Unfertile & Unfiltered

Sidney Hales Davis
  • 4.6 (9)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A raw, honest podcast about male factor infertility, azoospermia, and the realities no one prepares you for. We share our journey through diagnosis, grief, marriage strain, and the difficult decisions around sperm donors and donor conception. This is the real, unfiltered side of infertility — for anyone navigating male infertility and trying to feel less alone.

  1. APR 29

    Ep 15. Updating on Our Free IVM Gameto Study

    In this episode, we break down the Gameto study and what it shows about IVM outcomes, timelines, and expectations—especially in the context of male factor infertility. We walk through the IVM process from start to finish, including testing, retrieval, fertilization, and transfer, along with where people tend to run into challenges and delays. We also talk through common concerns around using donor sperm, including how donor selection works through platforms like Seed Scout, what kind of information is available, and how people approach those decisions. Disclaimer: After recording this, I realized the study we are doing is different than the Grace IVF study that I mentioned in the podcast. Either way, below are both links to more information on the studies: Grace IVF Utah Gameto Study (this is the one we're doing)

    33 min

  2. APR 20

    Ep 14 Are Plastics Affecting Male Fertility? What the Research Actually Shows

    In this episode, we break down the growing concern around plastics, BPA exposure, and how microplastics may be impacting fertility—especially sperm count and hormone balance. We recap a recent plastic detox study and talk through what actually changed for the couples involved, including measurable improvements in sperm health and multiple pregnancies following lifestyle changes. We also share where we’re at in our own infertility journey—deciding between IVF vs IUI, the cost with having to do donor sperm due to Matt's male factor infertility and emotional tradeoffs, and what it looks like to be stuck in the waiting phase.

    29 min

  3. APR 13

    Ep. 13 How Regulated Is Sperm Donation, Really?

    In this episode of Unfertile and Unfiltered, we dive into sperm donor regulations in the United States and what actually exists versus what people assume exists. After watching documentaries like Our Father and Delivery Man, we break down real concerns around donor conception, including cases of fertility doctors using their own sperm without consent, the lack of legal consequences, and how little oversight there is in the industry. We cover: What sperm donor regulations exist in the U.S. (and what doesn’t)FDA involvement and why it’s limited to disease screeningThe “25 family” guideline and why it’s not a lawHow self-reporting impacts donor limits and trackingThe issue of serial donors and lack of a national registryReal-world examples of donor misuse and legal gapsDifferences between U.S. regulations and other countriesEthical concerns around sperm banks, anonymity, and costWe also share our personal perspective as a couple navigating male factor infertility and considering donor conception, including the realities, concerns, and trade-offs that come with it. This episode is a straightforward look at the current state of sperm donor laws, the gaps in regulation, and what people should understand before going down the donor route.

    29 min

  4. MAR 30

    Episode 12: Sperm Donor vs Biological Father — Recommended Terminology to Use

    In this episode, we focus on the language used in the infertility and donor conception space—specifically the difference between terms like “sperm donor,” “biological father,” and “dad.” After receiving a diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia, we’ve had to navigate conversations that go beyond medical decisions and into how we actually talk about family, identity, and roles. This episode is a straightforward discussion on: What different terms actually meanWhy wording matters in the infertility spaceHow terms like biological dad vs father vs donor are usedThe implications of each term for parents and future childrenWhere language can be misleading or overly simplifiedWe also touch on how terminology varies depending on: Medical contextLegal definitionsPersonal preferenceCultural and social perspectivesIf you’re navigating male infertility, azoospermia, or donor conception, this episode gives a clear breakdown of the terminology you’re likely to encounter. Resources: 1. Donor-Conceived People’s Experiences of Identity and Relatedness https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/13691058.2017.1349180 2. Relationality in Donor Conception: How Parents and Children Talk About Donors https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8289314/ 3. Donor vs Dad: Untangling Language, Identity, and the Meaning of Parenthood https://www.seattlespermbank.com/donor-vs-dad-untangling-language-identity-and-the-meaning-of-parenthood/ 4. Assisted Reproduction Kids Grow Up Just Fine—But It May Be Better to Tell Them Early https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/assisted-reproduction-kids-grow-up-just-fine-but-it-may-be-better-to-tell-them-early-about 5. We Are Donor Conceived – 2020 Survey Results https://www.wearedonorconceived.com/2020-survey-top/2020-we-are-donor-conceived-survey/

    27 min

  5. MAR 23

    Ep 11 Male Factor Infertility & Emotional Resilience: How to Cope, Let Go of Control, and Survive the IVF Journey

    In this episode of Unfertile & Unfiltered, we shift away from medical updates and dive into the emotional side of male factor infertility and the infertility journey. After navigating a diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia and preparing for IVF with a sperm donor, we’ve learned that infertility isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. From long waiting timelines to the uncertainty of treatment, this process challenges your sense of control, identity, and expectations for the future. We talk about: How infertility forces you to confront what you can’t controlThe difference between a scarcity vs. abundance mindsetWhat emotional resilience actually looks like during IVFHow men and women cope differently with infertilityLetting go of timelines, expectations, and the pressure to “fix” everythingWhy surrender (not control) might be the key to surviving infertilityWe also share personal insights on how we’re learning to stay present, build a life we enjoy now, and find meaning even in the waiting. If you’re navigating male infertility, azoospermia, IVF, or donor conception, this episode is for you. You are not alone—and there is a way to move through this without losing yourself. Follow along on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sidneyhdavis/

    28 min

  6. MAR 17

    Ep 10 Sperm Donor Conception: The Biggest Mistakes, Mindset Shifts & What We Learned from a Donor Therapist

    In this episode of Unfertile & Unfiltered, we’re breaking down everything we learned from our first donor therapist appointment—and what completely shifted our perspective on building a family through donor conception. We went in expecting surface-level advice… but walked away with clarity on some of the biggest decisions we’ll make as parents. We talk about: Why openness matters more than you think The biggest mistake families make (and why it can backfire later) How to talk to your kids about being donor-conceived Letting your child lead their own story Removing shame and normalizing non-traditional paths to parenthood The mindset shift that helped us accept this journey We also get real about navigating other people’s opinions, handling family dynamics, and why secrecy can do more harm than good. If you’re going through infertility, considering a donor, or just trying to understand this path better, this episode is for you. And as always… we keep it honest, a little chaotic, and completely unfiltered. Here are the links to different books: Our Hearts Match: A Heartwarming Children's Book Celebrating Donor Conception, Egg Donation, Embryo Donation, and Diverse FamiliesWhat Makes a BabyFamilies Come in Many FormsThe Pea That Was Me

    29 min

  7. MAR 9

    Ep 9 - A Letter from a Fellow Sperm Donation Dad

    In this episode of Unfertile & Unfiltered, we give an honest update on where we are in our infertility journey. After qualifying for a Gentle IVF study, we thought the process would move quickly—but like many fertility treatments, the timeline turned out to be much longer than expected. We talk about the emotional side of waiting, the reality of IVF timelines, and the frustration that comes when plans don’t go the way you hoped. We also share an update on our sperm donor search, including how we’re navigating the decision process and what factors we’re considering. Then we read and discuss a powerful letter written by a father of donor-conceived children that speaks directly to men facing infertility. The letter addresses fears many men experience but rarely talk about—questions about masculinity, identity, fatherhood, and what it means to raise a child that isn’t genetically yours. This conversation opened up an honest discussion about the emotions that come with male factor infertility and why so many men struggle silently. If you or someone you know is navigating infertility, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone. Study mentioned in the episode: https://www.graceivfstudy.com/ https://accelrecruitment.com/ivf-study/?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=ig&utm_id=120233420876750039&utm_content=120233421840020039&utm_term=120233420876180039&utm_campaign=120233420876750039 Male infertility support group mentioned https://act.resolve.org/page/52362/survey/1?ea.tracking.id=website Letter referenced in the episode: Dear DI Dad-to-be If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need it. Conversations like this help others realize they’re not the only ones going through it.

    27 min

  8. MAR 2

    Ep. 8 What People Say When You’re Infertile (And What Actually Helps)

    When you decide to be open about infertility, you open yourself up to a lot of love… and a lot of opinions. In this episode, we talk through what it’s been like to share our male factor infertility journey publicly with family, friends, coworkers, and the internet. Some responses have meant everything to us. Others… not so much. We unpack common phrases like: “It’ll all work out.” “Everything happens in God’s timing.” “Just expect miracles.” “I know exactly how you feel.” And we talk honestly about why some of those comments can feel minimizing — even when they’re well-intentioned. We also share what has helped. What actually feels supportive. And how to show up for someone walking through infertility (without trying to fix it). If you’ve ever wondered what to say — or what not to say — to someone dealing with infertility, this conversation is for you. And if you’re in it yourself, we hope you feel a little less alone.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A raw, honest podcast about male factor infertility, azoospermia, and the realities no one prepares you for. We share our journey through diagnosis, grief, marriage strain, and the difficult decisions around sperm donors and donor conception. This is the real, unfiltered side of infertility — for anyone navigating male infertility and trying to feel less alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Sidney Hales Davis
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sidney Hales Davis
  • Show Website
    Unfertile & Unfiltered

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