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

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

In this episode of The Male Bag, 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.

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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.

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

Key Topics Discussed:

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

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

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

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

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