• Beyond Performance: Sex During Fertility Treatment with Kate Moyle
    Jun 4 2025

    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.

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    52 mins
  • The Male Bag: Identity, Connection, Donors to Donuts - it can work for you!
    May 28 2025

    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.

    

    Contact us.

    Instagram: @themaleinfertilitypodcast

    Facebook: The Male Fertility Podcast

    Email:...

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    25 mins
  • Why Fertility Matters at Work?
    May 21 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Inside the Male Bag: Low Sperm Count, Varicoceles & Vital Lifestyle Fixes
    May 14 2025

    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.

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    17 mins
  • Why Dads Matter? Sperm Donor Conception & Wrestling with Dr. Anna Machin
    May 7 2025

    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.


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    55 mins
  • Tackling Testicular Cancer with Ex-Footballer Henri Lansbury & Prof. Allan Pacey
    Apr 30 2025

    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.

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    37 mins
  • Series 3, Episode 10 with Frank Fallon
    Mar 12 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Series 3, Episode 9 with Carl Tracey
    Feb 26 2025

    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.

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    59 mins