The Fertility Podcast

Natchat Productions
  • 4.7 (71)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

If you’ve found your route to parenthood hasn’t been straightforward, The Fertility Podcast is for you. From how to optimise your fertility to getting pregnant naturally, navigating IVF, understanding donor conception or surrogacy to how to prepare for a life without children. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. Created by Natalie Silverman, a former fertility patient in 2014 Natalie set about speaking to experts and sharing lived experience and expert interviews In 2019 Kate Davies, an independent fertility nurse consultant joined as co-host and from 2023-2024, Kate hosted the podcast solo sharing more of her expert insight and stories from her patients. Now over a deace old The Fertility Podcast is proud to partner with Fertility Action, a new UK charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by infertility, secondary infertility, or sub-fertility. Together, we aim to amplify our mission of education, empowerment, and support. Fertility Action combines patient advocacy with expert knowledge to offer peer support, therapy, and reliable information. They are also committed to improving fertility care access, raising awareness, and driving research to advance understanding and treatment. PLEASE NOTE: The Fertility Podcast has an archive of its 300 episodes on new podcast feeds called: Getting Pregnancy Ready, Infertility Support, Male Fertility, Alternative Routes to Parenthood, and Pregnancy Loss. Just have a look in your podcast search and be sure to subscribe.

  1. 6d ago

    One full round: What teaching through IVF Takes

    This is the final episode of the series and it is one that I originally recorded for the F Word at Work podcast, but I am so glad it is finding its home here. As we head into summer and those of you in education start to think about fitting treatment around the school calendar, I wanted to make sure this conversation reached you. I am joined by Caroline Biddle and Devon-Louise Oakley-Hogg, both teachers, both with their own lived experience of fertility treatment, and both co-founders of One Full Round: a campaign to bring fair, funded fertility leave to schools across the UK. Together they have developed a free model policy that any school can adopt, which has already been taken on by the Avanti Schools Trust, making it the first multi-academy trust in the country to offer full paid fertility treatment leave. Devon's story is particularly raw and honest. She stopped treatment two years ago at the age of 30, having spent £25,000 and gone through three rounds of egg collection without success. She talks about what it felt like to get devastating embryology phone calls at break time and then walk straight back into a Year 11 classroom. Caroline's story ended with a successful outcome, but the decade it took to get there, including having her pay docked when appointment letters started saying 'fertility' instead of 'gynae', shaped everything that One Full Round is now trying to change. Content note: This episode includes discussion of male factor infertility, azoospermia, failed IVF cycles, embryo loss and the decision to stop treatment. What we discuss in this episode:Caroline's experience of having her pay cut mid-treatment when appointment letters changed from 'gynaecological' to 'fertility' and the headteacher's response when she raised itWhy the line manager relationship in schools works differently: it is the headteacher, not the line manager, who has the final sayDevon's fertility journey: her husband's azoospermia diagnosis, three rounds of egg collection, £25,000 spent, and the decision to stop treatment at 30The phone calls from the embryologist at break time, and having to walk into a Year 11 class immediately afterWhy Devon says she does not yet feel ready to consider parenthood because she has not yet got back to who she was before treatmentThe guilt that comes from being a teacher going through fertility treatment: letting down your classes, taking sick leave, going in ill after egg collectionWhat Caroline's 2022 survey of more than 120 teachers found: guilt was one of the most recurring themes in over 3,200 words of open commentsWhy a written fertility policy matters even in schools that 'already let everyone go to appointments'What the One Full Round model policy actually covers: one full round of treatment from investigations to embryo transfer, paid leave, partner leave, and provisions for a cancelled cycleHow Avanti Schools Trust became the first trust in the country to adopt the policy, offering six weeks of full paid fertility leaveWhy some schools resist the policy and why they are short-sighted to do soThe recruitment and retention crisis in teaching and why 9,000 women left between the ages of 30 and 39 in a single yearGen Z teachers checking for fertility and wellbeing policies before accepting jobsOne Full Round's ambassador programme: free training, resources and templates for teachers who want to take the policy to their schoolDevon's PhD in student misogyny towards teachers and how it connects to the wider pictureThe Keeping Women in Teaching conference and the issues it set out to address: menstruation, misogyny, menopause and infertilityCaroline's PhD research into line managers and the support they offer women going through fertility treatmentFertility Matters at Work and why the workplace fertility conversation has shifted significantly in the last decade Also mentioned in this episodeFollow One Full Round @onefullround Fertility Matters at Work: fertilitymattersatwork.comAm I Overreacting? Podcast with Annabel Gurnett and Amber: @amioverreactingpod on InstagramAlice McDonald's Fertility Pledge: fertilitypledge.co.ukDr Krista Wilkinson's research on fertility treatment in the workplace: Dr Krista Wilkinson on LinkedIn Support and resourcesThe Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing free peer support groups, education and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. Groups run every week with no sign-up or commitment needed. Thank you to our series sponsor Wild Nutrition. As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. Support the Three Peaks ChallengeBy the time you hear this, I will have done it. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours for Fertility Action. If you would like to donate, it is still not too late and every penny goes directly to a grassroots, all-volunteer charity. Here's how you can donate Stay connectedFollow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Follow Fertility Matters at Work: @fertilitymattersatwork Email: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.com Please do subscribe so the next series lands directly in your feed. And if you have a story about fertility treatment and work to share, I would love to hear from you. Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time

    45 min

  2. May 27

    How Nature Holds Us When We Grieve with Ellen Mary Webster

    This episode is a gentle one. It is about grief, about the body, about what happens when the path you imagined does not unfold the way you hoped, and about where you can find peace when words are not enough. I am joined by Ellen Mary Webster, horticulturalist, floral designer, author and host of the award-winning Plant Based Podcast. Ellen navigated a decade-long fertility journey that included a near-fatal ruptured ectopic pregnancy, a diagnosis of severe endometriosis, three rounds of IVF and ultimately a hysterectomy in her early 30s. Throughout all of it, she turned to her garden. And in this conversation she explains why that was not just a coping mechanism but a genuine form of healing. Whether you have a large garden, a windowsill, a balcony or just a park nearby, this episode will make you want to go outside. Content note: This episode includes discussion of ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, endometriosis, IVF, hysterectomy and involuntary childlessness. What we discuss in this episode:Ellen's decade-long fertility journey: from ectopic pregnancy to endometriosis diagnosis to IVF to hysterectomyThe ruptured ectopic pregnancy that nearly cost Ellen her life and the eight hours of dismissal that preceded emergency surgeryThe health anxiety that stayed long after the physical recoveryWhy gardening became Ellen's constant throughout all of it, from the very first loss to the weeks recovering from a hysterectomyWhat it means to garden for process rather than outcome and why that mindset maps directly onto a fertility journeyThe science behind soil: why getting your hands in the dirt genuinely affects your brain chemistryWhy just seeing a flower can momentarily shift your mental state even when you are in deep griefForest bathing: what it actually is, what the Japanese have known for centuries, and how 40 minutes among trees can reduce anxiety and increase natural killer cellsHow to do forest bathing on your own and why walking slowly with intention is where to startWhat Ellen did during the five weeks she could not garden after her hysterectomy and what sitting still in her garden taught herThe anger and the unfairness of watching friends fall pregnant and how Ellen processed that over timeWhy you do not need to be a gardener for nature to help you: one plant, a garden centre coffee and a short walk all countThe fertility journey and what it taught Ellen about the miracle of lifeEllen's wellness retreats, forest bathing sessions and what a day or weekend immersed in nature can offer Ellen's invitation to anyone who feels like this will not work for themWe are not separate from nature. We are part of it. And we have just become so far detached from it that we have forgotten that going outside, even briefly, even reluctantly, is going to make you feel a little better. Start with one plant. Go to the garden centre. Get a coffee and a piece of cake. Buy the one plant you like and try to nurture it. That is enough. About Ellen Mary WebsterEllen Mary Webster is a horticulturalist, floral designer, author and wellness retreat host. She is the author of The Joy of Gardening and How to Grow a Garden, and the host of the award-winning Plant Based Podcast. She splits her time between Norfolk in the UK and the United States, lives a plant-based life and runs nature immersion and forest bathing wellness retreats. Follow Ellen Mary on Instagram: @ellenmaryGardening The Plant Based Podcast: theplantbasedpodcast.com A note on Fertility Network UKAt the start of this episode I shared some difficult news: Fertility Network UK, one of the longest-standing patient support charities in the UK, has announced a managed closure. As of 21 May they were no longer accepting new requests for direct support. This is a huge loss for the TTC community and I want to send so much love to everyone affected, both the patients who relied on their support and the brilliant people who built it. If you are looking for support, please know that Fertility Action is here and their free weekly groups are open to you. Support and resourcesThe Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing free peer support groups, education and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. Groups run every week with no sign-up or commitment needed. Manchester walk and talk meetup: Sunday 31 May, approximately 3pm, Heaton Park, Manchester. I will be there! Check @fertilityaction on Instagram for final details. This episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionI know how overwhelming it can be knowing which supplements to buy when you are trying to conceive. That is exactly why I appreciate what Wild Nutrition offers: free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists so you get guidance genuinely tailored to your situation. Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples. As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. Support the Three Peaks ChallengeI am climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours in June to raise funds for Fertility Action. I have already smashed my initial target of £2,000 thanks to the incredible generosity of so many of you. Thank you Nick, Emma, Charlene, Vic, Ali, Jo, Sarah Banks and Sophie Solaria. The fundraiser is still open and every donation, however small, makes a real difference to a grassroots charity that is all-volunteer and entirely community funded. Here's how you can donate Stay connectedFollow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Email: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.com If you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast. Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛

    40 min

  3. May 20

    From PCOS to PMOS: What the Name Change Means for You with Professor Helena Teede

    In this special episode of The Fertility Podcast, we've gone back into our archives for 2024 to share a conversation Kate Davies (former co-host and fertility nurse consultant) had with Professor Helena Teede all the way from Australia! Helena is one of the authors of the International PCOS Guidelines and is here to talk about the changes to the PCOS guidelines and the proposed PCOS name change, which has now happened. What is discussed:PCOS in general, chatting about the symptoms of PCOS, both the common ones and the not so commonWeight stigma and how the new guidelines move away from this and instead why we should be helping women to just be healthy to manage their PCOS proactivelyPotential risks around pregnancy and that it is not often identified, as well as the support for pregnant women with PCOS, or sadly the lack ofHow Helena supported two men with PCOS, and the steps she takes to help them manage their condition and optimise fertilityDiets and eating right as Helena explains that there is no one diet, or right way to eat when it comes to PCOS, and opinions on the supplement InositolThe proposed PCOS name change and how PCOS is not an ovarian disease so therefore the name is incorrect Socials and links:Follow The Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @TheFertilityPodcastHave your say on the PCOS name change: pcosnamechange.comAskPCOS: askpcos.orgInternational PCOS Guidelines: eshre.eu/PCOS-GuidelinesListen to our previous episode: Helena Teede – the PCOS name change & guidelines About Verity: the UK's only PCOS charityVerity is the UK's only charity dedicated to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS. Founded in 1997, Verity is completely self-funded and exists to help everyone living with PMOS understand their condition, manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. They offer evidence-based information, community support, local support groups and an anonymous online forum. Visit Verity: verity-pcos.org.ukJoin the Verity community on HealthUnlocked: healthunlocked.com/verity-pcos About Fertility ActionThe Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, the UK's charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. They run free peer support groups every week, no sign-up or commitment needed. Find out more and access support: fertilityaction.org Support the Three Peaks ChallengeNatalie is climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours to raise funds for Fertility Action. If this podcast has helped you in any way, even a small donation would mean a lot and you will get a shout-out on the podcast. Here's how you can donate

    38 min

  4. May 13

    Happy 1st Birthday Fertility Action

    One year in. And what a year it has been. In this episode I am joined by Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action, to mark the charity's first birthday. We talk about everything from the support groups that have quietly changed people's lives, to the campaign work happening at the highest levels of government, to what Katie believes the next big push needs to be: a national fertility strategy. This is a conversation full of hope. There is still so much to do, but the momentum is real, the people are extraordinary, and the case for change has never been stronger. What we discuss in this episode:What Fertility Action has achieved in its first year and the stories that have kept Katie goingHow the support groups actually work and why showing up with your camera off is completely fineThe Trying to Conceive group, the Positive Test and Beyond group, the Secondary Infertility group and what each one has becomeThe in-person walk-and-talk meetups in London and ManchesterThe woman who found her best friend through a Fertility Action support groupWhy the Life After Treatment group has been harder to grow and what Fertility Action is learning from thatThe South Asian support group and why in-person connection is what that community really needsThe new NICE guidelines and the change that barely made the headlines: up to six cycles in selected patientsWhy campaigning at ICB level has not worked and why Fertility Action is now pushing for central commissioningHow fertility treatment compares across Europe and why the UK is falling behindWhy fertility still sits awkwardly between the Women's Health Strategy and the Men's Health Strategy and gets properly covered in neitherWhy Katie believes the UK urgently needs its own national fertility strategyThe education project Fertility Action has launched with colleges and the National Education UnionThe moment a 17-year-old student challenged them in a college debate and what happened nextThe Three Peaks Challenge: why Katie chose it, who is doing it and how to donateFertility Action's birthday celebrations and what the next two years look likeHow to get involved as a volunteer About Katie Rollings and Fertility ActionKatie Rollings is the founder of Fertility Action, the UK's newest fertility charity, now celebrating its first birthday. Fertility Action provides free peer support groups, education and advocacy for the one in six people struggling to conceive. All of the team are volunteers and every penny raised goes directly into building more services for patients. Find out more and access support: fertilityaction.org Follow Fertility Action on Instagram: @fertilityaction Fertility Action support groupsAll groups are free, online and run every week. There is no expectation to keep showing up. You can come with your camera off. You can just sit in the chat. It is as low-pressure as it gets. Trying to Conceive (Tuesdays and Thursdays)Positive Test and BeyondSecondary InfertilityLife After TreatmentSouth Asian Fertility Support (developing) Sign up at fertilityaction.org Birthday celebrationsFertility Action is holding two celebrations for its first birthday: A formal event with clinical partners and supportersQuiz and Fizz at Fisher's Farm on 23 May, open to the wider community Get involvedFertility Action is a grassroots, all-volunteer charity and they need help across everything from research and communications to events and policy. If you have skills and a bit of time to offer, they would love to hear from you. Get in touch at fertilityaction.org This episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionI know how overwhelming it can be knowing which supplements to buy when you are trying to conceive. That is exactly why I appreciate what Wild Nutrition offers: free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists so you get guidance that is genuinely tailored to your situation. Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples. As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. Support the Three Peaks ChallengeI am joining Katie and a brilliant group of people from across the fertility sector to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours in June, raising funds for Fertility Action. Every donation, however small, goes directly towards building more support services for people going through this. And yes, I will be giving you a shout-out on the podcast if you donate. Here's how you can donate Stay connectedFollow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy If you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast. Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛

    48 min

  5. May 7 ·  Bonus

    BONUS EPISODE: Secondary Infertility: The Hidden Struggle

    A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report. Secondary infertility does not get the airtime it deserves. And yet, according to The Fertility Disconnect report, 79% of people say they want more children than they currently have. For those with one child, that figure rises to 88%. In this final episode of the Wild Nutrition mini series, Gail and I go deep on one of the most underserved conversations in the fertility space. Gail shares her own ongoing experience of secondary infertility, including her adenomyosis diagnosis, the emotional weight of wanting to grow her family while already being a parent, and why the medical system often leaves people with one child to fend for themselves. This is also a conversation about recovery. About what pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood actually do to the body nutritionally, and why so many of us enter a second conception journey already depleted without realising it. Secondary infertility is where I find myself too, and it is a topic I have been asked to talk about more. I am so glad we finally did. What we discuss in this episode:What secondary infertility actually is and why it gets so little attentionGail's own experience: breastfeeding, cycles returning, a new adenomyosis diagnosis and the emotional complexity of wanting a second childWhy having one child often means you fall outside the criteria for NHS fertility supportThe injustice of not qualifying for IVF if your partner already has a child from a previous relationshipKey stats from The Fertility Disconnect: 79% of respondents want more children than they have; 88% among those with one childWhy people delay growing their family and how biological timelines do not always align with life circumstancesWhat pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding do to nutrient stores and why recovery is so often skippedThe specific tests and checks Gail recommends for anyone struggling to conceive a second timeWhy thyroid health and iron are the two most common deficiencies she sees in postpartum womenThe increased likelihood of endometriosis, fibroids and adenomyosis diagnoses after childbirthHow to start preparing your body again: the foundations of a recovery and preconception planWhy blood sugar balance, three solid meals a day and sleep are not optionalThe relationship strain that comes with secondary infertility and why therapy can be a real part of the toolkitHow to navigate the language around having one child and find the words that work for youFertility in the workplace: what support is increasingly available and why it mattersWhat Gail would want anyone feeling alone in this to hear Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect report79% of respondents said they want more children than they currently have88% of those with one child said they want more26% cited career progression as a reason for delaying growing their family25% pointed to housing constraints and affordability as barriers Links mentioned in this episodeThe Fertility Disconnect report by Wild Nutrition: Download the full report at wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Free fertility consultation with Wild Nutrition: Book your free one-to-one with a nutritional therapist at wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Exclusive listener offer: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. About Gail MadalenaGail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. She supports women through conception, pregnancy and postpartum with tailored, evidence-based guidance and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive. Missed the other episodes in this mini series?Episode 1: Understanding Your Fertility HealthEpisode 2: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to Conception Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛

    26 min

  6. May 7 ·  Bonus

    BONUS EPISODE: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to Conception

    A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report. Weight and fertility is one of the most charged, confusing and often poorly handled topics in reproductive health. I have spoken to so many people who have been told to lose weight in order to access funded treatment, sent away with no guidance on how to actually do that. And all the while, the internet is full of conflicting advice, fad diets and quick fixes that can make the whole thing feel completely overwhelming. In this second episode of the Wild Nutrition mini series, I am joined again by Gail Madalena, fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist, to cut through the noise. They cover everything from ultra-processed foods and GLP-1 medications to mitochondrial health, exercise, rest, and how to actually rebuild your body between cycles. This is not about restriction or guilt. It is about understanding what your body actually needs and finding an approach you can sustain. I hope it helps. What we discuss in this episode:Why the weight and fertility conversation is so often handled badly by medical professionalsThe stigma around weight and why so many people feel they are not being taken seriouslyWhy BMI is such a divisive and limited measure of healthWhat metabolic health actually means and why it matters so much for fertilityThe problem with fad diets and starvation mode when trying to conceiveUltra-processed foods: what the research actually says about their impact on fertilityThe stat from The Fertility Disconnect report: over 60% of the average UK diet is made up of ultra-processed foodsHow UPFs drive inflammation, oxidative stress and poor sperm and egg qualityPractical strategies for reducing ultra-processed foods without overhauling your whole lifeWhat mitochondria are and why they are central to egg quality and early embryo developmentWhy the egg is the largest cell in the body and demands an enormous amount of energy to ovulateHow blood sugar balance, antioxidants and healthy fats support mitochondrial healthGLP-1 medications: what people trying to conceive really need to understandWhen GLP-1s can be a useful preconception tool and when to stop taking themHow to protect nutrient status and hormone health while using GLP-1sExercise and fertility: why high intensity training can elevate cortisol and affect progesteroneWhy strength training and daily walking may serve you better than five gym sessions a weekThe vagal nerve and why switching on your parasympathetic nervous system matters for conceptionMindfulness, rest and recovery: finding what actually works for youEnvironmental and lifestyle factors: starting small rather than overhauling everything at onceRebuilding nutrient stores between cycles and why recovery time is often overlookedWhy being kind to yourself is not soft advice, it is clinical advice A note on GLP-1 medicationsGLP-1s came up in consultations with Wild Nutrition clients frequently enough that Gail wanted to address them directly. The key things to know if you are trying to conceive: You cannot take GLP-1 medications while actively trying to conceiveIn the preconception window, they can be a useful tool for shifting weight, reducing inflammation and supporting metabolic health, particularly for those with PCOS, endometriosis or fibroidsAim for gradual, micro-dosed weight loss rather than rapid lossPrioritise protein intake, movement and nutrient density while taking themComing off them requires a plan to maintain the healthy habits built during that period Links mentioned in this episodeThe Fertility Disconnect report by Wild Nutrition: Download the full report at wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Free fertility consultation with Wild Nutrition: Book your free one-to-one with a nutritional therapist at wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Exclusive listener offer: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. About Gail MadalenaGail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. She combines advanced functional medicine training with her own lived experience of a three-year conception journey and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive. About this mini seriesThis is a three-part branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition. If you missed the first episode, go back and listen: Episode 1: Understanding Your Fertility HealthEpisode 3: Secondary Infertility: The Hidden Struggle (coming next) Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛

    31 min

  7. May 7 ·  Bonus

    BONUS EPISODE: Understanding Your Fertility Health

    A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report. What do over 1,000 women in the UK who have tried to conceive in the past five years actually know about their own fertility? The answer, according to Wild Nutrition's brand new Fertility Disconnect report, might surprise you. In this first episode of our mini series, I sit down with Gail Madalena, fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist, to unpack the most striking findings from the report and what they mean for anyone on a conception journey right now. Gail also shares her own story: a decade in fashion PR, a lifestyle that was not serving her body, a husband who was a personal trainer and still found himself in the dark, a PCOS misdiagnosis, a low sperm count diagnosis with no follow-up advice, and over three years of trying before finally conceiving during an IVF cycle. It is a conversation I loved having, blending clinical expertise with real, lived experience. What we discuss in this episode:The Fertility Disconnect report: what it found and why it mattersWhy 41% of women did not know when their fertile window wasWhy 60% of respondents were completely unaware of fertility testing options available to themThe gap in sex education: preparing for pregnancy vs preventing itHow the oral contraceptive pill and years of cycle suppression leave women without the basicsGail's own journey: PCOS misdiagnosis, her husband's low sperm count, and three years of tryingThe single most impactful thing you can do for your egg or sperm health right nowWhat a genuinely fertility-supportive diet looks like in practiceThe Mediterranean diet and the research behind it for fertility outcomesWhy 76% of people are not meeting their Omega 3 recommendationsWhy 40% of reproductive-age people are low in folateThe alcohol conversation: what the research says and how to be realistic about itNavigating fertility nutrition across different cultural food traditionsThe biggest myth in fertility: that it is mostly a female issueThe 50% fall in average sperm count since the 1970sFertility as a whole body event: hormones, gut health, liver function, microbiome and moreWhat blood tests can actually tell you and why ultrasounds matter more than people thinkHow to push back when your GP dismisses you and what private testing can addWhat a free consultation with Wild Nutrition actually looks like Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect report41% of respondents did not know when their fertile window was16.7% did not know the length of their own cycleOnly 1 in 5 said they know a lot about egg health60% were completely unaware of fertility testing options available to themUp to 10% of Gen Z respondents said they know nothing about fertility76% are not meeting Omega 3 recommendations40% of people in reproductive age are low in folate32% only reduced alcohol once they had actively started trying to conceiveAround 1 in 5 men are estimated to have a sperm count below WHO guidelinesSince the 1970s, average sperm count has fallen by around 50% Links mentioned in this episodeThe Fertility Disconnect report by Wild Nutrition: Download the report at wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Free fertility consultation with Wild Nutrition: Book your free one-to-one with a nutritional therapist at wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Exclusive listener offer: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. About Gail MadalenaGail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. Her approach combines advanced functional medicine training with her own lived experience of a three-year conception journey. She supports women through conception, pregnancy and postpartum with tailored, evidence-based guidance and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive. About this mini seriesThis is a three-part branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition. The next two episodes cover: Episode 2: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to ConceptionEpisode 3: Secondary Infertility: The Hidden Struggle Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛

    31 min

  8. May 6

    From Flare Ups to Fuel: Eating for Endometriosis with Jane Aherne

    If you have Endometriosis, you will know that the pain and fatigue can feel relentless. In our episode last week, we discussed consideration around egg freezing and IVF for Endo Warriors with Dr Shirin Khanjani. This week, we're bringing it right down to what you're eating day to day as the right approach to food can make a real difference to how your body manages inflammation, metabolises hormones and supports you through the difficult days. In this episode I am joined by Jane Aherne, a Registered Nutritionist with an MSc in Nutrition from the University of Westminster. Jane specialises in fertility, reproductive conditions and chronic inflammation, and has worked with women dealing with endometriosis and PCOS across functional medicine environments including IVF Matters and TIC Health. This is not about a restrictive diet or a long list of rules. It is about understanding why certain foods make your symptoms worse, why others help, and how to make small, sustainable changes that your body will actually thank you for. What we discuss in this episode:Why Endometriosis and chronic inflammation are so closely linkedThe difference between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods and why it mattersWhy Omega 3 is Jane's first recommendation for almost every client with endoThe best food sources of Omega 3 and what to do if you are vegan or do not eat fishThe role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing inflammationWhy trans fats, ultra-processed foods and alcohol can actively worsen symptomsHow gut health and liver function affect the way your body processes oestrogenThe blood sugar spike and crash cycle: why it matters so much in an inflammatory environmentHow constant blood sugar spikes can drive insulin resistance and compound existing inflammationWhy comfort eating during flare ups can actually make things worse and what to do insteadPractical swaps: dates, nuts, seeds, high protein meals and how to make them work in real lifeWhy how you eat can be just as important as what you eatMindful eating, stress and the rest-and-digest responsePlanning and preparation for shift workers and people on the goBalancing oestrogen naturally through fibre, cruciferous vegetables and liver-supporting foodsHow soon you can expect to feel the benefits of dietary changesWhy there is no single perfect diet for endometriosis and what personalisation actually looks likeThe biggest misconception Jane wants to set the record straight onJane's one piece of advice if you can only do one thing Jane's five small changes to start this weekAdd two portions of oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) or a quality Omega 3 supplementIncrease fibre gradually through whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumesInclude more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and kale for oestrogen metabolismSwap high-sugar snacks for a date with a Brazil nut or a handful of mixed nuts and seedsSit down for meals away from screens and allow your body to move into rest-and-digest mode Jane on Insta This episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionI know how overwhelming it can be figuring out which supplements actually make sense for your body, especially when you are already managing a condition like endometriosis. That is exactly why I rate what Wild Nutrition offers. Their all-women team of nutritional therapists provide free one-to-one consultations so you get support that is genuinely tailored to you, not just a generic recommendation. Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples. As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get: 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 monthsA free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply. Support and resourcesThe Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment. They run free weekly drop-in support groups, and you do not need to commit, you can just show up. Support the podcastI am climbing the Three Peaks in June to raise funds for Fertility Action. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. If this podcast has helped you in any way, even a small donation would mean the world and I will give you a shout-out on the next episode. Here's how you can donate Stay connectedFollow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy If you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast. Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛

    33 min
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71 Ratings

About

If you’ve found your route to parenthood hasn’t been straightforward, The Fertility Podcast is for you. From how to optimise your fertility to getting pregnant naturally, navigating IVF, understanding donor conception or surrogacy to how to prepare for a life without children. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. Created by Natalie Silverman, a former fertility patient in 2014 Natalie set about speaking to experts and sharing lived experience and expert interviews In 2019 Kate Davies, an independent fertility nurse consultant joined as co-host and from 2023-2024, Kate hosted the podcast solo sharing more of her expert insight and stories from her patients. Now over a deace old The Fertility Podcast is proud to partner with Fertility Action, a new UK charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by infertility, secondary infertility, or sub-fertility. Together, we aim to amplify our mission of education, empowerment, and support. Fertility Action combines patient advocacy with expert knowledge to offer peer support, therapy, and reliable information. They are also committed to improving fertility care access, raising awareness, and driving research to advance understanding and treatment. PLEASE NOTE: The Fertility Podcast has an archive of its 300 episodes on new podcast feeds called: Getting Pregnancy Ready, Infertility Support, Male Fertility, Alternative Routes to Parenthood, and Pregnancy Loss. Just have a look in your podcast search and be sure to subscribe.

Information

  • Creator
    Natchat Productions
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    478
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 083668
  • Show Website
    The Fertility Podcast

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