Episode 4

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Published on:

18th Dec 2024

Series 3, Episode 4 with Marc Bear

In this week’s episode, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by Marc Bear to talk about his long fight with infertility. From the initial assumption that starting a family would “just happen” to confronting the reality of a fertility diagnosis, Marc shares the highs and lows of his path to fatherhood.

After years of trying to conceive and facing mounting frustration, he was eventually diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome, a chromosomal condition that impacts fertility and other areas of life. The diagnosis was both a revelation and a challenge, helping him make sense of his childhood experiences while presenting new hurdles in his journey to become a father.

Missteps along the way, including poorly handled medical tests and a lack of male-focused fertility resources, only added to the emotional weight. He and his partner tried IVF but found that their local hospitals lacked the necessary facilities for male infertility treatment, and postcode-based funding restrictions complicated the process further.

Despite the challenges, Marc and his wife remained determined. They explored options like micro-TESE surgery and eventually made the difficult decision to proceed with donor sperm.

After further tests and procedures, their persistence was rewarded when his wife fell pregnant through IVF and donor sperm. The anxiety that accompanied the pregnancy was immense, but when their son was born, it disappeared for Marc.

Throughout the journey, the emotional toll was undeniable. Therapy became a vital tool for processing feelings of loss, frustration, and identity shifts. Finding a supportive community, like private groups, and taking small moments to connect through simple walks outside helped him and his wife hold onto hope during the toughest times.

Marc explains, educating yourself and those around you is empowering and helps foster understanding in a world where male infertility is often misunderstood. His advice to others facing similar challenges is simple but profound: find people you feel comfortable talking to, and don’t underestimate the power of sharing your story.

Follow 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 MF10 for a discount exclusive to our listeners.

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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
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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Shaun Greenaway