Episode 16

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Published on:

13th Aug 2025

Broken to Unbreakable: How One Man's Accident Transformed Another's Fertility Journey with Ben Tansley

In this powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Ben Tansley, whose story of acceptance and resilience transformed Shaun's own fertility journey and inspired him to speak openly about male infertility.

In this episode, Ben reveals:

The Moment Everything Changed: In 2017, Ben went from being a confident young father and successful businessman to being told he would never walk again after a devastating motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

The Power of Immediate Acceptance: Rather than dwelling on what he'd lost, Ben's first concerns were for his son's safety and the wellbeing of the person who caused the accident, demonstrating an extraordinary capacity for acceptance and forgiveness.

Redefining Strength and Identity: Ben shares how he had to completely reinvent himself, moving from physical strength to finding power through positivity and influence, proving that true strength comes from within.

The Ripple Effect of Sharing Your Story: Ben's openness about his journey unknowingly inspired Shaun to break his own three-and-a-half-year silence about infertility, demonstrating how one person's courage can transform another's life.

Finding Meaning in Everything: Ben's philosophy that "everything happens for a reason" and his ability to see life as an interconnected web where every experience serves a purpose, even when that purpose isn't immediately clear.

Ben emphasises that whilst life constantly tries to beat us down, the key to happiness is learning to adjust and pivot. His message is clear: there is always life after life-changing events, and acceptance is the first step toward reclaiming your power.

This episode proves that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places and that sharing our struggles, regardless of their nature, can create profound change in others.

Contact Ben Tansley: @BenTansley

Contact Us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

At NeXYs Fertility, we provide comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges through specialist advice, peer support, and coaching programmes.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

Episode Sponsors: 

• ExSeed Health - At-home sperm testing. Get 15% off at exseedhealth.com with code MFP15 

• Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Get 10% off at fertility-family.co.uk with code MFpodcast10

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DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

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About the Podcast

The Male Fertility Podcast
The UK’s leading podcast on male fertility. Real stories, expert advice, and the conversations men aren’t having.
The Male Fertility Podcast is the UK’s leading show dedicated to male fertility, hosted by Ciaran and Shaun, two men who’ve lived the reality of infertility diagnoses, fertility treatment, and everything that comes with it.

Whether you’re dealing with low sperm count, poor motility, low morphology, azoospermia, or a varicocele diagnosis, this podcast is the resource you wish you’d had from day one.

Each episode covers what actually matters: IVF and ICSI from the male perspective, navigating NHS referrals and waiting lists, the real cost of private treatment in the UK, lifestyle changes that can improve sperm quality, and the emotional and mental health impact that often goes unspoken.

We speak to fertility specialists, urologists, andrologists, and men sharing real, unfiltered stories — from difficult diagnoses through to successful pregnancies.

Topics we cover:

Male factor infertility: diagnosis and treatment options
Sperm health: count, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation
IVF, ICSI, MESA, TESE, micro-TESE
Varicocele surgery and recovery
Supplements, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
Mental health, relationships, and coping strategies
NHS vs private fertility treatment in the UK
Costs, funding, and access to treatment
Supporting your partner
Real stories and success journeys

This podcast exists because male fertility is too often overlooked. Half of all infertility involves a male factor, yet most support is aimed elsewhere. We’re changing that.

If you’re facing fertility challenges, or supporting someone who is, subscribe now — you’re not alone.

About your host

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Ciaran Hannington