***Trigger warning- this episode discusses miscarriage, Termination For Medical Reason and fertility trauma.*** I am joined by the lovely fertility coach Yulia Osoyanu. Yulia shares her deeply personal journey through the challenges of infertility, IVF treatments, and the emotional toll of pregnancy loss. We discuss: How Yulia's journey into fertility coaching was inspired by her personal struggles with IVF. How IVF is a challenging emotional journey that can lead to feelings of being broken. Ho...
Jul 04, 2025•39 min
I am joined by Dr. Ed Coates to discuss the EMMA and ALICE tests, which analyze the uterine microbiome to assess fertility health. Dr Coates explains the importance of understanding the microbiome's role in implantation and how bacterial imbalances can affect fertility. We discuss: How the EMMA and ALICE tests analyze the uterine microbiome. How bacterial imbalances can affect embryo implantation. Why the timing of tests is crucial in fertility treatments. Why patients with recurrent miscarriage...
Jun 27, 2025•37 min
I joined by, Dr. Panagiotis Venieratos from Fertilysis to discuss the complexities of unexplained infertility and the significant role of the microbiome in fertility. We discuss how unexplained infertility is often a result of incomplete investigations. how the uterine microbiome plays a critical role in fertility. why dysbiosis can lead to chronic inflammation and affect embryo implantation. how microbiome testing can be done from home without a doctor. why understanding the clinical significan...
Jun 21, 2025•32 min
For further support Carly will be running the event below in our community as part of this series. To access it follow this link to join our community. 💛 Miscarriage Support & Care in Tea & Chat with Carly Garret our Fertility Coach on June 18th at 8 pm I am joined by Fertility Coach, Reflexologist and Miscarriage Doula Carly Garrett to discuss the emotional impact of miscarriage, n conversations about loss. We discuss: How grief is a valid response to miscarriage, regardless of th...
Jun 13, 2025•36 min•Ep. 102
I am joined by Professor Hasan Shahata from the Centre for Reproductive Immunology and Pregnancy. We discuss the complexities of reproductive immunology, particularly focusing on recurrent miscarriages and IVF failures. We discuss: How Reproductive Immunology focuses on the immune system's role in pregnancy. Why recurrent miscarriage is not typically caused by chromosomal abnormalities. How investigation should begin after two miscarriages, or one if late. How Male factors are often overlooked i...
Jun 06, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 93
I am joined by Dr. Sami from Plan Your Baby to discuss the complexities surrounding miscarriage, including the various tests and investigations available for those who have experienced recurrent miscarriages. We discuss How miscarriage is a common experience, affecting many women. How recurrent miscarriage is often defined as having three consecutive miscarriages, but investigations can start after two. What are the basic tests for miscarriage include hormone levels, ultrasound scans, and screen...
May 30, 2025•32 min
Over the next 3 months we will be looking at the complex and emotional topic of miscarriage. In this episode I am joined by Morven, an Independent Fertility Nurse and resident Fertility Nurse in our Don't Tell Me to RELAX community. We discuss the various types of miscarriage, symptoms, and management options. Plus: How miscarriage is a common yet heartbreaking experience. What are different types of miscarriages with varying symptoms. How statistics on miscarriage are often based on estimations...
May 23, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 97
In this episode I am speaking with Emma Menzies, a Fertility at Work coach and consultant, about the intersection of fertility challenges and workplace dynamics. Emma shares her personal journey through fertility struggles while working as an employment lawyer, highlighting the stigma surrounding discussions of fertility in the workplace. We discuss: How Emma's personal experience with fertility struggles inspired her coaching work. Why there is a significant stigma around discussing fertility i...
May 16, 2025•34 min
We have got an extra episode on the podcast this week as we are celebrating the launch of the new fertility support charity- Fertility Action Network. I am joined by Katie Rollings, founder of the Fertility Action Network, about her personal journey through infertility and the establishment of this charity aimed at improving access to fertility treatments and mental health support. We discuss Katie's personal experience with infertility and IVF. How The Fertility Action Network aims to improve a...
May 13, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Dr Tet Yap, a consultant andrological surgeon, joins me this week to talk about male fertility, the role of andrology, and the challenges faced by men in accessing fertility care. We discuss the differences between andrologists and urologists, the increasing awareness of male fertility issues, common causes of male infertility, and the implications of Klinefelter syndrome. We discuss: How Andrology is a subspecialty of urology focused on male reproductive health. Why there is a significant short...
May 09, 2025•36 min
This episode is all about progesterone, what it is, why it's important for fertility, how to test it and how best to support it. I am joined by Dr. Amy Beckley a PhD Scientist who faced fertility and miscarriage issues of her own due to low progesterone. She founded Proov to fill the gap in testing and support for people with progesterone problems. In this episode we discuss: How low progesterone can lead to implantation issues and early pregnancy loss. Why so many women are unaware of the imp...
May 02, 2025•31 min
I am joined this week by some of our lovely team to tell you about our new Don't Tell Me To RELAX community. We are moving it and we' love for you to come with us! We are still called Don't Tell Me To RELAX and you'll find all the usual features and access to our fertility team of experts but it is better and much easier to use than before. Our new community is designed for better navigation and support. You'll find all our previous webinars in one handy place and our signature Teaching To Conce...
Apr 25, 2025•20 min
This is the final episode in this series Katy and I are discussing all those unhelpful nuggets of useless and often hurtful advice/ comments that people throw out when you're trying to conceive. We discuss: How unsolicited advice can be triggering and unhelpful. Why stress's impact on fertility is often misunderstood. How many misconceptions exist about trying to conceive. How IVF is not a guaranteed solution for all fertility issues. Why relaxation techniques are not a cure for infertility. Why...
Apr 11, 2025•32 min
In the last couple of weeks there have been a lot of reports across the media about IVF Add Ons and there being no benefit to them. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has issued a warning to those undergoing IVF about “unproven extras” (Add Ons) to increase their chances of having a baby. These included acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, PGTA testing, microbiome tests, Time Lapse and Immunology amongst others. I am joined by the brilliant Emma Whitney to discuss the findin...
Apr 04, 2025•29 min
Katy & I delve into the world of FemTech, discussing various technologies designed to help track menstrual cycles and fertility. We look at the pros and cons of different devices, including Temp Drop, Apple Watch, Aura Ring, and newer pee-on-stick technologies like PROOV and MIRA. We discuss: How FemTech encompasses various technologies for tracking menstrual cycles. Temp Drop - a wearable device that tracks basal body temperature. Apple Watch and Aura Ring How wearable tech can confirm ovul...
Mar 28, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 91
Myself and Fertility Coach, Carly Garrett discuss the emotional challenges surrounding Mother's Day for those in the fertility community. Carly also provides practical tips and ideas to help and shares a couple of events she has running for anyone looking for extra support. We discuss: How Mother's Day can be particularly triggering for those in the fertility community. Why it's important to acknowledge the emotional weight of the day. How planning ahead can help mitigate feelings of grief and l...
Mar 21, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 90
We are discussing IVF Adds Ons this week with James Nicopoullos, clinical director at The Lister Fertility Clinic . We discusses the complexities and controversies surrounding IVF add-ons and how difficult it can to make decisions about whether to use or not alongside IVF treatments. We discuss: why IVF add-ons are optional extras that may not be necessary. How the HFEA's traffic light system categorizes treatments based on evidence. How not all add-ons are supported by strong evidence. Why indi...
Mar 14, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 86
I am joined by Dr Lynne Chapman from LCRH. We are discussing the process of IVF and the advantages and disadvantages of the extra testing and investigations available alongside treatment. Lynne shares her insight into her approach to IVF and how to optimise a cycle for the best possible outcome. We discuss: how fertility challenges can be deeply personal and complex. how IVF success rates can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. why genetic testing plays a crucial role in optimi...
Mar 07, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 86
I am with Jenny Wordsworth, CEO and founder of Ovum this week. Ovum is a female led company dedicated to improving the fertility journey for women. Jenny shares her personal experiences with trying to conceive, the challenges faced in the fertility market, and how Ovum's products are scientifically led. The conversation covers the importance of research in women's health, the role of supplements in improving egg quality, and innovative approaches to pregnancy testing that prioritise emotional su...
Feb 28, 2025•23 min
I have lovely fertility nutritionist Kirsty Harrison on the show this week and we are continuing the conversation about egg quality. Kirsty explains what we can do to optimise egg quality. We discuss: How egg quality is influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. Why nutrition plays a crucial role in enhancing egg quality. Why CoQ10 is vital for mitochondrial health and energy production. How Omega-3 fatty acids support hormone production and reduce inflammation. How chronic inflammation c...
Feb 21, 2025•29 min
Today I am joined by our very own, very lovely Marca Nieto, acupuncturist here at Hannah Pearn and Embryologist at The Lister Fertility Clinic. We are discussing the topic of egg quality, what we mean by this, to what extent it can and can't be changed and how we can make improvements to it. Marca is well placed to help us understand both genetic and environmental factors in that contribute to this. We discuss: why egg quality is a complex topic influenced by various factors. how there is no def...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 88
Today I am joined by Sian, and Catherine from IVF BFF. Sian and Catherine are friends, who re connected through our Don't Tell Me To RELAX Facebook Community and started their very own podcast, IVF BFF to document their their personal journeys through IVF. Catherine and Sian are both in the middle of their treatment and we discuss how it's all going, how they connected and why they decided to make a podcast about their journeys. We discuss: Why finding a supportive community is crucial during IV...
Feb 07, 2025•57 min
I have Dr Irfana Koita from IVF Matters with me to discuss the various physical investigations available for women's health and fertility. Irfana discusses the different types of scans and when they should be used. Irfana highlights the need for comprehensive fertility investigations to identify potential issues that could affect conception and the importance of addressing these issues before proceeding with treatments like IVF. We also discuss the role of diagnostic procedures in improving trea...
Jan 31, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 82
Katy is back this week! And we are discussing what a holistic approach to investigating your fertility looks like. We're talking all about the wider ways to assess health and fertility and the wider options to improving and understanding health and therefore your fertility. We discuss: Why holistic practitioners assess fertility in a broader context. When blood tests should be timed correctly for accurate results. Why a full thyroid panel is better for understanding thyroid function. Why advocat...
Jan 24, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 82
I'm talking with Naava Carman from The Fertility Support Company . Naava is a seasoned acupuncturist and herbalist specialising in fertility and gynaecological issues. Naava shares her journey into acupuncture, her specialisation in complex fertility cases, and her holistic approach to treatment. We discuss: Naava's journey into acupuncture began with her own health challenges. How she specialises in complex fertility cases, often involving multiple health issues. Why education and empowerment a...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 81
Today I am joined by Fertility Coach Carly Garret and we are discussing the emotional and physical impact of negative pregnancy. We discuss: - Why negative pregnancy tests can trigger deep emotional responses. - How the anticipation of testing can amplify feelings of hope and despair. - Why sarly testing often leads to increased anxiety and uncertainty. - How planning for emotional needs can help during difficult times. - How community support is vital for those experiencing fertility challenges...
Jan 17, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 76
I am joined by our team of Fertility Acupuncture Affiliates, who work across the UK. We answer the most common questions we get asked about Acupuncture for Fertility. What is acupuncture and how does it work? What is the difference between acupuncture and fertility acupuncture? Does acupuncture hurt? Why do we talk about a three month preparation window and what if you don't have that time? When to start treatment and how to prepare for it? What actually happens in a treatment? Whe...
Jan 10, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 79
I'm kicking off 2025 and our new series discussing the pressures surrounding New Year's resolutions and the unrealistic expectations often placed on individuals at the start of the year. I'm joined by the always lovely Kirsty Harrison (fertility nutritionist) to dig into idea that change can happen at any time and does not need to a big commitment to a totally new way of life. This is especially true for those who are on a fertility journey and can often feel the pressure to be perfect. We discu...
Jan 03, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 78
It's the last episode of this series and Katy and I are going over common mistakes we see and hear when people are Trying To Conceive. We look at: why relying on apps is not always helpful why we always need to thinking about male fertility why OPKs aren't always good to rely on why knowing your cycle is so important to help spot problems why fertility is so unfair and sometimes makes no sense why it's ok to kick back at Christmas if you want to. And here is last years episode on Christmas with ...
Nov 28, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 81
In this episode I am talking with Marija from Plan Your Baby about fertility support options that do not involve IVF. We discuss: How ovulation induction can significantly increase chances of conception. Why Clomid is being phased out due to its negative effects on the endometrial lining. Why cycle monitoring is essential for successful ovulation induction. Healthy lifestyle changes can enhance fertility treatment outcomes. Why progesterone support is crucial for those with luteal phase issues. ...
Nov 22, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 72
