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

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 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

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, 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)

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.

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

Email:...

 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.

We're back for Season 4 of The Male Fertility Podcast, and what better way to kick off than with a special episode for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month? This time, we're joined by two brilliant guests: former professional footballer Henri Lansbury and fertility expert Professor Allan Pacey.

Henri shares his powerful personal story, from discovering a lump by accident to the whirlwind journey of diagnosis and surgery. His honesty about the fear, waiting game, and emotional aftermath will strike a chord with so many of you. Prof. Allan brings his wealth of medical knowledge, reminding us why early detection is everything and why checking yourself regularly is vital.

We also announced something very close to our hearts: the launch of NeXYs Fertility, a safe, anonymous community space for men navigating fertility challenges.

It's the platform we always wished existed when we started our own fertility journeys, and now it's here for you. We're dedicated to normalising conversations about men's health and breaking the stigma around masculinity and asking for help.

Have you or someone you know been impacted by testicular cancer or fertility challenges? We'd love to hear your story—drop us a message.

Contact Us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

📺 YouTube: Watch Here

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us grow and support more men!

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

In this powerful series finale, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Frank Fallon to discuss his journey through male factor infertility, successful ICSI treatment, and what life looks like after.

Frank and his wife faced male factor infertility before achieving success on their first round of ICSI. Determined to understand his diagnosis, Frank pursued additional NHS tests, which ultimately revealed an abnormal varicocele. Despite the NHS declining further testing, Frank improved his fertility health through dietary changes and supplements like Impryl, eventually achieving results in the healthy range.

Frank shares his experience on the M&M show, an Instagram live series on male infertility, which he joined after connecting with the host through a comedy sketch inspired by his semen analysis journey.

In This Episode:

• Navigating guilt after a successful pregnancy — is it selfish to want another child?
• The mental toll of fertility struggles and knowing when to step away.
• The need for better guidance and resources for men facing infertility.

Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about fertility, family, and moving forward.

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this Male Bag episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, host Shaun answers listener questions about navigating the emotional and practical challenges of the fertility journey.

In this episode, Shaun addresses:

Counselling Services in Fertility Care: Shaun confirms that UK fertility clinics are required by the HFEA to offer counselling services before, during, and after treatment, including donor conception. He shares his personal reluctance to engage with counselling during his own journey and encourages listeners not to make the same mistake.

Feelings of Failure After Diagnosis: Shaun discusses why it's completely normal to feel like you've failed after receiving a fertility diagnosis. He explains how societal expectations of masculinity contribute to these feelings and emphasises that fertility issues are medical, not moral.

Small Steps to Processing Emotions: For those not ready to talk, Shaun suggests alternative approaches like listening to podcasts, journaling thoughts on a phone app, and connecting with others' stories. He stresses the importance of going at your own pace and finding what works for you personally.

Shaun emphasises that while the podcast offers guidance and support, it's not a replacement for professional medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to submit their own questions via email or Instagram.

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.

Contact Us: 📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com 📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

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, Shaun and Ciaran sit down with Carl Tracey to discuss his fertility journey—the challenges, emotions, and lessons learned along the way.

Carl shares how he and his wife Catherine struggled to conceive for two years before seeking medical help. He opens up about the confusion of receiving his semen analysis results, which revealed low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal morphology. He describes the frustration, denial, and eventual acceptance that followed, including the discovery of a minor varicocele.

Carl reflects on the emotional impact of infertility, how his wife’s own IVF conception provided some perspective, and the coping mechanisms they relied on—such as humor and comfort—to navigate the stress of treatment. He also discusses society’s silence around male fertility and the importance of breaking the stigma.

His advice? Take it step by step and focus on what you can control.

Catherine also started her own podcast with her friend, and the two explore the complexities of navigating fertility issues. Check out Catherine & Sian’s IVF BFF Podcast for more fertility conversations!

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

On today’s episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Josh Coulson to talk about his ongoing fertility story.

Josh opens up about his story which started back in 2020 after trying to conceive for a year with his wife and nothing happening. Josh, like a lot of people, assumed that this was a female problem, but when they were both referred to a clinic, he soon found out that there was a whole other world he was not aware of.

He shares what he has been through up to this point, from semen samples to operations, Josh tells the lads about his experience with these, as well as the lack of empathy and organisation from their clinic. Josh talks about the misinformation he was told and the mistakes that the clinics were making, like for example not even putting them on the waiting list for an operation.

After this, Josh and his partner decided it was time to go private, in hopes of getting better results faster, there he did more semen tests and a genetic test too. His consultation with a doctor in Manchester went so much better than from his clinic in Leeds, he had more tests done and was eventually put on Clomiphene in hopes of boosting his sperm. 

Josh tells Shaun and Ciaran about his operation to see if the doctors could find any semen, he explains that little over 3 days after, he was told that there was nothing there, which was devastating news. He then goes on to talk about getting more results from his genetic tests, which were given to him in a letter, which detailed that he had no deletion with his Y chromosome and that his chromosome pattern was in a mosaic pattern. For Josh, this made no sense, and was not fully explained to him, which left him more confused.

This news along with all the other tests that Josh had been through meant that Josh had started to lose himself, he explains how he and his wife went through counselling, which was given to them via their donor clinic. Josh shares how he felt, and how his wife started with IUI, which unfortunately failed 3 times before the doctors asked if they would like to start IUI with drugs.

Now Josh and his wife are still waiting to start with the IUI again, Josh talks about the terrible experience that he has had with the clinics that he has been to, and the countless mistakes that they have made with his fertility. 

Together, they talk about exercise, getting out and keeping distracted. Josh talks about communicating with his partner, and picking up on the signs of when they might not be themselves or are ready to move onto the next step.

Josh also talks about how he felt like he was the only one in world going through this, and how the podcast has helped him feel less alone and feel like he has that support, that there is someone else going through a similar experience to him.

His advice is to communicate and talk, it helps so much and take off so much pressure, especially when you are going through something like this.

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find...

In this episode of the Male Fertility Podcast, Toby Burns joins Shaun and Ciaran to share his story.

The guys talk about the strain infertility placed on Toby’s relationship, and how he and his wife supported each other through the hardest times. When they finally opened up to others, it led to unexpected discoveries—Toby’s younger brother also carries the cystic fibrosis gene which is what caused Tony's own fertility issues.

Today, after a long and challenging journey, Toby and his wife are blessed to have a daughter. He now focuses on supporting other men navigating similar experiences.

A bio from Toby….

My name is Toby Burns, and my journey into the world of fertility has been deeply personal and life-changing. After months of trying for a baby, I was devastated to discover I was a carrier of the cystic fibrosis gene, which affects the vas deferens and meant I needed a surgical sperm retrieval (MESA) to have a chance at becoming a dad. My wife and I had to put our wedding plans on hold due to Covid, and we chose to dedicate all the money we’d saved to start our IVF journey instead. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions—it has often felt like everything is against us, from my wife going through cancer in 2018 to the challenges of fertility. But through it all, we’ve learned that positivity is key.

Eighteen months ago, I started sharing my story more openly, hoping to shed light on male fertility challenges and break the stigma men often face. Speaking on platforms like LBC has been empowering, and I hope my honesty helps others feel less alone. This is not just my story—it’s a cause I’m passionate about, and I’m determined to raise awareness and encourage more open conversations about male infertility.

You can follow Toby on Instagram @the_eventrepreneur

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male...

In this week’s episode of the podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are delighted to be joined by Yiannis Christodoulou, a triathlete for Great Britain, who is here to talk about his infertility journey.

Yiannis shares that his sister went through IVF, so he was aware that people can struggle to conceive, but he assumed he and his wife would fall pregnant naturally and easily.

Yiannis talks about his low motility and how he was not given much support or any clear advice. Some of the advice he did receive was counter productive to his extensive training schedule for his professional competing, so he had to strike a balance between his desire to have a child and his passion as an athlete.

Yiannis has now become an ambassador for @fertilitynetworkuk - where he continues to share his story and raise awareness for male infertility.

His advice is no matter how hard it gets, keep pushing forward, stay positive. It is not an easy journey, but it will make you a better person

Find his instagram at Instagram

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Joining us this week on The Male Fertility Podcast is Tony Suckling - here to share his long and emotional fertility journey.

After years of trying to conceive with his wife with no success, Tony decided to take a basic sperm test. The results showed a low sperm count, prompting him to make lifestyle changes in the hope of improving it.

When nothing worked, they turned to a fertility clinic. At their first consultation, Tony was told they wouldn’t be able to conceive naturally.

Tony shares how the clinic’s focus was solely on his wife – despite him being the one with a low sperm count. No further tests were done on him, leaving him feeling overlooked. This led to him emotionally shut down, avoiding conversations and isolating himself.

Tony and his wife eventually sought out a new clinic in Spain, where they experienced exceptional care and compassion. After finding the strength to continue their treatment, they were able to move forward – and now have a beautiful daughter.

Tony and Ciaran reflect on their shared experiences, including an Everest trip that became a significant turning point for both of them. Together, they discuss the lows, the feelings of inadequacy, and how connecting with others helped them heal.

His biggest piece of advice: Get tested early and thoroughly. Don’t avoid it – taking action puts you one step ahead.

Tony now shares his story via his Instagram profile, @thehopefulfather

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this week’s episode, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Marc Bear to talk about his long fight with infertility. From the initial assumption that starting a family would “just happen” to confronting the reality of an infertility diagnosis, Marc shares the highs and lows of his path to fatherhood.

After years of trying to conceive he was eventually diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome. The diagnosis was both a revelation and a challenge, helping him make sense of his childhood experiences while presenting new hurdles in his journey to become a father.

Missteps along the way, including poorly handled medical tests and a lack of male-focused fertility resources, only added to the emotional weight.

Despite the challenges, Marc and his wife remained determined. They explored options like micro-TESE surgery, and eventually made the decision to proceed with donor sperm. They are now proud parents to a son.

His advice to others facing similar challenges is to find people you feel comfortable talking to, and don’t underestimate the power of sharing your story.

Marc now shares his story via his Instagram profile, @puttingthexinsexxy

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

This week on The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran sit down with Matt to hear his deeply personal story of navigating male infertility.

After trying and failing to conceive, Matt and his wife went to the GP - however, it was only his wife that was referred for tests.

A whole year and a half later, Matt was finally referred for a sperm test. Sadly he was initially misdiagnosed with a low count, whereas it later transpired that they'd misread his results....he actually had no sperm.

He reflects on how common male infertility is and the healing power of breaking the silence — sharing how opening up at work led to surprising empathy and others sharing their own stories.

With candour, Matt discusses spiralling after his diagnosis, turning to alcohol, and the moment he realised he needed to change. Through lifestyle shifts and incredible support from his partner, he’s now taking back control of his journey.

His advice? Don’t shut yourself off. Talk, communicate, and find strength in the people around you.

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Welcome to a new episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, where we're joined by another guy sharing his story to help others.

This week, we chat with Rob as he shares his personal journey through infertility.

After months of trying to conceive, Rob and his partner initially received a misdiagnosis of PCOS. Frustrated and searching for answers, Rob took it upon himself to have a sperm test, and the adverse results led him to speak to Dr. Jonathon Ramsay, who identified a varicocele, and diagnosed Rob with high DNA fragmentation following examination and testing.

Rob and his wife then tried to navigate the NHS fertility process, and were told that their only option was ICSI - with little explanation as to why, and no with alternative pathways being provided. He highlights the lack of accessible information and clear communication for male fertility patients, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.

Rob reflects on the critical role of support from friends and family, emphasising the power of opening up.

Tune in to hear Rob's story in full, as well as his advice for anyone in the same situation now.

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Male Fertility Podcast! We are so delighted to be sharing this series with you as this one is all about giving a voice to the audience.

And to kick start the series off, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Sean Farrell, who has been listening to the podcast since he started on his fertility quest. And crucially, he is still going through it at the moment.

Sean shares how he received his test results of a sperm analysis over the phone, and that they gave him the wrong information. After he eventually asked for a copy of the analysis, Sean and his partner realised that they had been hugely mis-informed about the results. Rather than the low numbers he was told he had, he actually had a zero count.

A second test confirmed it - there was no sperm.

The couple decided to go down the private route for fertility treatment, and Sean talks about having to prioritise his fertility over lots of other things in life due to the financial costs involved.

He discusses the ways in which his relationship with his wife has changed since the diagnosis, especially once the couple were to find that there was another unforeseen setback in relation to their fertility - which has left them very much in limbo.

Listen to here all of Sean's story, as well as his advice to other men who may find themselves in the same situation.

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

So, here we are, the final episode of Series 2. And to celebrate that, Shaun and Ciaran met up to record their first ever in-person episode.

This episode looks back on each episode from the series, and sees the lads reflect on the advice and knowledge that was shared by each expert guest. The boys unpick the information, and share their key takeaways from each episode, as well as summarising the information that each guest brought.

Shaun and Ciaran also talk about the next series that is on the horizon, and what is in store for you as listeners. They share how series 3 will be focused on the stories of others - a chance for you to be able to share your experience and to help break the stigma of male infertility.

Thank you to all those who have tuned in and got in touch with us, thank you to our amazing sponsors this series and of course thank you to our incredible hosts, Shaun and Ciaran.

See you in Series 3!

The Male Fertility Podcast Team

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

• As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast -...

In this powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Ben Tansley, whose story of acceptance and resilience transformed Shaun's own fertility journey and inspired him to speak openly about male infertility.

In this episode, Ben reveals:

The Moment Everything Changed: In 2017, Ben went from being a confident young father and successful businessman to being told he would never walk again after a devastating motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

The Power of Immediate Acceptance: Rather than dwelling on what he'd lost, Ben's first concerns were for his son's safety and the wellbeing of the person who caused the accident, demonstrating an extraordinary capacity for acceptance and forgiveness.

Redefining Strength and Identity: Ben shares how he had to completely reinvent himself, moving from physical strength to finding power through positivity and influence, proving that true strength comes from within.

The Ripple Effect of Sharing Your Story: Ben's openness about his journey unknowingly inspired Shaun to break his own three-and-a-half-year silence about infertility, demonstrating how one person's courage can transform another's life.

Finding Meaning in Everything: Ben's philosophy that "everything happens for a reason" and his ability to see life as an interconnected web where every experience serves a purpose, even when that purpose isn't immediately clear.

Ben emphasises that whilst life constantly tries to beat us down, the key to happiness is learning to adjust and pivot. His message is clear: there is always life after life-changing events, and acceptance is the first step toward reclaiming your power.

This episode proves that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places and that sharing our struggles, regardless of their nature, can create profound change in others.

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 Ben Tansley: @BenTansley

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.

This week, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Professor Allan Pacey MBE to talk all things male fertility. What Allan doesn't know in this field isn't worth knowing!

Allan is the Professor of Andrology at the University of Manchester as well as Deputy Vice President and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Biology. For 17 years he was the Head of Andrology for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals where he ran the Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank. As an academic he has published over 250 research papers, book chapters and review articles.

In 2016 he received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to Reproductive Medicine. In 2023 he was the 38th recipient of Honorary Membership of the British Fertility Society.

This episode is jam packed with great information and advice.

Allan explores many topics, such as the changes he has witnessed in the industry in terms of male fertility, and how these changes are a positive for men - as both the patient and the partner.

We discuss home sperm testing kits - which Allan thinks are an amazing way to be able to get an idea of where you are at in terms of sperm health.

Allan talks about lifestyle, and the changes that you can make - including what can be harmful for sperm quality, as well as what can potentially improve it too. 

Allan shares what the future looks like for the fertility industry, as well as sex education for the younger generation.

We also touch upon how cancer can affect your fertility - even from a young age, and we get Allan’s view on the term 'Spermageddon' which has been doing the rounds a lot lately!

Follow Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Follow Allan on X (Twitter) or LinkedIn
• Subscribe

This week we talk to Robin Hadley about involuntary male childlessness.

Robin is a leading expert on the psychological and societal impact of male childlessness. He completed his Masters on the subject, and has subsequently written several academic papers on the topic, as well as his critically acclaimed book on the subject.

Shaun, Ciaran and Robin discuss the complexities of being a man, and being childless-not-by-choice. We delve into how childless men are viewed and treated, as well as the societal expectations that weigh heavily on the shoulders of men from when they are young.

Robin explores the different circumstances that can result in male childlessness - including his own. He talks about the lack of support and knowledge in the world around this topic for men - a world that perpetuates the myth that men will always be fertile from puberty until death.

Robin shares some of his academic research which uncovers the discrimination that stay at home fathers face. This then leads onto the discussion of bonding with your child after birth, and how men are expected to go back to work after a short period of time. Robin stresses the vital importance the presence of a father is to a newborn.

The three explore their experience of feeling lonely, and lacking purpose in life as a man without a child, and Robin gives some great advice for those feeling this way.

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Find Robin at Robin Hadley – Investigating the complexities of male childlessness
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we

*Warning - this episode includes discussions on pregnancy loss and miscarriage*

In this week’s episode, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Jackie Stewart, an accredited independent counsellor who specialises in fertility counselling.

We discuss miscarriage and pregnancy loss, specifically the impact it has on men - who are so often forgotten in this scenario. Ciaran shares his own experience with pregnancy loss, how he felt, and the mixed emotions that he experienced as a result.

We explore the fear that comes with trying to get pregnant again following a loss, and how it can affect both people in the relationship.

Jackie gives her professional take on the heartbreaking situation, which often sees men suppressing their feelings and bottling it all up - which can lead to negative outcomes. We explore why this is the approach that men take, and what can be done to change this.

The three explore the signs and symptoms to look out for in men when they may not be coping as well as they seem, what to do in this situation, and how to manage things moving forward as a couple.

Jackie gives some great advice for how men can help a female partner through miscarriage.

About Jackie Stewart:

Jackie is an accredited Independent Counsellor, specialising in fertility counselling for 15 years.

Jackie prides herself on providing a safe and confidential space to help support the feelings of patients through what can be a sensitive and emotionally difficult time, full of uncertainty.

She is incredibly passionate about her work, helping to support individuals and couples who are experiencing infertility and fertility treatment. Jackie has had personal experience of infertility and therefore she has an empathic understanding of some of the feelings and issues involved in treatment.

Jackie runs a small private practice and also works as a supervisor to other counsellors.

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on...

On this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by leading expert in fertility, Dr Tim Child.

Having previously focused heavily on male infertility, what that means, the treatments available, and how to process it - the conversation around what happens next is a crucially important one for the podcast.

Ciaran and Shaun talk to Dr Child about the process of IVF, from the initial tests your doctor will do beforehand, right through to embryo transfer. We discuss what 'long' and 'short' protocols are, and whether one is better than the other, as well as key do's and don'ts for the egg collection and embryo transfer days.

Shaun and Ciaran talk about how they felt when going through IVF, from the partner's perspective, and Dr Child shares the important ways in which men can support their partners through this stage.

Tim and the lads also talk about PGT-A and PGT-M, what they mean and what the potential benefits are of going through the procedures.

More on Dr Child:

Dr Tim Child is a leading expert in fertility, an Associate Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Oxford and Executive Consultant to Apricity Fertility. He has published over 100 research papers and has introduced new fertility treatments in the UK. He co-wrote the current NICE Fertility Guidelines and was appointed to the HFEA board in 2021, chairing its Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee, responsible for the Add-Ons traffic light system. He founded Oxford Fertility and The Fertility Partnership, the largest assisted conception provider in Central and Northern Europe, until 2023.

Dr Child is author of the UK's best-selling Obstetrics and Gynaecology textbook. He studied Medicine at Cambridge and London Universities, specialising in Reproductive Medicine in Montreal and Oxford, and earned a research Doctorate from the University of London. Dr Child is a Trustee of The Fertility Alliance charity and regularly speaks at international conferences. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Fertility Society in 2021. 

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow

This week on The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by specialist fertility counsellor, Tracey Sainsbury.

Tracey is a specialist fertility counsellor, dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals and couples navigating the complexities of fertility challenges. She is an advisory board member for various organisations and charities. Beyond these advisory roles, Tracey is a respected trainer for both the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (CICS), where she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with fellow professionals, fostering a community committed to excellence in fertility care. Tracey is also a Mum thanks to adoption and a former foster carer.

They kick start this episode by talking about what counselling is, and how it works. Ciaran comments on how influential and important it was for him during his experience with infertility.

Tracey explores the differences between men and women when it comes to opening up and talking during their sessions.

Tracey shares the ways to take control of your fertility, which can be vital in coping with something that often feels so out of our control.

She talks about how couples can maintain intimacy in their relationship, when often this can break down when sex becomes functional, and focused solely on reproduction.

The group discuss donor conception, what the procedures to pursuing this route looks like, and what people should expect - including implications to bear in mind for the future. Shaun asks Tracey what the current advice around disclosure with donor conceived children is, and what useful advice she has for methods of doing so.

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Email Tracey at

This episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by senior fertility nurse specialist, Francesca Steyn. Francesca is the Clinical Services Manager at the Wales Fertility Institute. She has over 18 years of experience in the sector, and is the current chair of The Royal College of Nurses' Fertility Nursing Forum.

What is a Fertility Nurse?:

Francesca talks about the vital role fertility nurses play, and why they are so important to patients going through fertility struggles. She explains how they are the glue that holds everything together - nurses are at the heart of a clinic and the one constant that patients see throughout their path to parenthood.

Supporting Men:

Francesca acknowledges that traditionally, fertility clinics have been great at supporting women when they come to the clinics, however, they have fallen short when it comes to supporting the men. She is passionate about the fact that this needs to change, and in her role as RCN Chair, she recently oversaw a groundbreaking report compiled for Fertility Nurse Practitioners.

Francesca explains what the report comprises of, and how it is going to help nurses up and down the country understand more about male infertility. This will in turn help the male patients, who will receive more tailored treatment and support.

Society And Stigmas:

Together, the three talk about the feelings of embarrassment that men might feel when opening up. They explore the stigma and stereotype that society has about men needing to put on a front and to not display vulnerability. On top of this, they discuss whether the fertility world is changing, and if it is becoming more inclusive for all patients who walk through the doors.

Fertility treatment for gay men:

Francesca discusses the discrimination that is present for gay men when it comes to how they are dealt with in clinic, as well as access to funding for fertility treatment - for which there is no NHS funding for gay men at all. The three debate how clinics can become a better environment for everyone looking for fertility treatment.

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow

In this week’s episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Melanie Brown, one of the leading nutritionists in the fertility world. She has worked with some of the leading clinics and professionals in the UK fertility industry, and is currently writing a book on how to improve male fertility with the urologist and male fertility expert, Jonathan Ramsay, and the mens health expert Dr Anand Patel.

For her Masters, her final thesis researched the effect of obesity and diet on male fertility. She feels strongly that male factor infertility is very poorly addressed, and has seen first hand the positive effects that diet and lifestyle changes can have on sperm quality.

Finding Out The Truth:

We discuss whether the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ has some truth behind it, especially when it comes to fertility. Melanie explains the effect that diet and lifestyle has on sperm quality.

The three talk about organic diets, and whether it is necessary and worth it.

Melanie gives a clear explanation of the role that antioxidants and free radicals have, and how important they are to your fertility. Melanie also talks about environmental aspects of diet, such as plastic and pesticides that reside on fruits and other food.

The Do's and Dont's:

Shaun and Ciaran ask Melanie how she engages with her clients, what steps she takes, and how she implements a new diet for them. Melanie shares her approach to changing your diet, what to add, what to avoid and what can be potentially damaging.

Future Generations & Fertility:

We also talk about chemicals in food and supplements, specifically those that are damaging to male fertility, and how all this is effecting the younger generation - especially the young men and boys who have no knowledge of what this can be doing to their body and fertility. 

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Follow...

In this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Emma Whitney, the Director of Embryology and Genetics at The Evewell Clinic, to talk all about embryologists and the vital work they do.

Emma Whitney is the Director of embryology and genetics at The Evewell group in London. With over 20 years of practical IVF laboratory experience, Emma specialises in pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos with a passion to prevent the transmission of inherited genetic disease and enhancing the capabilities of embryo selection. 

Emma’s commitment to genetics, coupled with her multitude of experiences - allows for a pragmatic and honest approach when discussing embryology. 

Emma believes IVF patients should have the opportunity to understand what goes on in an IVF laboratory. Her goal is to help patients alleviate some of the stress and anxiety caused by so many unknowns. 

“IVF is as much an emotional journey as it is a scientific one. I endeavour to protect the mental well-being of my patients through education and awareness. So no matter what science has to offer, every patient is in a better position to deal with the outcomes.”

What is an embryologist?:

Emma and the lads talk about Embryologists and the vital work they do. They handle everything from the moment that you hand over your gametes (sperm and eggs) to when you return to put them back. Emma talks about how it is all one team and is a lot of responsibility.

Behind the hatch:

Emma enlightens us about what happens behind the hatch, and the process that follows after you give a sperm sample. She explains what exactly it is that an Embryologist will be looking for in that sample.

Fertilising the embryo:

Emma shares the process of fertilisation of the embryo day by day. Shaun and Ciaran talk about what it was like receiving the phone call from their clinic about their embryo’s progression, and Emma tells them how she believes those calls should be handled.

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram:...

The Male Fertility Podcast is back and to kick start this series, in this episode, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Oliver Wiseman, a Consultant Urologist based at Cambridge University Hospitals and Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic.

Both Shaun and Ciaran saw Oliver when they were going through their fertility treatment.

He is very experienced in the management of male infertility, and he runs many training courses teaching other Urologists.

• What is a Urologist?:

Shaun and Ciaran talk to Oliver about what a Urologist is, what they do, and why men who are going through fertility problems should see one as soon as possible. Oliver shares how long it might take to see a Urologist and why you may not see a male fertility specialist straight away.

• Seeing a Urologist:

Oliver gives some tips for when preparing to see a urologist, what to do beforehand and what to take with you. He also explains what tests to take prior to your appointment, what they mean and why he asks for them before seeing him. 

• Improving your fertility:

Together, they discuss what you can do to improve your fertility through your lifestyle choices, Oliver drops some advice for those looking to do so, as well as talking through the treatments that are available for couples going through infertility and what the future may look like for the fertility world and male factor.

• Oliver's advice:

Lastly, Oliver provides his advice for someone currently going through infertility; it's all about communication, early testing, and lifestyle changes. Tune in to hear in more detail.

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to

The Male Fertility Podcast returns to your ears with Series 2! 

This series, Shaun and Ciaran are being joined by different professionals to have a chat and to ask the questions that they themselves wanted to when they were going through their fertility chapter. 

The Intro Episode

This intro episode, Ciaran and Shaun chat about what Series 1 was like, from the initial episode to the last one, the lads talk about how it took months in the planning and now it has gone past in a blink of an eye. 

Shaun and Ciaran talk about how far the podcast has come, from being featured in the Guardian newspaper to Men's Health and we cannot thank the listeners enough. The podcast has been able to open the book on men’s fertility and it is thanks to you, the listeners.

Giving You The Voice To Ask

Series 2 is also a chance for you, the listeners, to ask questions and get answers. So keep an eye out on our Instagram at @themalefertilitypodcast for a chance to ask!

Our Sponsors

In this series, The Male Fertility Podcast is being sponsored by 3 amazing companies, Exseed Health, One Day Tests and Fertility Family.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this Male Bag episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, host Ciaran answers listener questions about navigating the emotional and practical challenges of the fertility journey.

In this episode, Ciaran addresses:

Time Pressures: Ciaran discusses how male fertility does decline with age (particularly after 40), but at a much slower rate than female fertility. He emphasises the importance of acknowledging time-related pressures and being proactive with lifestyle changes to control what you can.

Relationship Changes: Drawing from his own experience, Ciaran explains how fertility challenges affected his relationship with his wife, causing them to drift apart initially. He shares how open communication ultimately strengthened their bond and offers advice for maintaining connection during difficult times.

Feeling Overlooked by Healthcare: Ciaran candidly discusses how men are often overlooked in fertility treatment, sharing his experience of being referred to as "and partner" in clinic communications despite male factor being the primary issue. He emphasises the importance of self-advocacy and the need for systematic change.

Things He Wishes He'd Known: Ciaran reflects on what he would have done differently, including seeking help sooner, being more proactive about testing, and understanding that fertility treatment is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ciaran emphasises that while the podcast offers guidance and support, it's not a replacement for professional medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to submit their own questions via email or Instagram.

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.

Contact Us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

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.

Welcome to last episode in this series of The Male Fertility Podcast! It has been quite an adventure for both Shaun and Ciaran. From talking about the initial diagnosis to fatherhood, the lads have talked about a variety of different things and now to finish this series of, they are joined by their lovely wives, Jennifer and Jenna.

The Partner Perspective

Jennifer and Jenna talk about what it was like from their perspective as Ciaran and Shaun were going through their fertility story. Jennifer talks about her own fertility story, and attending appointments without Ciaran. On the other side, Jenna talks about how she attended all the appointments with Shaun and the group reflect on how differently they were treated even though they were all going through it together as couples.

The wives discuss how helpless they felt at times as their husbands struggled with their diagnosis, and how they tried to support them.

Education and Fertility

Together, they all talk about how little they were unaware of infertility and the lack of knowledge they had going into the world of fertility. Ciaran talks about sex education and how it can be glossed over.

Finding Support and Communication

Jenna talks about the lack of support for male factor online, things like social media accounts and websites. She goes on to say that there is a lot of advice for women but not as much for men.

They then later talk about communicating with each other and how important it is to talk to one another and have those difficult conversations. Shaun and Ciaran talk about how grateful they are for Jennifer and Jenna, they also talk about the support that they got from friends and family.

Sponsor Message - ExSeed Health:

This episode is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

As we draw close to the end of this series, Shaun and Ciaran talk about pregnancy and fatherhood.  In this episode, they talk about their experiences with pregnancy, birth and then after birth, discussing the emotions that they went through and how they overcame the obstacles they faced.

The Two Week Wait & Communication

Shaun and Ciaran talk about the two week wait, and how it was from a male’s perspective. Talking about the ups and downs, how they coped. Later on in the episode, the lads discuss the importance of talking and communicating with your partner, and how this can strengthen your relationship.

Birth & Fatherhood

They also talk about how they felt after birth and bonding with their children, the different feelings and emotions that they experienced. Shaun and Ciaran talk about fatherhood and how it has changed them both.

Sponsor Message - ExSeed Health:

This episode is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube
• 
  

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Ciaran and Shaun dive into lifestyle habits that can affect your fertility. In this information packed episode, the lads talk about reducing the stressors in your life and where to actually make a start.

Exercising and Fertility:

Ciaran starts off by talking about how exercising is not only good for your health but also for your fertility. He explains that you don't need to do intense training, and that doing low to moderate, such as going for a 40 minute walk, can be really beneficial.

Diet and Fertility:

Ciaran then goes on to talk about how changing your diet can really help, he talks about how organic food is the best option when it comes to eating. Although this is not always affordable, he suggests eating whole foods.

Alcohol and Fertility:

It is a well known fact that alcohol can affect your fertility negatively. Avoiding drinking can be difficult, especially in a society that holds drinking up high.

Sleep and Fertility:

Ciaran and Shaun talk about how important sleep is, for both our bodies and our minds. Sleep helps your body to repair itself and getting at least 8 hours a night is beneficial for both you and your fertility.

Ciaran and Shaun also gives some tips for those looking to increase their testosterone.

• Avoid wearing tight pants - try wearing loose briefs
• Avoid hot baths, saunas or hot tubs
• If you work in an office where you are sat down all day, try and find a way to stand up for a while
• Don't work with your laptop on your lap

Sponsor Message - ExSeed Health:

This episode is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube
• 
  

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Join Shaun and Ciaran in this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast as they delve into the important topic of mindset when facing infertility, and crucially, how they came to accept what they were going through. Discover how embracing a new mindset can lead to personal growth and becoming a better version of yourself.

Acceptance

Shaun shares his personal journey of acceptance, discussing the unpredictable stages of grief and emphasising that they don't follow a specific order. The chaps explore the importance of learning to accept the new reality of infertility. Instead of dwelling on losses, they encourage a shift in perspective—focusing on what one can gain and how to move forward positively.

Ciaran and Shaun stress the value of honesty with oneself and emphasise the significance of personal focus during challenging times.

The conversation revolves around overcoming obstacles and transforming into a better person through the fertility journey.

Top Tips:

1. Start Talking: Open up about your feelings and experiences.
2. Daily Reflection: Maintain a self-reflection journal to track your emotions and progress.
3. Look Inward: Peel away layers, introspect, and rebuild yourself from within.

Sponsor Message - ExSeed Health:

This episode is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube
• 
  

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Welcome to the first episode of The Male Fertility Podcast in 2024! Join Shaun and Ciaran as they delve into the complexities of emotions and relationship strains encountered on the fertility journey.

Thoughts & Feelings:

In this episode, Shaun and Ciaran open up about the thoughts and feelings they experienced in relation to their partners. They candidly discuss emotions like guilt, shame, and embarrassment, exploring the impact these feelings had on their perception of letting their partners down.

Breaking the Stigma:

The duo addresses societal expectations that pressure men to be emotionless and strong. Shaun and Ciaran bravely challenge this stigma, advocating for openness and empathy in navigating the challenges of male infertility.

Ciaran shares his experience during his wife's ICSI process, detailing how he initially pulled away but, through mutual effort, they emerged stronger. Shaun reflects on the impact of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome on his wife Jenna and their relationship - particularly how he found this particularly hard.

Acknowledging and Accepting Help:

Shaun and Ciaran emphasize the importance of acknowledging the need for help and accepting the diagnosis. This crucial aspect will be explored further in upcoming episodes, so stay tuned.

Top 3 Tips - Ciaran:

1. Understanding it's Not Your Fault
2. Take the Time You Need to Process
3. Make Time to Communicate with Your Partner About Your Feelings

Top 3 Tips - Shaun (For Partners):

1. Reiterate the Stability of Your Relationship
2. Offer Reassurance and Support
3. Practice Patience; Navigating the Fertility Story Takes Time

Sponsor Message - ExSeed Health:

This episode is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, revolutionising male fertility testing. Skip the stress with their at-home sperm test, providing a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range.

Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where You Can Find Us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Join Ciaran and Shaun as they talk about the pathways to parenthood. We are going to be talking about the options when it comes to assisted reproduction; the process of IVF, what ICSI is and what to expect. The guys also discuss alternate routes to parenthood, such as donor conception.

Options for Parenthood

We talk about the options that are available to you when you are on your path to parenthood. Some of those options are things like IVF and ICSI. Ciaran tells us what the differences are between them and why they are done. Shaun explains that ICSI is the most successful treatment for male infertility, and we talk a little bit about IUI.

The process of IVF & Adoption

Later on in the episode, we talk about the process of IVF and what it was like from a male perspective. Shaun goes into detail about what he did to be supportive and how that helped him to process everything. Ciaran and Shaun then discuss adoption as an option and how complex it actually is. 

Donor Sperm

Lastly, Shaun goes through the donor sperm process and shares why he chose to go down that route. We talked about telling your children about donor conception and how you can go about doing that.

Our sponsors, @exseedhealth, are revolutionising the way we approach male fertility testing. Skip the stress and hassle – their at-home sperm test offers a convenient and reliable way to check your sperm health without the stress and anxiety of going to a clinic.

Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range.

Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where you can find us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of the diagnosis — exploring the initial processing, seeking support, and addressing the pervasive silence that often surrounds male fertility issues.

Understanding the Diagnosis: Stages of Grief:

Shaun provides his perspective on the diagnosis, and then unravels the stages of grief that one might experience following that. He shares the emotional journey of going through these stages and the challenge of finding adequate support during such a vulnerable time.

"We are all in our own race" - Shaun

Acceptance and the Journey Forward:

The boys open up about the process of accepting the diagnosis and the transformative nature of embracing a new version of oneself. The episode delves into mental health perspectives, with both Shaun and Ciaran sharing their coping mechanisms.

Redefining Masculinity: Caring and Protective:

Ciaran reflects on his evolving perception of masculinity, emphasising the importance of embracing caring and affectionate qualities. He discusses the balance between compassion and protective instincts.

Our sponsors, @exseedhealth, are revolutionising the way we approach male fertility testing. Skip the stress and hassle – their at-home sperm test offers a convenient and reliable way to check your sperm health without the stress and anxiety of going to a clinic.

Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range.

Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where you can find us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Join us in Episode 3 as we tackle a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of male fertility — the shocking decrease in sperm count witnessed over recent years.

This episode on The Male Fertility Podcast aims to start a conversation about a topic that demands everyone's attention.

Exploring the Sperm Count Decline:

Delving into the alarming trend of decreasing sperm count, we shed light on a concern that requires immediate attention. The episode explores potential factors contributing to this decline, such as the impact of electronics and dietary habits. It's a call to action to address this persistent issue in the realm of male fertility.

Shaun & Ciaran provide advice on the things you can do to look after your own swimmers, and improve their numbers and health.

The Importance of Conversation:

Acknowledging that male fertility is a subject that hasn't received adequate discussion, Shaun & Ciaran emphasise the urgency of breaking the silence. The problem persists, and it's time to confront it head-on.

Personal Experiences with Sperm Testing:

The chaps share personal experiences of undergoing sperm tests, offering insights into what it's like and the emotions associated with it. By opening up about their own journeys, the chaps aim to reduce the nerves and #Wankxiety surrounding giving a sperm sample.

Where you can find us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Recommended Reading:

Explore more on the topic by checking out "Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race" by Shanna H. Swan and Stacey Colino on Amazon.

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Welcome back to Episode 2 of The Male Fertility Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Ciaran, exploring the hurdles he faced and overcame on his path to parenthood.

Ciaran's Fertility Journey:

Ciaran's story unfolds in 2011, when he and his partner Jen got married. Little did they anticipate the unexpected challenges that lay ahead when it came to their dreams of becoming parents. Ciaran shares the poignant moment of discovering his infertility diagnosis, unraveling the emotional turmoil that ensued.

Coping and Overcoming Obstacles:

In a candid conversation, Ciaran unveils his coping mechanisms and the resilience that carried him through the challenging process of IVF. He provides insights into the emotional and physical toll of infertility and IVF, highlighting his unwavering determination to surmount these challenges.

The Blessing of Two Beautiful Children:

Despite the adversities, Ciaran's new found strength paved the way for the ultimate joy of parenthood. The couple were blessed with two beautiful children, Sebastian and Enya. Ciaran's story stands as a testament to resilience, showcasing the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.

Our sponsors, @exseedhealth, are revolutionising the way we approach male fertility testing. Skip the stress and hassle – their at-home sperm test offers a convenient and reliable way to check your sperm health without the stress and anxiety of going to a clinic.

Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range.

Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Socials:

Where you can find us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, where we embark on an inspiring journey with Shaun as he shares his personal experience with male infertility.

Shaun's Story:

Shaun's narrative begins in 2017 when he was confronted with a daunting diagnosis: Azoospermia, a condition characterised by a lack of sperm. He takes us through the arduous process of seeking answers to his diagnosis and how he coped with the overwhelming news.

The Varicocele diagnosis and operation (2019):

In 2019, Shaun faced another setback when he was diagnosed with Varicocele. He delves into the details of the diagnosis and the surgical procedure he underwent in an attempt to address this issue.

Navigating fertility treatment during COVID:

The episode explores the added challenges of undergoing fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaun sheds light on how the pandemic affected those undergoing fertility treatments and expecting parents.

Overcoming the adversity and pain:

Despite the grief, pain and trauma, Shaun reveals what kept him resilient throughout his fertility journey. He reflects on how he wouldn't change a thing, emphasising the transformative power of his experiences.

Our sponsors, @exseedhealth, are revolutionising the way we approach male fertility testing. Skip the stress and hassle – their at-home sperm test offers a convenient and reliable way to check your sperm health without the stress and anxiety of going to a clinic.

Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range.

Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Socials:

Where you can find us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube
• Email us at Themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this comprehensive episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Ciaran and Shaun speak with Dr Jonathan Andrews about testosterone - the hormone that affects everything from fertility and muscle mass to mental health and motivation.

In this episode, Johnny reveals:

What Testosterone Actually Does: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of all male characteristics - from muscle mass and bone density to libido and mood regulation. It's literally the hormone that transforms boys into men during puberty and maintains those characteristics throughout life.

The Age Factor: From mid-thirties to forties, testosterone levels typically decline by 1-2% per year. Unlike the dramatic "cliff drop" of female menopause, male testosterone decline is gradual - so subtle you might not notice until symptoms become significant.

Why Young Men Can Have Low Testosterone: Age isn't the only factor. Younger men are increasingly presenting with low testosterone due to lifestyle factors, obesity, stress, poor sleep, environmental factors, and medical conditions. Don't assume you're "too young" to have low testosterone.

The Symptoms You Might Miss: Brain fog, fatigue, loss of morning erections, decreased libido, difficulty building muscle, increased body fat, mood changes, and reduced motivation can all be signs of low testosterone. Many men dismiss these as "just getting older" when they could be treatable.

Why Lifestyle Changes Sometimes Fail: Even when men adopt "testosterone-friendly" lifestyles - better diet, exercise, reduced alcohol - levels can sometimes drop further. This happens because weight loss can temporarily reduce free testosterone, and other factors like stress or illness can override lifestyle improvements.

The Diagnosis Process: Proper testosterone diagnosis requires two blood tests at least 4-6 weeks apart, taken in the early morning when levels are highest. Single tests aren't reliable due to natural fluctuations, stress, illness, and circadian rhythms.

TRT vs Underground Alternatives: With growing awareness of testosterone's importance, some men seek treatment through unregulated channels. Johnny emphasises the importance of proper medical supervision, licensed medications, and comprehensive health monitoring.

The Mental Health Connection: Low testosterone can cause depression-like symptoms. Many men are prescribed antidepressants when the root cause might be hormonal. Addressing testosterone deficiency can be life-changing for mood, motivation, and overall mental health.

Johnny emphasises that testosterone affects virtually every aspect of male health and wellbeing. His advice is clear: if you're experiencing symptoms, don't assume it's just aging - get tested by qualified professionals who understand the complexity of hormone health.

Connect with Dr Jonathan Andrews:

@Ted's Health Website: tedshealth.com

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.

Hello and a warm welcome to The Male Fertility Podcast, your go-to space for insightful discussions on male fertility, hosted by Ciaran and Shaun! We're thrilled to launch this podcast, and in this introductory episode, we share a bit about ourselves, our motivations, and what you can expect from the podcast.

About The Male Fertility Podcast:

Our mission is to make The Male Fertility Podcast a one-stop-shop of education, relatability, and support for all our listeners - as well as bringing some much needed laughter to the topic. Through sharing personal experiences and the stories of others, we aim to let you know that you are not alone on your fertility journey. This podcast is designed to be a safe space for you to speak up and reach out whenever you need.

What to Expect in This Episode:

In this introductory episode, we provide an overview of the exciting topics that lie ahead, offer a glimpse into our personal stories, and share the driving force behind launching The Male Fertility Podcast.

Join us for this adventure as we set the stage for what's to come.

Our sponsors, @exseedhealth, are revolutionising the way we approach male fertility testing. Skip the stress and hassle – their at-home sperm test offers a convenient and reliable way to check your sperm health without the stress and anxiety of going to a clinic.

Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range.

Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

Where you can find us:

• Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast
• Follow Ciaran Hannington on Instagram: @themalefertilitypt
• Follow Shaun Greenaway on Instagram: @knackered_knackers
• Subscribe to The Male Fertility Podcast on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast - YouTube

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we dive into various aspects of the male fertility journey, we want to ensure that our content is easily discoverable for those seeking information. If you're searching for topics related to "male infertility," we're here to provide insights, experiences, and support. Make sure to subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform so you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

In this deeply personal episode of The Male Bag, Shaun tackles some of the most challenging questions men face during fertility struggles, from feeling pressured to talk to rebuilding masculine identity after diagnosis.

In this episode, Shaun reveals:

Permission to Stay Silent: It's perfectly acceptable not to want to discuss fertility struggles constantly. The key is communicating your need for space rather than shutting down completely, saying "I need time to process internally before I can express externally."

Masculinity Beyond Sperm Count: Fertility struggles can feel like an attack on masculinity, but Shaun emphasises that "masculinity is not defined by sperm count." He shares how asking his wife "who am I as a man?" helped him rebuild his identity from core character traits rather than reproductive ability.

Staying Hopeful Through Setbacks: Hope isn't about pretending everything is fine - it's about knowing you're doing all you can, even on difficult days. Shaun advocates for "taking a knee" when needed, allowing yourself bad days, and remembering how far you've come since the beginning.

The Reality of Mental Health: Shaun courageously shares that 40% of fertility patients experience suicidal thoughts, and opens up about his father's suicide a year ago, emphasising the critical importance of male mental health support and community.

Building Community: From NeXYs support groups to in-person events, Shaun highlights how connecting with other men experiencing similar struggles can provide the community and understanding that might make all the difference.

If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• CALM: 0800 58 58 58
• NHS: 111 (UK)

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 powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Ciaran and Shaun speak with Olly Brown about his personal experience of miscarriage and his mission to break the silence surrounding pregnancy loss, particularly for men.

In this episode, Olly reveals:

The Hidden Reality of Miscarriage: After experiencing loss at 13 weeks, Olly discovered that miscarriage affects people everywhere but remains largely unspoken. Once people knew about his experience, countless others shared their own stories of loss.

The Male Perspective on Grief: Men often feel pressure to be "strong and pragmatic" during miscarriage, but Olly emphasises that healing only comes through talking about the experience and finding support.

The 12-Week Dilemma: The traditional advice to wait until 12 weeks before announcing pregnancy can create additional trauma when loss occurs after sharing the news, requiring difficult conversations with family and friends.

Hospital Support During Loss: Olly praises the medical care they received, noting that whilst support was primarily focused on his wife's physical needs, he felt included in the process and had access to grief counselling and funeral options.

Changing Perspectives on Pregnancy: The experience fundamentally shifted how Olly and Amy approached their subsequent pregnancy, telling close family and friends immediately to ensure support was available if needed.

Marathons for Miracles: Olly is organising an ambitious challenge where 39 people will run 39 marathons in 39 weeks across the UK to raise funds for Tommy's, the pregnancy and baby charity, and increase awareness of miscarriage and baby loss.

Olly emphasises that whilst men need to provide strength and support during miscarriage, they also need to acknowledge their own grief and seek help when needed. His advice to men experiencing loss is simple but powerful: find someone who will listen, because talking about it will always help.

Connect with Olly Brown:

Instagram: @marathonsformiracles

Email: marathonsformiracles@gmail.com

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.

Ciaran is co-host of The Male Fertility Podcast and a personal trainer with extensive experience in male fertility challenges. Having navigated his own fertility journey, including approximately £45,000 worth of NHS treatment and additional private costs, Ciaran brings both personal insight and professional expertise to help men understand the physical and emotional aspects of fertility struggles. His background in fitness and health allows him to provide practical advice on lifestyle factors that impact male fertility, while supporting men emotionally through his work with The Male Fertility Podcast and NeXYs Fertility, the world's first online community platform dedicated to supporting men during their own fertility challenges.

In this episode, Ciaran reveals:

Financial Reality Check: After roughly £45,000 worth of fertility treatment (mostly NHS-covered but still £5-6,000 out of pocket), Ciaran shares practical strategies including budgeting, researching cheaper medication suppliers, and using cinema cards for affordable date nights during financially tight periods.

Cannabis and Fertility Truth: Research shows marijuana reduces sperm concentration and motility whilst increasing abnormal sperm shape. The good news? There is evidence that these effects are reversible when you stop smoking, and GPs will support you without judgement.

Cycling Guidelines: Rather than complete avoidance, if cycling is a vital part of your life, Ciaran recommends limiting cycling to 30-45 minutes at moderate intensity (zone 2 training) twice weekly, using padded seats with ventilation, and wearing breathable shorts to reduce heat.

Male Age Factor: Unlike women, men don't face a fertility cliff, but evidences success rates do decline after 45. Living healthily - proper sleep, exercise, reduced alcohol, and stress management - can help maintain fertility longer.

Sperm Freezing Options: Men can freeze sperm through clinics or sperm banks via cryopreservation, providing insurance for future fertility needs or medical treatments.

Stress Management: High cortisol reduces testosterone, directly impacting fertility. Ciaran emphasises communicating with employers, planning stress-reducing activities, and acknowledging stress as the first step to managing it.

Ciaran explains that whilst these factors matter, the key is finding balance rather than perfection. Small, manageable changes in lifestyle and financial planning can make a significant difference without sacrificing mental health.

Connect with The Male Fertility Podcast:

Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

Web: nexysfertility.com

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey?

Share them with us!

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.