The Fertility Podcast

Welcome to a brand new series of The Fertility Podcast where we’re asking - what if artificial intelligence could change the way fertility treatment is delivered… before you even begin a cycle?
In this episode, I’m joined by embryologist and clinic founder Dr Cristina Hickman to explore what actually happens when AI enters the fertility clinic. This is not about robots replacing doctors. It is about using data, technology and human expertise together to improve how decisions are made, how patients are supported and ultimately how we get to a baby.
Cristina has built 13 IVF clinics and consulted with more than 250 clinics worldwide. Her latest project brings together years of clinical experience and AI innovation to create a completely new model of fertility care.
What we discuss in this episode:
What an AI powered fertility clinic actually looks like in practice
How embryos generate billions of data points and what that means for your treatment
Why traditional embryo grading can vary between embryologists
How AI can predict embryo development as early as day two
The role of AI in egg retrieval, sperm selection and treatment planning
How personalised fertility care is evolving
Why human expertise still matters just as much as technology
The emotional side of fertility treatment and how clinic environments can impact outcomes
The reality of success rates and what to look for when choosing a clinic

A different way of looking at fertility care
One of the most fascinating parts of this conversation is how AI allows clinics to move from reactive treatment to predictive care.
Instead of waiting five days to see if embryos develop, clinics can now:
Predict outcomes earlier
Manage expectations sooner
Personalise next steps based on your data

Cristina explains how this changes the conversations patients have during treatment, helping them feel more informed and supported rather than left in the unknown.
AI and the human touch
A big takeaway from this episode is that AI is not the decision maker. It is a tool.
Cristina shares why compassionate care, clinical experience and personalised understanding still sit at the centre of fertility treatment. AI simply helps clinicians make better, more informed decisions using data that would otherwise be impossible to process.

Why this conversation matters
With increasing pressure on NHS funding and more people needing to explore private treatment options, understanding what is available and how clinics differ is more important than ever.
This episode is about giving you insight so you can make informed choices about your fertility journey.
Whether you are:
Just starting to explore treatment
Navigating failed cycles
Considering switching clinics
Or simply curious about what the future of IVF looks like

This conversation will give you a lot to think about.
Huge thanks to our series sponsors Wild Nutrition - If you’re trying to conceive, you’ll know how confusing it can be to figure out what supplements actually make sense for your body., That’s why I really like what Wild Nutrition offers. They don’t just give you products, they offer free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists, so you can get guidance that’s tailored to you and your situation. Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get 50% off for 3 months AND a free personal consultation
Follow and support:

Instagram - @fertilitypoddy
The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment.
Sponsor Natalie doing the 3 Peaks challenge - please show your support by sponsoring her here
Finally - if you haven’t already, please do subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast.
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes.
Until next time 💛

Hello, it’s Natalie.
This is just a short message from me to let you know that The Fertility Podcast is taking a little hiatus for the next couple of weeks while I get a few things organised behind the scenes.
We will be back very soon with more episodes. In the meantime, if you have only just discovered the podcast, there is plenty for you to explore in the recent episodes.
Since the start of 2026 we have covered a wide range of topics including:
Sperm donation
Navigating IVF as a neurodivergent person
Fertility career coaching
What you wish your colleagues understood about fertility treatment at work
Sex and the impact that trying to conceive can have on intimacy
Secondary infertility
Family building in the LGBTQ+ community
Male fertility testing

So if you are new here, do scroll back through the feed and have a listen.
And if you have found the podcast helpful, please do subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really does help more people find these conversations.
Why I’m taking a short break
As you may know, The Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, the UK charity working to support people navigating fertility challenges and campaigning for fairer access to funded treatment.
They are doing incredible work.
And this summer, they are organising a huge fundraising challenge.
The National Three Peaks Challenge.
That means climbing:
Ben Nevis
Scafell Pike
Snowdon

All within 24 hours.
That is around 23 miles of walking and a total vertical ascent of more than 3,000 metres.
And yes… I have signed up.
At the end of June I will be attempting to climb all three mountains as part of the Fertility Action team.
How you can support
If this podcast has helped you in any way, I would absolutely love your support.
You can donate to my fundraising page here:
Every donation helps Fertility Action continue supporting the 3.5 million people in the UK navigating fertility struggles.
I will also be sharing updates on my training along the way. I have already started with a six mile walk and quickly realised just how long walking actually takes. There will definitely be blisters involved.
Join the challenge
There are still places available if you would like to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge yourself.
It takes place on 26 June and the team will be climbing all three mountains in support of Fertility Action.
If climbing mountains is not your thing, you can still help by:
Sharing the challenge on social media
Supporting the fundraisers
Following Fertility Action online

What’s coming next on the podcast
While I take this short pause to get everything organised, I am lining up some brilliant upcoming episodes.
We will be talking about:
AI in fertility care
Vaginal microbiomes
The experience of teachers navigating IVF
And plenty more conversations to help you feel more informed and supported on your fertility journey

If there is a topic you would like me to cover, please do get in touch.
Stay connected
Follow Fertility Action:
https://fertilityaction.org
Follow me on Instagram:
@fertilitypoddy

Thank you as always for your ear holes.
Make sure you are subscribed so the next episode lands straight in your feed.
And I will be back with you very soon.
Until next time.

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Ian Stones, co founder of Testhim, to talk about something that should be simple but still too often isn’t. Testing men.
We talk a lot in fertility about women’s bodies, women’s hormones, women’s investigations. But male fertility accounts for around a third of infertility cases, and yet men are still frequently an afterthought.
Ian and I explore when men should be tested, what those tests actually look like, why semen analysis is not always enough, and how men can advocate for themselves earlier in the process.
If you are dealing with male factor infertility, recurrent loss, unexplained infertility, or you simply want to understand more about sperm health, this episode is for you.
And if you are the partner trying to get a reluctant man to engage with this conversation, please share it.
What we discuss in this episode:
Why male fertility testing is often delayed
When to start investigating male fertility
Why semen analysis is only the starting point
The role of sperm DNA fragmentation in recurrent miscarriage
What a varicocele is and how it affects sperm quality
Why testicular scans matter
How infections and oxidative stress impact sperm health
The importance of seeing a male fertility specialist, not just a general urologist
Why lifestyle changes should happen at least three months before trying to conceive
The impact of heat, cycling, tight underwear and hot tubs
Alcohol, diet and BMI in sperm health
Why men need to know their anatomy and check for lumps and changes
The emotional experience of male infertility and feeling like the spare part
How proactive testing could reduce repeated failed IVF cycles

What Testhim actually does
Testhim offers:
Advanced male fertility testing
A detailed male fertility questionnaire to build a personalised risk profile
Sperm DNA fragmentation testing
Oxidative stress testing
Testicular ultrasound scans
Follow up calls to explain results clearly
Access to male fertility urology specialists across the UK
Monthly male fertility support groups
A dedicated male fertility podcast

Their questionnaire covers:
Fertility history
General health
Lifestyle and diet
Work environment
Red flag history such as undescended testicles or confirmed varicocele
Exercise habits
Clothing choices
Miscarriage history

The system builds a risk profile and gives clear next step guidance.
Because knowledge is power.
Listen to the Testhim podcast
Ian co hosts the Testhim podcast with male fertility advocate Toby Trice. It is one of the only UK podcasts dedicated specifically to male fertility.
Here are some standout episodes to explore:
Fertility Talk with Jonathan Ramsay
Environmental toxins and fertility with Professor Richard Lea
Understanding varicocele with Steven Moser
The couple approach with Jas Kalsi and Fatima Husain
Dealing with friends and family
You can also explore all episodes at
https://www.testhim.com
A note on being proactive
One of the strongest messages from this episode is this:
Do not wait until after multiple failed IVF cycles to investigate male fertility properly.
If you can:
Test early
Optimise early
See the right specialist early

You want to know that you have left no stone unturned.
Support from our sponsors
Access Fertility
If you are worried about the financial aspect of IVF treatment, Access Fertility partners with over 60 UK clinics to offer interest free finance, multi cycle packages and refund programmes.
Find out more at:
https://www.accessfertility.com/thefp
One Day Tests
Book a confidential online fertility consultation and discuss blood testing with a specialist.
Use code FERT10 for 10 percent off your blood test.
https://www.onedaytests.com
Let’s keep the conversation going
Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
Learn more about Fertility Action:
https://fertilityaction.org
Find out more about workplace fertility support:
https://fertilitymattersatwork.com
Explore Testhim and their services:
https://www.testhim.com
If this episode has helped you, please share it with someone who needs it.
Male fertility is not an afterthought.
It is half the story.
Until next time.

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, Medical Director of The Agora Clinic and Trustee of Fertility Action, to talk about family building within the LGBTQ+ community.
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and thinking about becoming a parent, or you love someone who is, this episode is a practical starting point. We talk about treatment pathways, donor conception, fertility preservation, NHS inequality, and how to make sure you are supported properly by a clinic that understands your needs.
This is about education, empowerment and knowing your options.
What we cover in this episode
Why fertility equality on the NHS is still not where it should be
The postcode lottery affecting IVF funding
Why three full IVF cycles should be the national standard
The additional financial barriers faced by same sex couples
Why six self funded IUIs before NHS eligibility is deeply problematic
The risks of sourcing donor sperm online
Choosing between known donors and donor banks
How clinics should approach inclusive paperwork and language
Why pronouns and preferred names matter in clinical settings
Shared motherhood and reciprocal IVF
Fertility testing for both partners before deciding who carries
Supporting gay male couples through complex pathways involving egg donation and surrogacy
Working with the trans community around fertility preservation
Preserving sperm or eggs before starting hormone treatment
The emotional impact of genetic connection and non biological parenting
Why counselling is essential before treatment begins
Supporting patients who fear internal examinations or surgical environments
Creating clinic spaces that feel safe, calm and inclusive

About Dr Carole Gilling-Smith
Dr Carole Gilling-Smith is the Medical Director of The Agora Clinic, one of the UK’s leading fertility clinics for the LGBTQ+ community, based in Brighton and Hove.
She is also a founding Trustee of Fertility Action, the UK charity campaigning for fertility equality and better access to treatment.
Carole has been a long standing advocate for:
Equal NHS funding for fertility treatment
Inclusive fertility care for LGBTQ+ patients
Fertility education in schools and universities
Fertility preservation for the trans community

You can find out more here:
The Agora Clinic
Fertility Action

A note on donor sperm and online routes
We discuss the growing number of people sourcing donor sperm online due to cost barriers.
Carole explains why this carries significant risks, including:
Lack of medical screening
No infectious disease screening
No genetic testing
Legal parenthood complications
Potential financial liability issues

If you are considering donor conception, please ensure you fully understand the medical and legal implications.
Fertility preservation for the trans community
Since 2019, NHS guidance states that individuals starting hormone treatment should be offered the opportunity to preserve sperm or eggs beforehand.
Carole explains:
Why this conversation needs to happen early
How egg or sperm freezing works
Why preservation can be empowering
The importance of specialist, experienced clinics
The emotional impact of being offered choice

If you or someone you know is starting transition and has not been offered fertility preservation, please ask.
Support from our sponsors
Access Fertility
If you are worried about the cost of IVF, Access Fertility partners with over 60 UK clinics to offer interest free finance, multi cycle packages and refund programmes.
Find out more at:
https://www.accessfertility.com/thefp
One Day Tests
Book a confidential online consultation with a fertility specialist and discuss hormone testing and next steps.
Use code FERT10 for 10 percent off your blood test.
https://www.onedaytests.com
Let’s keep the conversation going
Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
Learn more about workplace fertility support at:
https://fertilitymattersatwork.com
Explore Fertility Action’s campaigns and support groups:
https://fertilityaction.org
Subscribe to the podcast so new episodes land straight in your feed

If this episode has helped you, please share it with someone who might need it. Education and visibility matter.
Thank you for listening.

In this deeply emotional episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Catherine Cousins, author of Just One Child, to talk honestly about secondary infertility, failed IVF cycles, mental health, grief, and what it means to come to terms with building a family with one child when that was not the plan.
This conversation was not an easy one to prepare for or to record. Catherine shares her story with such openness, including her experience of a cancer diagnosis within her family, IVF after having a child naturally, a mental health breakdown following a failed cycle, and the long road towards acceptance.
If you are currently in treatment, living with secondary infertility, or facing decisions about stopping treatment, this episode may resonate deeply. We talk about grief that is often unseen, the isolation that comes with this experience, and why it is so rarely spoken about.
If this is not the right time for you to listen, please come back when you feel ready.
What we discuss in this episode:
What secondary infertility can look like when you already have a child
How a cancer diagnosis changed Catherine’s fertility journey overnight
IVF after having a child naturally and the emotional complexity that brings
The mental health impact of failed cycles and untreated grief
Why many people do not feel able to talk about secondary infertility
Shame, isolation, and feeling undeserving of support because you have a child
How grief can exist for the family you imagined but could not have
The strain fertility treatment can place on relationships
Deciding when to stop treatment and how hard that decision can be
Marking the end of treatment and finding closure in your own way
Parenting while grieving and the guilt that can come with it
Navigating comments, questions, and assumptions from others
Reframing the narrative around being a family with one child
Finding acceptance without pretending it does not still hurt

About Catherine and her book
Catherine Cousins is the author of Just One Child, a powerful and compassionate book about secondary infertility, loss, and redefining family when further treatment is not possible or no longer feels right.
Her book explores the emotional, social, and psychological impact of coming to terms with having one child when you hoped for more, and gives voice to an experience that is often overlooked.
You can find Catherine and her work here:
Just One Child on Amazon
Catherine on Facebook

A gentle note
This episode includes discussion of failed IVF cycles, mental health breakdowns, grief, and decisions to stop treatment. Please take care of yourself while listening.
There is no right or wrong way to feel when it comes to secondary infertility. Your experience is valid.
Support from our sponsors
Access Fertility
If the financial side of IVF feels overwhelming, Access Fertility offers interest free loans, multi cycle treatment packages, and refund programmes that can help make treatment more manageable. They work with over 60 clinics across the UK to help you access care when you need it.
Find out more at: https://www.accessfertility.com/thefp
One Day Tests
If you are trying to conceive or fertility curious, One Day Tests offers online fertility consultations and blood testing with fertility specialists. You can discuss results, get clarity on next steps, and receive written notes after your appointment.
Use code FERT10 for 10 percent off your blood test.
Book at: https://www.onedaytests.com
Let’s keep the conversation going
Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
Email your thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected]
Learn more about support and advocacy at Fertility Action
Subscribe on your podcast app so you never miss an episode
Share this episode with someone who may feel seen by this conversation

Thank you for listening and for trusting this space with such tender parts of your story. Secondary infertility can feel incredibly lonely, but you are not alone.
Until next time.