The Male Fertility Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this powerful episode of The Male Bag, Ciaran shares four lessons he wishes he had known at the start of his fertility journey. He reflects on the emotional, relational, and practical challenges men face, and how finding support, taking control, and protecting relationships can transform the experience.

In this episode, Ciaran reveals:

• The Road Ahead is Rough: Fertility treatment is one of life’s hardest challenges, but you are not alone. Support exists, and seeking it makes the journey lighter.

• You Have More Control Than You Think: Small, manageable steps like diet changes or routines give back a sense of control.

• Relationships Will Be Affected: Honest conversations and intentional time together can protect and even strengthen your bond.

• Other People’s Reactions Aren’t About You: Hurtful comments reflect others’ lack of lived experience, not your worth.

If you’re struggling, Ciaran’s advice is clear: acknowledge the challenges, take control where you can, and lean into community.

Sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by Impryl® - Fertility Family. Impryl® is a unique supplement for conception recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Visit FertilityFamily.co.uk and use code MFpodcast10 for 10% off.

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

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DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

In this powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Kevin Button, one of the original voices in male fertility advocacy, known in the community as "The Man Cave."

Kevin's story begins 12-15 years ago with a devastating diagnosis of Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome - a condition where sperm production is impossible. What followed was a descent into addiction, relationship breakdown, and homelessness as Kevin struggled to cope with zero support and nowhere to turn.

In this episode, Kevin reveals:

The Brutal Reality of Diagnosis: How receiving life-changing news with no follow-up support led to years of drinking and drug abuse to numb the pain.

Dating with Infertility: The unique challenge of starting new relationships whilst carrying the "dirty little secret" of being unable to have children naturally.

Rock Bottom and Recovery: How meeting his wife Nikki became the turning point that saved his life and gave him purpose.

The Decision to Stop: After two unsuccessful fertility treatments, Kevin and Nikki made the brave choice to end their journey and find happiness as a family of three with their dog Bear.

Becoming an Advocate: How Kevin transformed his pain into purpose by creating The Man Cave, becoming a voice for men who felt voiceless in the fertility space.

The Mental Health Crisis: Kevin's stark warning about suicidal ideation in the male fertility community and why support is literally a matter of life and death.

Finding Closure: His decision to seek a second opinion years later and how it provided the closure needed to fully move forward.

Kevin's message is clear: the months and years of suffering in silence are unnecessary. His advice to any man struggling is simple but profound - just talk to someone tomorrow.

Episode Sponsors:

ExSeed Health - At-home sperm testing using your phone's camera. Code: MFP15 (15% off) at exceedhealth.com

Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Code: MFpodcast10 (10% off) at fertility-family.co.uk

Connect with Kevin Button: 

Instagram: @themanscave 

Website: https://them-ancave.co.uk/author/kevinbutton025/

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey? Share them with us! Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast Web: nexysfertility.com

Join Our Community: At NeXYs Fertility, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges. We offer advice and guidance from leading fertility specialists, peer support, and tailored coaching programmes — all through a user-friendly platform. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

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DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

In this episode of The Male Bag, Shaun tackles listener questions about the emotional and practical challenges of male fertility struggles, offering honest insights from his own three-year journey with azoospermia and donor conception.

In this episode, Shaun reveals:

Opening Up to Friends and Family: How starting small with "one person, one sentence" can break down the barriers to sharing your fertility struggles, and why Shaun waited three years before telling his mates.

Managing Daily Anxiety and Stress: Practical strategies including exercise as "active meditation," journaling apps like Day One, and the importance of routine and goal-setting during fertility treatment.

Being Heard in Medical Appointments: How to move from feeling invisible to being an active participant by doing research beforehand, taking notes during appointments, and reducing the burden on your partner.

Supporting Each Other as a Couple: The crucial role of communication, including Shaun's tip about walking together outdoors to create a safe space for difficult conversations without feeling like an "interview or interrogation."

Finding Joy Beyond Fertility: The importance of maintaining your identity and doing things that brought you happiness before fertility struggles took over your life.

Shaun emphasises that fertility struggles are a "phase process" where everyone moves at their own pace. His key message is that you're not a passenger in this journey - you deserve to be seen, heard, and supported throughout the process.

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey?

Share them with us!

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

In this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, male fertility advocate Jonathan Luwagga joins hosts Ciaran and Shaun to share his deeply personal journey from childhood surgery to becoming a powerful voice for men facing fertility challenges, breaking cultural barriers and transforming shame into advocacy.

In this episode, Jonathan reveals:

The Hidden Impact of Childhood Conditions How his surgery for undescended testicles at age 14 unknowingly set the stage for his adult fertility struggles, highlighting the importance of long-term medical communication and follow-up care.

The Reality of Extensive Fertility Testing: Jonathan's experience with multiple invasive procedures including semen analyses, flexible and rigid cystoscopies, prostate MRI, and testicular ultrasounds, revealing testicles three times smaller than average.

The Emotional Toll of Male Fertility Struggles: From shame and isolation to relationship strain and stress-induced health problems, Jonathan openly discusses the mental health impact that's often overlooked in fertility treatment.

Breaking Cultural Barriers: How speaking about male fertility challenges in Ugandan culture, where "the blame is always on the woman," required immense courage and is slowly changing family attitudes and expectations.

Redefining Fatherhood and Masculinity: Jonathan's relationship with his partner's daughter taught him that being a father isn't just about biology - it's about presence, influence, and being a positive role model.

From Silence to Advocacy: How Jonathan transformed his personal struggles into workplace awareness sessions, helping other men understand the importance of fertility health and breaking the stigma around male reproductive issues.

The Power of Therapy and Support: Jonathan emphasises how professional mental health support helped him process his journey and find the courage to speak openly about his experiences.

Jonathan emphasises that men facing fertility challenges should "be honest with yourself and be gentle with yourself." His transformation from isolation to inspiration demonstrates how sharing our stories can create meaningful change not just for ourselves, but for entire communities and future generations.

Connect with Jonathan Luwagga:

Instagram: @jkluwagga

LinkedIn: Jonathan Luwagga

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey?

Share them with us!

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

Raising Awareness on Two Wheels – London to Paris Charity Ride for Klinefelter’s Support Association https://www.ksa-uk.net/ (KS/XXY Support)

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DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

Host Ciaran answers your most pressing questions about male fertility in this special Male Bag episode. From when to get tested to dealing with the emotional impact of diagnosis, this episode provides honest, experience-based guidance for men navigating fertility challenges.

In this episode, Ciaran discusses:

• Why men should be proactive about fertility testing after a year of trying
• How to cope with feelings of inadequacy after a male factor diagnosis
• Whether past lifestyle choices cause fertility issues
• Overcoming the fear of discussing fertility emotions with your partner
• Practical tips for choosing the right fertility clinic

🕒 Timestamps: 

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Male Bag format 

00:01:00 - When should men get tested? 

00:04:00 - Dealing with feelings of shame after diagnosis 

00:07:00 - Did past lifestyle choices cause fertility issues?

00:10:00 - How to talk to your partner about fertility emotions 

00:15:00 - Choosing the right fertility clinic 

Have questions about your fertility journey? Share them below!

Contact Us: 

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com 

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

🚹 Join our Community@nexysfertility.com

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

In this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, psychosexual therapist Kate Moyle joins hosts Ciaran and Shaun to discuss the complex relationship between sex and fertility, addressing the often unspoken sexual side effects of fertility struggles.

In this episode, Kate reveals:

Men Do Seek Help: Contrary to common belief, Kate's practice is approximately 50/50 in terms of gender, with erectile dysfunction being one of the most common issues men seek help for.

Performance Anxiety and Modern Pressures: From pornography to social media, men face unprecedented pressure regarding sexual performance, especially during fertility treatment.

Navigating Semen Analysis Anxiety: Kate offers practical advice for managing the unique pressure of producing samples in clinical environments, emphasising that anxiety in these situations is completely normal.

When Sex Becomes Functional: Learn how trying to conceive can quickly transform sex from pleasurable to scheduled, and strategies for maintaining intimacy outside of fertility windows.

The Importance of Communication: Kate emphasises how open dialogue between partners and healthcare providers is crucial during fertility challenges.

Kate emphasises that sexual difficulties during fertility treatment are normal, understandable, and addressable with the right support. For men navigating this challenging terrain, recognising the impact of context on sexual function and seeking appropriate help can make a significant difference.

Connect with Kate Moyle:

Instagram: @KateMoyle

Book: "The Science of Sex" (Available in bookshops and online retailers)

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey?

Share them with us! 

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com 

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast 

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

In this episode of The Male Bag, host Shaun answers your most pressing questions about his journey as a sperm donor recipient father. Drawing from his personal experience, Shaun addresses six common themes that emerged from questions submitted via email, Instagram, and the NeXYs Fertility support community.

Episode Highlights:

• Coming to Terms with Donor Sperm (00:01:00): Shaun shares his emotional journey of accepting the need for donor sperm and redefining his identity as a future father. He discusses the grieving process of letting go of genetic connection and how he rebuilt his understanding of fatherhood based on character traits rather than DNA.
• Addressing Common Fears (00:05:00): Shaun candidly discusses fears about bonding with donor-conceived children and how these concerns dissipated after his children were born. He emphasises that parent-child love requires daily nurturing regardless of genetic connection.
• Selecting a Donor (00:08:00): Practical insights into the donor selection process, including how Shaun and his wife approached this significant decision. He explains their focus on holistic characteristics rather than attempting to replicate his own traits.
• Handling Comments About Resemblance (00:13:00): Shaun discusses his evolving approach to managing unsolicited comments about his children's appearance and resemblance, from initially being very open about donor conception to finding more comfortable ways to navigate these situations.
• Telling Children About Donor Conception (00:16:00): The importance of openness and honesty with donor-conceived children. Shaun shares how he and his wife decided to tell their children about their origins from an early age, including creative approaches like framing it as a fairytale.
• Resources and Support (00:22:00): Shaun recommends seeking professional counselling, reading educational materials like "Free Makes Baby," and joining support communities like NeXYs Fertility.

This podcast is sponsored by ExSeed Health. ExSeed. Understand how vital it is to stay ahead of the game with your fertility. Their at-home sperm test shows exactly where you're starting from. No NHS queues, No pricey clinics, No stress. You don't even have to send a sample through the post. By harnessing your phone's camera with the ExSeed device, you can record a video of your semen to analyse in minutes. Doctors are just a message or free video call away with personalised tips to boost your count. 

Get 15% off today by visiting exseedhealth.com with discount code MFP15.

This podcast is also sponsored by Impryl® - Fertility Family

We want to tell you about Impryl®, the unique supplement for conception recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women.

Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of infertility, but maintaining a perfectly balanced diet for conception is practically impossible. Many multivitamins contain harsh antioxidants which may actually damage sperm quality.

Impryl® is different - it's made from activated micronutrients which support every cell in the human body, from the egg to the sperm. These have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for couples who've previously struggled to conceive.

You can find out more and hear from couples who've used Impryl® by visiting FertilityFamily.co.uk. There's a 10% discount for our listeners using code MFpodcast10.

Visit FertilityFamily.co.uk and use code MFpodcast10 for 10% off.



Instagram: @themaleinfertilitypodcast 

Facebook: The Male Fertility Podcast

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 In this powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Shaun and Ciaran welcome Natalie Silverman and Becky Kearns, co-founders of Fertility Matters at Work. This Community Interest Company is dedicated to improving fertility support in workplaces across the UK and beyond. Both guests bring their personal fertility journeys and professional expertise to the conversation, creating a compelling discussion about the challenges faced by employees undergoing fertility treatment and how employers can better support them.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The founding story of Fertility Matters at Work and how the co-founders' personal experiences shaped their mission
• The impact of fertility struggles on workplace performance and mental health
• The "line manager lottery" problem and why consistent policies are essential
• What makes a "gold standard" fertility workplace policy
• How fertility issues affect men in the workplace and why it's not just a women's health issue
• Practical advice for employers looking to implement fertility-friendly policies
• Resources available for both employees and employers through Fertility Matters at Work

Guests: Becky Kearns is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fertility Matters at Work. With a background in HR and personal experience with premature ovarian insufficiency, she combines professional expertise with lived experience to advocate for better workplace support. Becky also founded Paths to Parenthub, a virtual support platform for donor conception.

Natalie Silverman is the Co-Founder and CCO of Fertility Matters at Work. As the creator of The Fertility Podcast in 2014 (the UK's first fertility-focused podcast), she brings over 15 years of broadcasting experience and her own fertility journey to her advocacy work.

• Fertility Matters at Work website: fertilitymattersatwork.com
• Free downloadable resources including guides on typical IVF cycles and building business cases for fertility policies
• The F Word at Work podcast
• Workplace Fertility Campaign Group

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

Welcome to the very first Male bag episode of The Male Fertility Podcast! In these episodes, we will answer your questions about male fertility. If you have a question you'd like answered, please email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com.

This episode covers:

1. How can a man tell if he's infertile, and are there any signs to look out for?
2. Are there specific lifestyle changes or habits to improve male fertility?
3. Is it still possible to have children with a low sperm count?
4. What are the main signs of a varicocele, and how would I know if I had one?  NeXYs Community Webinar: there is an upcoming webinar on varicoceles and male fertility with Dr. Steven Moser on 19th May. Join the NeXYs community at nexysfertility.com (NeXYs).
5. Can infertility happen even if you've already had a child (secondary infertility)? What could cause it?

Get Involved!

• Send your questions: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com
• Follow on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Like on Facebook: The Male Fertility Podcast
• Subscribe on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast

Next Episode: Why fertility matters at work.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

Is a mother's instinct innate while fathers have to learn? Evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin joins us to debunk this myth and dive deep into the fascinating science behind fatherhood.

In this episode, Dr. Machin reveals:

The Myth of Maternal Instinct: Both men and women undergo significant hormonal and brain changes to prepare for parenthood. Men do have parenting instincts – trust them!

The Fatherhood Transition: While it might take dads longer to settle into their role (around 18 months vs. 9 for moms), this could be due to societal factors and lack of opportunity, not innate ability.

Evolutionary Role: Human fathers are rare in the mammal world! Learn why dads evolved and their crucial role, especially during the toddler years.

Dads Aren't Male Mums: Fathers parent differently, offering unique inputs like challenging play, which is vital for child development and building strong attachments.

Prenatal Bonding: It's crucial for dads to bond before birth. Dr. Machin shares practical ways like talking/singing to the bump, feeling kicks, and even interacting during scans.

The Need for Support: We discuss the critical lack of support for men transitioning into fatherhood and the need for healthcare systems and society to recognize dads as equal co-parents.

Dr. Machin emphasises that being a dad isn't just about biology; it's about stepping up and doing the job. Fathers are uniquely important and instinctively equipped for the role.

Connect with Dr. Anna Machin:

Website: annamachin.com

Instagram: @dr_amachin

Book: "The Life of Dad: The Making of the Modern Father" (Available in bookshops and online retailers)

Have questions or experiences about your fatherhood or Fertility journey? Share them with us!

Contact Us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.