Episode 3

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Published on:

15th May 2024

Male Fertility & Nutrition with Melanie Brown

In this week’s episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Melanie Brown, one of the leading nutritionists in the fertility world. She has worked with some of the leading clinics and professionals in the UK fertility industry, and is currently writing a book on how to improve male fertility with the urologist and male fertility expert, Jonathan Ramsay, and the mens health expert Dr Anand Patel.

For her Masters, her final thesis researched the effect of obesity and diet on male fertility. She feels strongly that male factor infertility is very poorly addressed, and has seen first hand the positive effects that diet and lifestyle changes can have on sperm quality.

Finding Out The Truth:

We discuss whether the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ has some truth behind it, especially when it comes to fertility. Melanie explains the effect that diet and lifestyle has on sperm quality.

The three talk about organic diets, and whether it is necessary and worth it.

Melanie gives a clear explanation of the role that antioxidants and free radicals have, and how important they are to your fertility. Melanie also talks about environmental aspects of diet, such as plastic and pesticides that reside on fruits and other food.

The Do's and Dont's:

Shaun and Ciaran ask Melanie how she engages with her clients, what steps she takes, and how she implements a new diet for them. Melanie shares her approach to changing your diet, what to add, what to avoid and what can be potentially damaging.

Future Generations & Fertility:

We also talk about chemicals in food and supplements, specifically those that are damaging to male fertility, and how all this is effecting the younger generation - especially the young men and boys who have no knowledge of what this can be doing to their body and fertility. 

Our Sponsors:

This series is proudly sponsored by @exseedhealth, trailblazers in male fertility testing. Ease the stress with their at-home sperm test, offering a convenient and reliable way to check sperm health without clinic visits. Use code MFP15 for an exclusive 15% off their range. Take control of your fertility journey with ExSeed Health.

It is also sponsored by Fertility Family, who provide Impryl, the unique supplement for conception which is recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Impryl is made from activated micronutrients which have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women. Use code Malefertilitypodcast for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

And we're delighted to also be sponsored by One Day Tests. Blood work is the single best way of finding out what's going on inside your body. Getting a blood test from One Day Tests can be a really powerful tool to help shed light on issues that might be affecting the quality of your sperm and the chances of your partner conceiving.  These could include medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Code MFP10 gets our listeners a 10% discount across their range.

Where You Can Find Us:

Navigating Male Fertility Topics:

As we explore different facets of the male fertility journey, we want our content to be easily discoverable for those searching for information. If you're seeking topics related to "male infertility," subscribe and follow on your preferred podcast platform. We're here to provide insights, experiences, and support, ensuring you don't miss any valuable discussions on male fertility.

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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