Many women try own-egg IVF in their early 40s. But do the success stats make this a fruitless quest? We speak to Dr. Pavel Otevřel, head doctor at the renowned Reprofit clinic in Brno, Czech Republic. Age and ovarian reserve play their part, he argues, but things get challenging at 44. At that age, donor eggs and embryos hold the power. We discuss the benefits of genetic testing, mild stimulation cycles and how tactical freezing of eggs and embryos can help certain IVF patients. Treatment decisions by older women can be psychological, not simply medical. A good clinic presents options with care and respect. From there, patients can make informed choices – and brave ones.

Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when IVF doesn’t work? Meet Lucy Frank, whose fertility struggles led directly to the break-up of her first marriage. She talks openly about this difficult time in her life and her decision to cease treatment. A life without one’s own children, Lucy argues, should not be a label. Your life can thrive, but the conversation around child-free living needs to change. Ostracization and prejudice persist, and Lucy explores these obstacles in her job as a sex and relationship therapist. A deeply reflective interview, reconciling the pain and complexity of letting go with the impulse to reset and renew.

Podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

The Y Xologist: https://theyxologist.co.uk/

Instagram: @theyxologist

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does male infertility feel like? We speak to Ciaran Hannington, whose own fertility battle took him to rock bottom. He talks movingly about his identity crisis, his partner’s support, and the realisation that self-kindness was his route back. We discuss his work as co-founder of NeXYs Fertility, an online resource for men facing fertility issues. A judgement-free space, he argues, is what truly connects. Infertility doesn’t define you. Ciaran’s difficult road to parenthood was, eventually, inspirational. We also talk about the use of donor sperm, declining sperm quality worldwide, and what fertility clinics can do about it.

**Content warning**: This episode discusses themes related to suicide, which some listeners may find distressing and/or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

NeXYs Fertility: https://www.nexysfertility.com/

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.