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

In this episode, Shaun addresses:

Telling Friends and Family: A question from a NeXYs fertility community member about wanting to tell friends and family about their diagnosis. Shaun shares his own experience of telling people during lockdown after speaking to the BBC, and introduces the X and Y graph method - where X is how you want to communicate (in person, text, voice note) and Y is who you're telling (family, friends, etc.). He emphasises that "by not telling people you're robbing them of that opportunity to help you."

What Would You Change About Your Journey: Shaun reflects on whether he would change anything about his infertility journey, concluding he wouldn't change anything because it guided him to his children and made him a better person. He discusses becoming "Shaun 2.0" - stronger, a better man, husband and father as a result of going through fertility challenges.

Feeling Distant as a Couple: Addressing how fertility treatment can make couples feel like they're not the same as before treatment. Shaun uses the elastic band analogy - couples may stretch apart but can spring back together. He offers practical advice about escaping "those four walls" when home feels like a prison, going back to what brought joy as a couple before treatment, and the importance of individual time to "fill your own cup."

Shaun emphasises the importance of living whilst waiting rather than waiting to live, and encourages listeners 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

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

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 Fertility Podcast, biomedical engineer Alasdair Walker joins hosts Ciaran and Shaun to share his extraordinary transformation from seven failed IVF cycles to natural conception success. Based in Scotland with a doctorate in biomedical engineering, Alasdair's journey began when his wife Julia's ear infection unexpectedly triggered their fertility investigation.

Alasdair had every advantage a fertility patient could hope for. After six years together and a year of marriage, Alasdair received a devastating diagnosis: severe oligospermia with just 200,000 sperm per ml. Born with only one testicle after losing the right one at five weeks old, he endured seven failed IVF/ICSI cycles over two and a half years.

Key revelations in this episode:

• How he spent three days on his living room floor reading 100-200 scientific abstracts when clinics offered only "eat a balanced diet"

• The remarkable discovery of secret support messages written by men inside clinic sample collection rooms

• Why his evidence-based concerns about DNA fragmentation and varicocele were repeatedly dismissed

• The life-changing investigation with Dr. Jonathan Ramsey and varicocele embolization with Dr. Steven Moser

Alasdair's persistence transformed his outcomes dramatically. His sperm count improved from 200,000 to 7-8 million, with total motile sperm count reaching above 40 million, leading to natural conception of two daughters. Now running Green Man Vitality, he provides evidence-based fertility information to help other men.

Website: www.greenmanvitality.com Instagram: @greenmanvitality

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

Episode Sponsors:

• ExSeed Health - At-home sperm testing. Get 15% off at exceedhealth.com with code MFP15

• Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Get 10% off at fertility-family.co.uk with code MFpodcast10

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, Ciaran reflects on the lessons he wishes he had known at the start of his fertility journey. Drawing on 14 years of lived experience, he shares the emotional, relational, and practical insights that helped him find strength, connection, and hope.

In this episode, Ciaran reveals:

• The Road Ahead is Rough: Fertility treatment is one of life’s hardest challenges, but you are not alone.

• You Have More Control Than You Think: Taking small, manageable steps can give back a sense of control and calm.

• Relationships Will Be Affected: Honest conversations and quality time can strengthen your bond.

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

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

📧 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/

Contact Us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

Episode Sponsors:

• ExSeed Health - At-home sperm testing. Get 15% off at exseedhealth.com with code MFP15

• Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Get 10% off at fertility-family.co.uk with code MFpodcast10

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,...

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

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

Episode Sponsors:

• Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Get 10% off at fertility-family.co.uk with code MFpodcast10

Share them with us!

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

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 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.

Contact Ben Tansley: @BenTansley

Contact Us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

Episode Sponsors:

• ExSeed Health - At-home sperm testing. Get 15% off at exseedhealth.com with code MFP15

• Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Get 10% off at fertility-family.co.uk with code MFpodcast10

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 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.

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

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

Episode Sponsors:

• ExSeed...