Episode 17

full
Published on:

20th Aug 2025

The Male Bag | Failure and Feelings: How to Process and Whether Counselling Helps

In this Male Bag episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, host Shaun answers listener questions about navigating the emotional and practical challenges of the fertility journey.

In this episode, Shaun addresses:

Counselling Services in Fertility Care: Shaun confirms that UK fertility clinics are required by the HFEA to offer counselling services before, during, and after treatment, including donor conception. He shares his personal reluctance to engage with counselling during his own journey and encourages listeners not to make the same mistake.

Feelings of Failure After Diagnosis: Shaun discusses why it's completely normal to feel like you've failed after receiving a fertility diagnosis. He explains how societal expectations of masculinity contribute to these feelings and emphasises that fertility issues are medical, not moral.

Small Steps to Processing Emotions: For those not ready to talk, Shaun suggests alternative approaches like listening to podcasts, journaling thoughts on a phone app, and connecting with others' stories. He stresses the importance of going at your own pace and finding what works for you personally.

Shaun emphasises that while the podcast offers guidance and support, it's not a replacement for professional medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to submit their own questions via email or Instagram.

Sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by Impryl® - Fertility Family. Impryl® is a unique supplement for conception recommended by fertility specialists for both men and women. Visit FertilityFamily.co.uk and use code MFpodcast10 for 10% off.

Contact us:

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

Episode Sponsors: 

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

Share them with us! 

📧 Email: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

 📷 Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast 

📖 Web: nexysfertility.com

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

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

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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