare for a life without children. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. Created by Natalie Silverman, a former fertility patient in 2014 Natalie set about speaking to experts and sharing lived experience and expert interviews In 2019 Kate Davies, an independent fertility nurse consultant joined as co-host and from 2023-2024, Kate hosted the podcast solo sharing more of her expert insight and stories from her patients. Now over a deace old The Fertility Podcast is proud to partner with Fertility Action, a new UK charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by infertility, secondary infertility, or sub-fertility. Together, we aim to amplify our mission of education, empowerment, and support. Fertility Action combines patient advocacy with expert knowledge to offer peer support, therapy, and reliable information. They are also committed to improving fertility care access, raising awareness, and driving research to advance understanding and treatment.
PLEASE NOTE: The Fertility Podcast has an archive of its 300 episodes on new podcast feeds called: Getting Pregnancy Ready, Infertility Support, Male Fertility, Alternative Routes to Parenthood, and Pregnancy Loss.
Just have a look in your podcast search and be sure to subscribe.
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From PCOS to PMOS: What the Name Change Means for You with Professor Helena Teede
Episode 45
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • Duration 37:30
In this special episode of The Fertility Podcast, we've gone back into our archives for 2024 to share a conversation Kate Davies (former co-host and fertility nurse consultant) had with Professor Helena Teede all the way from Australia!
Helena is one of the authors of the International PCOS Guidelines and is here to talk about the changes to the PCOS guidelines and the proposed PCOS name change, which has now happened.
What is discussed:
PCOS in general, chatting about the symptoms of PCOS, both the common ones and the not so common
Weight stigma and how the new guidelines move away from this and instead why we should be helping women to just be healthy to manage their PCOS proactively
Potential risks around pregnancy and that it is not often identified, as well as the support for pregnant women with PCOS, or sadly the lack of
How Helena supported two men with PCOS, and the steps she takes to help them manage their condition and optimise fertility
Diets and eating right as Helena explains that there is no one diet, or right way to eat when it comes to PCOS, and opinions on the supplement Inositol
The proposed PCOS name change and how PCOS is not an ovarian disease so therefore the name is incorrect
Verity is the UK's only charity dedicated to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS. Founded in 1997, Verity is completely self-funded and exists to help everyone living with PMOS understand their condition, manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. They offer evidence-based information, community support, local support groups and an anonymous online forum.
The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, the UK's charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. They run free peer support groups every week, no sign-up or commitment needed.
Natalie is climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours to raise funds for Fertility Action. If this podcast has helped you in any way, even a small donation would mean a lot and you will get a shout-out on the podcast.
In this episode I am joined by Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action, to mark the charity's first birthday. We talk about everything from the support groups that have quietly changed people's lives, to the campaign work happening at the highest levels of government, to what Katie believes the next big push needs to be: a national fertility strategy.
This is a conversation full of hope. There is still so much to do, but the momentum is real, the people are extraordinary, and the case for change has never been stronger.
What we discuss in this episode:
What Fertility Action has achieved in its first year and the stories that have kept Katie going
How the support groups actually work and why showing up with your camera off is completely fine
The Trying to Conceive group, the Positive Test and Beyond group, the Secondary Infertility group and what each one has become
The in-person walk-and-talk meetups in London and Manchester
The woman who found her best friend through a Fertility Action support group
Why the Life After Treatment group has been harder to grow and what Fertility Action is learning from that
The South Asian support group and why in-person connection is what that community really needs
The new NICE guidelines and the change that barely made the headlines: up to six cycles in selected patients
Why campaigning at ICB level has not worked and why Fertility Action is now pushing for central commissioning
How fertility treatment compares across Europe and why the UK is falling behind
Why fertility still sits awkwardly between the Women's Health Strategy and the Men's Health Strategy and gets properly covered in neither
Why Katie believes the UK urgently needs its own national fertility strategy
The education project Fertility Action has launched with colleges and the National Education Union
The moment a 17-year-old student challenged them in a college debate and what happened next
The Three Peaks Challenge: why Katie chose it, who is doing it and how to donate
Fertility Action's birthday celebrations and what the next two years look like
About Katie Rollings and Fertility ActionFertility Action support groupsBirthday celebrationsGet involvedThis episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionSupport the Three Peaks ChallengeStay connected
BONUS EPISODE: Secondary Infertility: The Hidden Struggle
Episode 44
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 26:20
A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report.
Secondary infertility does not get the airtime it deserves. And yet, according to The Fertility Disconnect report, 79% of people say they want more children than they currently have. For those with one child, that figure rises to 88%.
In this final episode of the Wild Nutrition mini series, Gail and I go deep on one of the most underserved conversations in the fertility space. Gail shares her own ongoing experience of secondary infertility, including her adenomyosis diagnosis, the emotional weight of wanting to grow her family while already being a parent, and why the medical system often leaves people with one child to fend for themselves.
This is also a conversation about recovery. About what pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood actually do to the body nutritionally, and why so many of us enter a second conception journey already depleted without realising it. Secondary infertility is where I find myself too, and it is a topic I have been asked to talk about more. I am so glad we finally did.
What we discuss in this episode:
What secondary infertility actually is and why it gets so little attention
Gail's own experience: breastfeeding, cycles returning, a new adenomyosis diagnosis and the emotional complexity of wanting a second child
Why having one child often means you fall outside the criteria for NHS fertility support
The injustice of not qualifying for IVF if your partner already has a child from a previous relationship
Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect: 79% of respondents want more children than they have; 88% among those with one child
Why people delay growing their family and how biological timelines do not always align with life circumstances
What pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding do to nutrient stores and why recovery is so often skipped
The specific tests and checks Gail recommends for anyone struggling to conceive a second time
Why thyroid health and iron are the two most common deficiencies she sees in postpartum women
The increased likelihood of endometriosis, fibroids and adenomyosis diagnoses after childbirth
Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect reportLinks mentioned in this episodeAbout Gail MadalenaMissed the other episodes in this mini series?
BONUS EPISODE: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to Conception
Episode 44
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 30:38
A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report.
Weight and fertility is one of the most charged, confusing and often poorly handled topics in reproductive health. I have spoken to so many people who have been told to lose weight in order to access funded treatment, sent away with no guidance on how to actually do that. And all the while, the internet is full of conflicting advice, fad diets and quick fixes that can make the whole thing feel completely overwhelming.
In this second episode of the Wild Nutrition mini series, I am joined again by Gail Madalena, fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist, to cut through the noise. They cover everything from ultra-processed foods and GLP-1 medications to mitochondrial health, exercise, rest, and how to actually rebuild your body between cycles.
This is not about restriction or guilt. It is about understanding what your body actually needs and finding an approach you can sustain. I hope it helps.
What we discuss in this episode:
Why the weight and fertility conversation is so often handled badly by medical professionals
The stigma around weight and why so many people feel they are not being taken seriously
Why BMI is such a divisive and limited measure of health
What metabolic health actually means and why it matters so much for fertility
The problem with fad diets and starvation mode when trying to conceive
Ultra-processed foods: what the research actually says about their impact on fertility
The stat from The Fertility Disconnect report: over 60% of the average UK diet is made up of ultra-processed foods
How UPFs drive inflammation, oxidative stress and poor sperm and egg quality
Practical strategies for reducing ultra-processed foods without overhauling your whole life
What mitochondria are and why they are central to egg quality and early embryo development
Why the egg is the largest cell in the body and demands an enormous amount of energy to ovulate
How blood sugar balance, antioxidants and healthy fats support mitochondrial health
GLP-1 medications: what people trying to conceive really need to understand
A note on GLP-1 medicationsLinks mentioned in this episodeAbout Gail MadalenaAbout this mini series
BONUS EPISODE: Understanding Your Fertility Health
Episode 44
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 30:31
A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report.
What do over 1,000 women in the UK who have tried to conceive in the past five years actually know about their own fertility? The answer, according to Wild Nutrition's brand new Fertility Disconnect report, might surprise you.
In this first episode of our mini series, I sit down with Gail Madalena, fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist, to unpack the most striking findings from the report and what they mean for anyone on a conception journey right now.
Gail also shares her own story: a decade in fashion PR, a lifestyle that was not serving her body, a husband who was a personal trainer and still found himself in the dark, a PCOS misdiagnosis, a low sperm count diagnosis with no follow-up advice, and over three years of trying before finally conceiving during an IVF cycle. It is a conversation I loved having, blending clinical expertise with real, lived experience.
What we discuss in this episode:
The Fertility Disconnect report: what it found and why it matters
Why 41% of women did not know when their fertile window was
Why 60% of respondents were completely unaware of fertility testing options available to them
The gap in sex education: preparing for pregnancy vs preventing it
How the oral contraceptive pill and years of cycle suppression leave women without the basics
Gail's own journey: PCOS misdiagnosis, her husband's low sperm count, and three years of trying
The single most impactful thing you can do for your egg or sperm health right now
What a genuinely fertility-supportive diet looks like in practice
The Mediterranean diet and the research behind it for fertility outcomes
Why 76% of people are not meeting their Omega 3 recommendations
Why 40% of reproductive-age people are low in folate
The alcohol conversation: what the research says and how to be realistic about it
Navigating fertility nutrition across different cultural food traditions
The biggest myth in fertility: that it is mostly a female issue
The 50% fall in average sperm count since the 1970s
Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect reportLinks mentioned in this episodeAbout Gail MadalenaAbout this mini series
From Flare Ups to Fuel: Eating for Endometriosis with Jane Aherne
Episode 43
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 32:41
If you have Endometriosis, you will know that the pain and fatigue can feel relentless. In our episode last week, we discussed consideration around egg freezing and IVF for Endo Warriors with Dr Shirin Khanjani. This week, we're bringing it right down to what you're eating day to day as the right approach to food can make a real difference to how your body manages inflammation, metabolises hormones and supports you through the difficult days.
In this episode I am joined by Jane Aherne, a Registered Nutritionist with an MSc in Nutrition from the University of Westminster. Jane specialises in fertility, reproductive conditions and chronic inflammation, and has worked with women dealing with endometriosis and PCOS across functional medicine environments including IVF Matters and TIC Health.
This is not about a restrictive diet or a long list of rules. It is about understanding why certain foods make your symptoms worse, why others help, and how to make small, sustainable changes that your body will actually thank you for.
What we discuss in this episode:
Why Endometriosis and chronic inflammation are so closely linked
The difference between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods and why it matters
Why Omega 3 is Jane's first recommendation for almost every client with endo
The best food sources of Omega 3 and what to do if you are vegan or do not eat fish
The role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing inflammation
Why trans fats, ultra-processed foods and alcohol can actively worsen symptoms
How gut health and liver function affect the way your body processes oestrogen
The blood sugar spike and crash cycle: why it matters so much in an inflammatory environment
How constant blood sugar spikes can drive insulin resistance and compound existing inflammation
Why comfort eating during flare ups can actually make things worse and what to do instead
Practical swaps: dates, nuts, seeds, high protein meals and how to make them work in real life
Why how you eat can be just as important as what you eat
Mindful eating, stress and the rest-and-digest response
Planning and preparation for shift workers and people on the go
Balancing oestrogen naturally through fibre, cruciferous vegetables and liver-supporting foods
Jane's five small changes to start this weekThis episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionSupport and resourcesSupport the podcastStay connected
Endo, Eggs and IVF: the conversation we should all be having
Episode 42
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 32:59
If you have endometriosis and you’re thinking about your fertility, this is one of those conversations I really want you to hear.
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Shirin Khanjani, Consultant Gynaecologist and accredited subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery, to properly unpack what’s actually going on when endometriosis and fertility collide.
This chat comes off the back of the government’s Renewed Women’s Health Strategy, which has once again highlighted just how many women are still being dismissed, delayed, or left without answers. And when it comes to endometriosis, the reality is still pretty shocking. On average, it takes seven to eight years to get a diagnosis.
So this episode is about what happens next. Once you finally have that diagnosis, what do you actually need to know?
We talk through everything, from how surgery can affect your egg reserve, to why IVF isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for endometriosis patients, to the emotional weight of trying to navigate all of this at the same time.
What we cover in this episode
Why endometriosis has been one of the biggest gaps in women’s health and how that is slowly starting to shift
The many different ways endometriosis can show up, from period pain to IBS, fatigue, back pain and infertility
Why diagnosis still takes years and what you can do to advocate for yourself
What to ask for at GP level and how to push for proper investigations
The nuance around surgery and when it can help fertility or potentially reduce egg reserve
What happens to ovarian reserve when chocolate cysts are removed
Why fertility preservation, like egg or embryo freezing, should be considered before surgery in some cases
How endometriosis changes IVF protocols and why specialist care matters
The impact of fluid-filled tubes on implantation and when surgery becomes necessary
The emotional and psychological toll of managing endometriosis alongside fertility treatment
Why continuity of care makes such a difference to outcomes
Just the Three of Us: Secondary Infertility and Letting Go with Seetal Savla
Episode 41
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 41:09
What does it feel like to reach the end of your fertility journey , not with the family you imagined, but with the one you have? In this episode, host Natalie Silverman sits down with patient advocate, writer, and blogger Seetal Savla for an honest, moving conversation about secondary infertility, the decision to stop treatment, and the complicated emotions that don't simply disappear after a hard-won pregnancy.
Seetal spent six years trying to conceive, went through five rounds of unsuccessful IVF (including one with a donor), experienced multiple losses, and eventually conceived her daughter naturally. Now living in Berlin, she and her husband have made the deeply personal decision not to pursue further treatment , and she speaks candidly about what that letting go actually looks and feels like.
This is also a conversation for those of you who are still on the journey. Because the feelings Seetal describes , the sting of pregnancy announcements, the guilt, the grief for the family you thought you'd have , are feelings many of you will recognise wherever you are right now.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, pregnancy after loss, and the emotional impact of making the decision to stop fertility treatment.
What we discuss in this episode:
Secondary infertility and what it means when there's no clear diagnosis
The decision to stop treatment , and the grief and relief that can come with it
How to navigate the sting of pregnancy announcements, even as a parent
Allowing yourself to feel the 'negative' emotions: sadness, jealousy, resentment
Seetal's two-part answer to the question: 'Do you want another baby?'
Donating remaining embryos , and the complicated emotions around that
The language we use: why 'only child' and 'one and done' don't always fit
How to handle intrusive questions, especially within South Asian communities
Forewarnng friends and family about pregnancy announcements , what actually helps
When fertility friendships shift or break down
Seetal's in-person support group for South Asian women in Berlin
The power of lived experience communities , and why you don't have to speak to belong
About Seetal SavlaLinks from SeetalBooks mentioned in this episodeWhy this conversation mattersSupport and resourcesThis episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionSupport the podcastStay connected
What Happens When AI Enters the Fertility Clinic with Dr Cristina Hickman
Episode 40
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 33:57
Welcome to a brand new series of The Fertility Podcast where we’re asking - what if artificial intelligence could change the way fertility treatment is delivered… before you even begin a cycle?
In this episode, I’m joined by embryologist and clinic founder Dr Cristina Hickman to explore what actually happens when AI enters the fertility clinic. This is not about robots replacing doctors. It is about using data, technology and human expertise together to improve how decisions are made, how patients are supported and ultimately how we get to a baby.
Cristina has built 13 IVF clinics and consulted with more than 250 clinics worldwide. Her latest project brings together years of clinical experience and AI innovation to create a completely new model of fertility care.
What we discuss in this episode:
What an AI powered fertility clinic actually looks like in practice
How embryos generate billions of data points and what that means for your treatment
Why traditional embryo grading can vary between embryologists
How AI can predict embryo development as early as day two
The role of AI in egg retrieval, sperm selection and treatment planning
How personalised fertility care is evolving
Why human expertise still matters just as much as technology
The emotional side of fertility treatment and how clinic environments can impact outcomes
The reality of success rates and what to look for when choosing a clinic
A different way of looking at fertility care
One of the most fascinating parts of this conversation is how AI allows clinics to move from reactive treatment to predictive care.
Instead of waiting five days to see if embryos develop, clinics can now:
Predict outcomes earlier
Manage expectations sooner
Personalise next steps based on your data
Cristina explains how this changes the conversations patients have during treatment, helping them feel more informed and supported rather than left in the unknown.
Three Peaks. Three Mountains. One Mission.
Episode 39
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • Duration 05:07
Hello, it’s Natalie.
This is just a short message from me to let you know that The Fertility Podcast is taking a little hiatus for the next couple of weeks while I get a few things organised behind the scenes.
We will be back very soon with more episodes. In the meantime, if you have only just discovered the podcast, there is plenty for you to explore in the recent episodes.
Since the start of 2026 we have covered a wide range of topics including:
Sperm donation
Navigating IVF as a neurodivergent person
Fertility career coaching
What you wish your colleagues understood about fertility treatment at work
Sex and the impact that trying to conceive can have on intimacy
Secondary infertility
Family building in the LGBTQ+ community
Male fertility testing
So if you are new here, do scroll back through the feed and have a listen.
And if you have found the podcast helpful, please do subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really does help more people find these conversations.
Why I’m taking a short break
As you may know, The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, the UK charity working to support people navigating fertility challenges and campaigning for fairer access to funded treatment.
They are doing incredible work.
And this summer, they are organising a huge fundraising challenge.
The National Three Peaks Challenge.
That means climbing:
Ben Nevis
Scafell Pike
Snowdon
All within .
How you can supportJoin the challengeWhat’s coming next on the podcastStay connected
How to get involved as a volunteer
Katie Rollings is the founder of Fertility Action, the UK's newest fertility charity, now celebrating its first birthday. Fertility Action provides free peer support groups, education and advocacy for the one in six people struggling to conceive. All of the team are volunteers and every penny raised goes directly into building more services for patients.
All groups are free, online and run every week. There is no expectation to keep showing up. You can come with your camera off. You can just sit in the chat. It is as low-pressure as it gets.
Fertility Action is holding two celebrations for its first birthday:
A formal event with clinical partners and supporters
Quiz and Fizz at Fisher's Farm on 23 May, open to the wider community
Fertility Action is a grassroots, all-volunteer charity and they need help across everything from research and communications to events and policy. If you have skills and a bit of time to offer, they would love to hear from you.
I know how overwhelming it can be knowing which supplements to buy when you are trying to conceive. That is exactly why I appreciate what Wild Nutrition offers: free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists so you get guidance that is genuinely tailored to your situation. Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples.
As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get:
50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 months
A free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist
I am joining Katie and a brilliant group of people from across the fertility sector to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours in June, raising funds for Fertility Action. Every donation, however small, goes directly towards building more support services for people going through this. And yes, I will be giving you a shout-out on the podcast if you donate.
Gail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. She supports women through conception, pregnancy and postpartum with tailored, evidence-based guidance and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive.
Episode 1: Understanding Your Fertility Health
Episode 2: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to Conception
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛
When GLP-1s can be a useful preconception tool and when to stop taking them
How to protect nutrient status and hormone health while using GLP-1s
Exercise and fertility: why high intensity training can elevate cortisol and affect progesterone
Why strength training and daily walking may serve you better than five gym sessions a week
The vagal nerve and why switching on your parasympathetic nervous system matters for conception
Mindfulness, rest and recovery: finding what actually works for you
Environmental and lifestyle factors: starting small rather than overhauling everything at once
Rebuilding nutrient stores between cycles and why recovery time is often overlooked
Why being kind to yourself is not soft advice, it is clinical advice
GLP-1s came up in consultations with Wild Nutrition clients frequently enough that Gail wanted to address them directly. The key things to know if you are trying to conceive:
You cannot take GLP-1 medications while actively trying to conceive
In the preconception window, they can be a useful tool for shifting weight, reducing inflammation and supporting metabolic health, particularly for those with PCOS, endometriosis or fibroids
Aim for gradual, micro-dosed weight loss rather than rapid loss
Prioritise protein intake, movement and nutrient density while taking them
Coming off them requires a plan to maintain the healthy habits built during that period
The Fertility Disconnect report by Wild Nutrition:
Gail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. She combines advanced functional medicine training with her own lived experience of a three-year conception journey and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive.
This is a three-part branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition. If you missed the first episode, go back and listen:
Episode 1: Understanding Your Fertility Health
Episode 3: Secondary Infertility: The Hidden Struggle (coming next)
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛
Fertility as a whole body event: hormones, gut health, liver function, microbiome and more
What blood tests can actually tell you and why ultrasounds matter more than people think
How to push back when your GP dismisses you and what private testing can add
What a free consultation with Wild Nutrition actually looks like
41% of respondents did not know when their fertile window was
16.7% did not know the length of their own cycle
Only 1 in 5 said they know a lot about egg health
60% were completely unaware of fertility testing options available to them
Up to 10% of Gen Z respondents said they know nothing about fertility
76% are not meeting Omega 3 recommendations
40% of people in reproductive age are low in folate
32% only reduced alcohol once they had actively started trying to conceive
Around 1 in 5 men are estimated to have a sperm count below WHO guidelines
Since the 1970s, average sperm count has fallen by around 50%
The Fertility Disconnect report by Wild Nutrition:
Gail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. Her approach combines advanced functional medicine training with her own lived experience of a three-year conception journey. She supports women through conception, pregnancy and postpartum with tailored, evidence-based guidance and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive.
This is a three-part branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition. The next two episodes cover:
Episode 2: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to Conception
Episode 3: Secondary Infertility: The Hidden Struggle
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛
How soon you can expect to feel the benefits of dietary changes
Why there is no single perfect diet for endometriosis and what personalisation actually looks like
The biggest misconception Jane wants to set the record straight on
Jane's one piece of advice if you can only do one thing
Add two portions of oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) or a quality Omega 3 supplement
Increase fibre gradually through whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes
Include more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and kale for oestrogen metabolism
Swap high-sugar snacks for a date with a Brazil nut or a handful of mixed nuts and seeds
Sit down for meals away from screens and allow your body to move into rest-and-digest mode Jane on Insta
I know how overwhelming it can be figuring out which supplements actually make sense for your body, especially when you are already managing a condition like endometriosis. That is exactly why I rate what Wild Nutrition offers. Their all-women team of nutritional therapists provide free one-to-one consultations so you get support that is genuinely tailored to you, not just a generic recommendation.
Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples.
As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get:
50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 months
A free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist
The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. They run free weekly drop-in support groups, and you do not need to commit, you can just show up.
I am climbing the Three Peaks in June to raise funds for Fertility Action. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. If this podcast has helped you in any way, even a small donation would mean the world and I will give you a shout-out on the next episode.
If you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast.
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛
Common misconceptions around natural conception with endometriosis
Why waiting too long without investigation can cost valuable reproductive time
The impact of endometriosis in the workplace and why awareness still matters
Why endometriosis and IVF is not one-size-fits-all
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that standard IVF pathways don’t always apply if you have endometriosis.
Dr. Khanjani explains that specialist protocols often need to include:
Managing oestrogen levels carefully during stimulation
Navigating more complex egg collections due to scar tissue or cysts
Using antibiotics during egg collection to reduce inflammation risk
Supporting the body after collection to keep endometriosis under control
Her advice is simple but important. When you walk into a clinic, ask directly if they have specific protocols for endometriosis patients. If they don’t, that tells you something.
Misconceptions we really need to clear up
There are a few things Dr. Khanjani is very clear on:
You can still fall pregnant naturally with endometriosis. The chances may be lower, but it’s not impossible
Egg quality is not automatically worse. IVF outcomes can be comparable once eggs are retrieved
Surgery is not always the first step. In some cases, it can delay treatment or reduce egg reserve
Being told to “just keep trying” without investigation can waste valuable time
There isn’t one perfect pathway. Everything needs to be individualised
About Dr. Shirin Khanjani
Dr. Shirin Khanjani is a Consultant Gynaecologist and accredited subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery.
She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and is an Honorary Associate Professor at University College London. In her NHS role at UCLH, she focuses on low ovarian reserve, recurrent implantation failure and endometriosis.
She is also a co-founder of Fitzrovia Fertility, a London clinic built around genuinely personalised, evidence-based care.
I hear from so many of you who’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or passed from one specialist to another for years.
By the time you get to a fertility clinic, you’re often already exhausted, anxious, and unsure who to trust.
This episode is about helping you feel more informed and more prepared. So when you walk into those conversations, you know what to ask and what to look out for.
This episode is for you if you are:
Newly diagnosed and trying to understand what this means for your fertility
Considering surgery and want to understand the impact on your egg reserve
About to start IVF and unsure whether your clinic has the specialist knowledge needed
Trying to conceive and being told to wait without investigation
Supporting someone navigating all of the above
Support and resources
The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment.
Fertility Action runs free drop-in support sessions twice a week. No sign-up needed.
This episode is sponsored by Wild Nutrition
Navigating supplements when you are trying to conceive can feel overwhelming.
Wild Nutrition offers free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists so your support is tailored to your specific situation.
Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples.
As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get:
If you haven’t already, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast.
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time.
Seetal's 13-part Ferring video diary series documenting her final cycle through to motherhood
Seetal is a patient advocate, writer, and blogger who supports the South Asian fertility community both in the UK and internationally. She has written for The Times, contributed to Kat Brown's anthology No One Talks About This Stuff, and partnered with Ferring Pharmaceuticals on a 13-part fertility video diary series. She also hosts support groups for South Asian women navigating fertility challenges, most recently in Berlin.
Online Fertility Diaries series , filmed with Ferring, documenting Seetal's final cycle, loss, pregnancy after loss, motherhood and her husband's perspective. Episode one of 13 is on her Instagram, with all episodes available there.
No One Talks About This Stuff , Seetal wrote one of 22 essays in Kat Brown's anthology, on the experience of being on the verge of the 'happy ending'.
Instagram post: 'Do you want another baby?' , Seetal's two-part answer to one of the most loaded questions she gets asked.
Friendaholics by Elizabeth Day , on the complexity and expectations of female friendship
Inconceivable by Elizabeth Day , on donor conception, family secrets, and her own IVF journey
So much of the fertility conversation is focused on the next step, the next cycle, the path forward. But what happens when there is no next step? When the path ends somewhere different from where you thought it would?
This episode is for anyone who has made , or is close to making , the decision to stop treatment. It's for anyone navigating secondary infertility, sitting with grief alongside gratitude, or trying to find the words for feelings that don't have easy names. And it's for those of you still on the journey, because understanding that these emotions persist , and that they're valid , matters too.
The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment.
Fertility Action also runs free drop-in support sessions twice a week , no sign-up needed, just a space to be heard.
Trying to conceive can make supplement decisions feel overwhelming. Wild Nutrition offers free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists so you get guidance tailored to your specific situation , not just a generic product recommendation. Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and they're trusted by over 50,000 couples.
As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get:
50% off for 3 months
A free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist
Natalie is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge , Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours , to raise funds for Fertility Action. If this podcast has helped you in any way, even a small contribution would mean the world.
If you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review , it really helps more people find the podcast.
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛
AI and the human touch
A big takeaway from this episode is that AI is not the decision maker. It is a tool.
Cristina shares why compassionate care, clinical experience and personalised understanding still sit at the centre of fertility treatment. AI simply helps clinicians make better, more informed decisions using data that would otherwise be impossible to process.
Why this conversation matters
With increasing pressure on NHS funding and more people needing to explore private treatment options, understanding what is available and how clinics differ is more important than ever.
This episode is about giving you insight so you can make informed choices about your fertility journey.
Whether you are:
Just starting to explore treatment
Navigating failed cycles
Considering switching clinics
Or simply curious about what the future of IVF looks like
This conversation will give you a lot to think about.
Huge thanks to our series sponsors Wild Nutrition - If you’re trying to conceive, you’ll know how confusing it can be to figure out what supplements actually make sense for your body., That’s why I really like what Wild Nutrition offers. They don’t just give you products, they offer free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists, so you can get guidance that’s tailored to you and your situation. Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get 50% off for 3 months AND a free personal consultation
The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment.
Sponsor Natalie doing the 3 Peaks challenge - please show your support by sponsoring her here
Finally -if you haven’t already, please do subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast.
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes.
Until next time 💛
24 hours
That is around 23 miles of walking and a total vertical ascent of more than 3,000 metres.
And yes… I have signed up.
At the end of June I will be attempting to climb all three mountains as part of the Fertility Action team.
If this podcast has helped you in any way, I would absolutely love your support.
Every donation helps Fertility Action continue supporting the 3.5 million people in the UK navigating fertility struggles.
I will also be sharing updates on my training along the way. I have already started with a six mile walk and quickly realised just how long walking actually takes. There will definitely be blisters involved.
There are still places available if you would like to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge yourself.
It takes place on 26 June and the team will be climbing all three mountains in support of Fertility Action.
If climbing mountains is not your thing, you can still help by:
Sharing the challenge on social media
Supporting the fundraisers
Following Fertility Action online
While I take this short pause to get everything organised, I am lining up some brilliant upcoming episodes.
We will be talking about:
AI in fertility care
Vaginal microbiomes
The experience of teachers navigating IVF
And plenty more conversations to help you feel more informed and supported on your fertility journey
If there is a topic you would like me to cover, please do get in touch.
Make sure you are subscribed so the next episode lands straight in your feed.
And I will be back with you very soon.
Until next time.
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