Episode 21

full
Published on:

17th Sep 2025

The Male Bag | Sharing Your Story, Relationship Reconnection & No Regrets

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

In this episode, Shaun addresses:

Telling Friends and Family: A question from a NeXYs fertility community member about wanting to tell friends and family about their diagnosis. Shaun shares his own experience of telling people during lockdown after speaking to the BBC, and introduces the X and Y graph method - where X is how you want to communicate (in person, text, voice note) and Y is who you're telling (family, friends, etc.). He emphasises that "by not telling people you're robbing them of that opportunity to help you."

What Would You Change About Your Journey: Shaun reflects on whether he would change anything about his infertility journey, concluding he wouldn't change anything because it guided him to his children and made him a better person. He discusses becoming "Shaun 2.0" - stronger, a better man, husband and father as a result of going through fertility challenges.

Feeling Distant as a Couple: Addressing how fertility treatment can make couples feel like they're not the same as before treatment. Shaun uses the elastic band analogy - couples may stretch apart but can spring back together. He offers practical advice about escaping "those four walls" when home feels like a prison, going back to what brought joy as a couple before treatment, and the importance of individual time to "fill your own cup."

Shaun emphasises the importance of living whilst waiting rather than waiting to live, and encourages listeners 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

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

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

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.

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Male Fertility Podcast

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

Profile picture for Ciaran Hannington

Ciaran Hannington