Episode 18

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Published on:

27th Aug 2025

From Addiction to Acceptance with The Fertility OG Kevin Button

In this powerful episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Kevin Button, one of the original voices in male fertility advocacy, known in the community as "The Man Cave."

Kevin's story begins 12-15 years ago with a devastating diagnosis of Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome - a condition where sperm production is impossible. What followed was a descent into addiction, relationship breakdown, and homelessness as Kevin struggled to cope with zero support and nowhere to turn.

In this episode, Kevin reveals:

The Brutal Reality of Diagnosis: How receiving life-changing news with no follow-up support led to years of drinking and drug abuse to numb the pain.

Dating with Infertility: The unique challenge of starting new relationships whilst carrying the "dirty little secret" of being unable to have children naturally.

Rock Bottom and Recovery: How meeting his wife Nikki became the turning point that saved his life and gave him purpose.

The Decision to Stop: After two unsuccessful fertility treatments, Kevin and Nikki made the brave choice to end their journey and find happiness as a family of three with their dog Bear.

Becoming an Advocate: How Kevin transformed his pain into purpose by creating The Man Cave, becoming a voice for men who felt voiceless in the fertility space.

The Mental Health Crisis: Kevin's stark warning about suicidal ideation in the male fertility community and why support is literally a matter of life and death.

Finding Closure: His decision to seek a second opinion years later and how it provided the closure needed to fully move forward.

Kevin's message is clear: the months and years of suffering in silence are unnecessary. His advice to any man struggling is simple but profound - just talk to someone tomorrow.

Episode Sponsors:

ExSeed Health - At-home sperm testing using your phone's camera. Code: MFP15 (15% off) at exceedhealth.com

Impryl - Fertility supplement with activated micronutrients. Code: MFpodcast10 (10% off) at fertility-family.co.uk

Connect with Kevin Button: 

Instagram: @themanscave 

Website: https://them-ancave.co.uk/author/kevinbutton025/

Have questions or experiences about your fertility journey? Share them with us! Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast Web: nexysfertility.com

Join Our Community: At NeXYs Fertility, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for men navigating fertility challenges. We offer advice and guidance from leading fertility specialists, peer support, and tailored coaching programmes — all through a user-friendly platform. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY https://www.nexysfertility.com/community

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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
A podcast for men experiencing fertility issues, by men who experienced fertility issues.
Welcome to The Male Fertility Podcast, a show hosted by Ciaran and Shaun - two men who have walked the challenging path of fertility struggles themselves. With a mission to break the silence and stigma surrounding male fertility issues, they share their personal stories, insights, and knowledge to provide support, education, and inspiration to men facing similar challenges.

In this unique and underrepresented podcast, you'll discover why this show is a crucial resource for anyone dealing with male fertility concerns.

Male fertility is often a hushed topic, leaving many feeling isolated and uninformed. The Male Fertility Podcast opens a candid and empathetic dialogue, letting you know you're not alone in this journey. Whether you're a man navigating fertility issues or a partner supporting your loved one, this podcast offers a wealth of information and encouragement.

Ciaran and Shaun share their personal stories, offering a raw and authentic look into their fertility struggles. This unfiltered approach makes their content relatable and provides a genuine connection with the audience.

In addition to the hosts' experiences, The Male Fertility Podcast brings in guest speakers who share their own fertility journeys, adding diverse perspectives and stories to the conversation. The show also features expert speakers who provide valuable insights and medical guidance to help listeners better understand the complexities of male fertility.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by ExSeed Health (www.exseedhealth.com), a leading name in the field of male fertility. ExSeed Health have created a new wave of fertility testing products, including their at-home sperm tests, to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to take control of their fertility journey.

Stay connected with The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast. Follow us for updates, inspiration, and a supportive community of individuals who understand what you're going through.

Or drop us an email - themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

Don't miss out on this invaluable resource for male fertility issues. Subscribe today, and together, we can break the silence and provide the support and education men need during their fertility journey. You are not alone.

About your host

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Ciaran Hannington