What’s really involved when you freeze your eggs? We speak to Heather, who decided to freeze hers aged 35. Social egg freezing is the fastest growing fertility procedure in the UK. But, as Heather explains, it comes with its own set of mental and physical challenges. We discuss the duality of feeling both lonely and proud, the medical treatment itself, and the supportive role of her friends and family. Her eggs are treasures, Heather says, and this candid interview reveals her positive and thoughtful approach to the whole process. This extends to the future, as she considers her options for motherhood with or without a partner.

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

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Heather Long: https://www.heatherlongcoaching.com/

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

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

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.

We meet counsellor Gemma Antcliffe, who has a special interest in helping fertility patients. She explains the unique challenges of infertility, focussing on its uncertainty and disruptive nature. We discuss our own experience, and the powerful emotions we felt. Gemma talks with empathy about the ‘storm’ many clients face, offering advice on when to seek the help of a fertility counsellor. The best therapy, she argues, creates a calm and non-judgmental space – with the conversation led by the client. Navigating the emotional turmoil of infertility lies in the openness of the relationship. From there, processing the unfairness of it all, and looking to the future, becomes possible.

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

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

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

Becky and Ben reflect on the long waits associated with IVF. Fertility treatment can’t be rushed. Finding the resolve to keep going, and lead a normal life, is tough. Trying naturally, the switch to medical treatment, appointment after appointment, the months between each attempt – waiting is one of the biggest burdens for fertility patients. How did we cope? Mindfulness, cocooning, and being kind to ourselves and each other, helped. As did our love of music, poetry and films. Like The Shawshank Redemption, escape and new beginnings are possible. You don’t stay still for ever. Hope exists in the present, not just the future.

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

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Extract from Eternal Source of Light Divine, by George Frideric Handel, performed by Aksel Rykkvin (treble) and the MIN Ensemble, Mark Bennett (trumpet and artistic director) and Lazar Miletic (ensemble director). From the album Light Divine. Label: Signum Classics. Used with permission.

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

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

Positive pregnancy test after IVF treatment? Fantastic. Now comes the next challenge – the pregnancy itself. Many fertility patients are in their late 30s or early 40s, and pregnancies in this age group require close care and monitoring. We speak to renowned fetal medicine specialist Ruwan Wimalasundera, senior consultant obstetrician at London’s University College Hospital. We discuss the medical risks associated with older mothers, specifically relating to multiple pregnancies and the complications that can occur. These include preeclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes, and we stress the importance of single embryo transfers to reduce these pregnancy risks. We also talk about the positive aspects of having children later in life. From surgery in the womb to emotional support in the consulting room, this is a reflective interview with an outstanding doctor in tune with the challenges and joys of IVF pregnancies.

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

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

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

What foods should you eat when trying to conceive? We meet functional nutritionist Hayley Paul, who takes a science-based approach to food, drink and dietary planning. We ask if fertility patients really need to eat pineapple to boost their pregnancy chances. We discuss the ‘superfood’ label: beetroot, maca powder and green tea all score highly. And we look at the benefits of full fat dairy products, antioxidants and other important food groups. Overlooking all of this is Hayley’s strong interest in good digestion, gut health and the nature of food absorption. A detailed and fascinating look at the ways we can optimise our conception health – and, crucially, our potential baby’s health too.

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

Hayley Paul: https://www.habitude.co.uk/

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

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