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

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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 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

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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 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

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

In this powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts 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

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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.

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.

In this episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, GP and male health expert Dr Anand Patel joins hosts Ciaran and Shaun to discuss the shocking gaps in medical education around male fertility and why the current system is failing men.

In this episode, Dr Patel reveals:

The Training Crisis: How GPs receive virtually no education about male fertility, with 80% admitting they don't feel confident interpreting semen analysis and 90% unable to properly examine for varicoceles - despite male factors being involved in 50% of fertility cases.

The Demographic Disaster: With sperm counts dropping 50% in 50 years and the UK having the lowest birth rate in Europe, we're facing a potential demographic crisis similar to Korea's sociological meltdown, yet fertility remains low on the government agenda.

Testing Beyond the Basics: Why the standard GP guidance of "do a semen analysis, if it's abnormal do another one" is woefully inadequate, and the importance of hormone testing, DNA fragmentation analysis, and proper specialist referrals.

The Lifestyle Revolution: Dr Patel's key message that lifestyle changes trump supplements every time - from reducing coffee and alcohol to proper sleep, exercise, and maintaining relationship health during the fertility journey.

The Masculinity Crisis: How the shame of male infertility can be as devastating as a cancer diagnosis, why men defer to their partners in appointments, and the critical need for male-focused fertility support and therapy.

Dr Patel emphasises that small tweaks can lead to significant improvements in fertility outcomes, but the medical profession needs urgent reform in education and guidelines. His work training the next generation of GPs aims to ensure every generation is better equipped to support men through fertility challenges.

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

In this episode, Shaun reveals:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey?

Share them with us!

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

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

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

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

In this episode, Jonathan reveals:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Jonathan Luwagga:

Instagram: @jkluwagga

LinkedIn: Jonathan Luwagga

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey?

Share them with us!

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

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

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