The Fertility Podcast

• Fertility Treatment is Healthcare so WHY the funding cuts?

  In this powerful and passionate episode, Natalie is joined once again by Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action, the UK's newest fertility charity. As a returning guest, Katie provides an urgent and inspiring update on the charity’s current work, including critical campaigning efforts, growing support groups, and the ever-pressing fight against the fertility funding postcode lottery.Together, Natalie and Katie discuss:The expansion of Fertility Action's support groups and communityThe emotional toll of fertility treatment and the gaps in support post-treatmentWhy peer connection and bespoke support are crucialOngoing parliamentary campaigning for fair fertility treatment accessHow to get involved by writing to your MPThe need for a male fertility focus in healthcare strategyUrgent updates on changes to NHS fertility funding in Sussex and beyondKatie also opens up about the emotional challenges of fighting for change while encountering public misunderstanding and resistance and why she refuses to give up.Plans for culturally diverse and condition-specific groups (like secondary infertility) are in motion—making sure everyone feels seen and heard.Fertility Action is looking for empathetic volunteers to host support groups. Training and supervision will be provided. If you’re 3+ years post-treatment and can commit to a year, they’d love to hear from you.Male participation in support groups is still limited, but growing. There’s a need for more male facilitators and attendees—especially to normalize male perspectives on infertility.Groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Join with your mic or camera on or off, even in your PJs! It’s a low-pressure, welcoming environmentTake Action:Write to Your MP - Encourage them to attend the fertility campaign event in Parliament on Wednesday, 16 July. Use the Fertility Action letter template Join the Conversation on Male Fertility & Mental HealthContribute to the ongoing male fertility survey submissions close Wednesday, 17 July. HHelpful Links:Fertility Action Instagram (Linktree)Men’s Health Strategy ConsultationTest Him with Ian StonesFertility Matters at WorkDM Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Email thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected] Subscribe on your podcast app to stay updated

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• BONUS EPISODE: IVF Abroad - Understanding guarantees in egg donation programs

  In the final episode of this three-part mini-series, created in partnership with fertilityclinicsabroad.com, Natalie is joined once more by Joanna Jewell, Head of Patient Experience at IVF Media, to demystify the world of egg donation guarantees. Whether you’re exploring donor eggs, embryo donation, or refund-based pregnancy guarantees, this episode breaks it all down. Joanna explains how these programs work, what they include, who they’re for, and what to ask before you commit. What we discuss: What egg donation programs actually are and what’s included The difference between oocyte and blastocyst guarantees What to expect with embryo donation and double donation (egg + sperm) Pregnancy and live birth guarantee programs and the truth behind the fine print Refund guarantees: how they work, what they cost, and how much you could get back Common requirements to qualify for guarantee programs Transparency matters: why it’s essential to ask what’s included and what’s not Additional costs to prepare for: medication, storage fees, testing, and admin Donor availability for different ethnicities and specific features (like red hair) The emotional reality when things don’t work even with a “guarantee” What support clinics do (and don’t) offer after unsuccessful cycles Why support groups, peer connections, and advocacy matter in your journey Embryo shipping after Brexit: is it still possible to bring material back to the UK? Links & Resources: Let’s Stay Connected Learn more at: fertilityclinicsabroad.com Follow on Instagram @fertility_clinics_abroadVisit eggdonationfriends.com for helpful resources Contact Joanna’s team directly for guidance on donor programs and clinics abroad Follow Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Don’t forget to listen to Episode 1 (How to Choose a Clinic Abroad) and Episode 2 (IVF Abroad Over 40) if you missed them!

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• BONUS EPISODE: IVF Abroad - Navigating Treatment after 40 with your own eggs

  In this second episode of our special mini-series with fertilityclinicsabroad.com, Natalie is joined once again by Joanna Jewell, Head of Patient Experience at IVF Media, to explore the realities of IVF abroad if you're over 40 and using your own eggs. This episode is packed with honest, compassionate, and practical advice for older patients whether you're solo, in a couple, or part of the LGBTQ+ community. Joanna shares what to expect, how to manage your options, and how to emotionally prepare for the challenges and decisions ahead. What we discuss: Are there age restrictions for IVF with your own eggs abroad? The difference between clinic policies and country laws The reality of success rates over 40 and why some clinics will say no What PGT-A testing is and why it’s often recommended after age 38 Navigating treatment decisions in LGBTQ+ couples, including ROPA treatment Countries that are more inclusive (and those that aren't) for solo women and LGBTQ+ patients The psychological weight of choosing between own eggs and donor eggs How IVF Media handles difficult conversations with honesty, support, and care What happens when partners aren’t on the same page and the role of counseling Why over 40s often go abroad: more treatment options, fewer restrictions, and better support Understanding the risks and clinic policies around multiple embryo transfer Additional tests some clinics require (like cardiac screening and blood work) Planning logistics around school holidays, remote work, and personal comfort Choosing a clinic near the beach? Joanna says yes, whatever lowers stress! Links & Resources: Let’s Stay Connected Learn more: fertilityclinicsabroad.com Follow on Instagram @fertility_clinics_abroadContact Joanna’s team for guidance and clinic suggestions Follow Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Email Natalie: [email protected] Don’t miss Part 3 in this series, where we explore guarantees in egg donation programs abroad!

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• BONUS EPISODE: IVF Abroad - How to Choose a Clinic?

  In this special mini-series of The Fertility Podcast, created in partnership with fertilityclinicsabroad.com, Natalie is joined by Joanna Jewell, Head of Patient Experience at IVF Media, to explore the ins and outs of going abroad for fertility treatment. If you’re considering IVF outside of the UK, this series is here to help you make well-informed, confident decisions. From country-specific options to success rates and cost comparisons, Joanna shares expert insights, practical tips, and emotional support to guide you every step of the way. What we discuss: The most popular IVF destinations for UK patients: Spain, Czech Republic, Portugal, Greece, and North Cyprus Key factors to consider when choosing a clinic abroad: distance, cost, treatment options, and personal comfort How donor anonymity laws vary by country and why they matter for future children IVF treatment costs abroad (and why cheapest isn’t always best) Using the IVF cost calculator from Fertility Clinics Abroad to plan your budget Why clinic success rates aren’t always comparable and what to ask instead Common pitfalls: compromising your boundaries or ignoring your gut feeling What to ask a clinic before booking and why personal match matters more than popularity Support for solo women, LGBTQ+ patients, and ethnic background considerations when choosing donor programs The role of IVF Media in providing holistic support from logistics and workplace planning to emotional guidance and post-treatment care Why timing, mindset, and communication (especially as a couple) are so key when choosing treatment abroad Links & Resources: Let’s Stay Connected Learn more at: fertilityclinicsabroad.com Follow on Instagram @fertility_clinics_abroadTry their IVF Cost Calculator Reach out to Joanna’s team via the website for tailored support Follow Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Email Natalie: [email protected] Subscribe to The Fertility Podcast for more support, stories, and smart decision-making

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• Finding Joy in Nature with Jessica Hepburn

  Welcome to this mini episode of The Fertility Podcast, where Natalie is joined by author, adventurer, and fertility campaigner Jessica Hepburn to explore the powerful role of nature in healing during fertility struggles. Natalie and Jessica recently spent the weekend together at the Love Her Wild North event embracing the power of community in the natural world. What we discuss: -The outdoors and your mental health when you are in a fertility hole-Love her Wild and the benefits of it for the fertility community. Love her Wild is about women who love the outdoors or want to get to love them - there were people talking about massive adventures and those sharing their little adventures. -Jessica touches on her fertility journey involving multiple losses, 11 rounds of IVF-How nature saved her life after Project Baby and at age 43 she made the decision to pursue adventure and nature. -How the outdoors merges with the fertility world with Natalie and Jessica -Nature is a healer, from looking at the birds in your garden or learning about trees to going on journeys. -The importance of living in the wait rather than waiting to live and how nature can be enjoyed for FREE-Getting into green will shift things - it won’t change what you are going through right now and the hardness or the outcome but it will help you find those pockets of joy.-How starting a blessing book really helped her during the hardest times of her treatment-Going for a walk, listening to a podcast, or walking in silence with a friend you can connect with or talk about anything. -Jessica talks bout her 2nd book 21 days and how she found acceptance and found other ways to be happy yet she will always carry a sadness from not being a mother. -‘Melonjoy’ - that feeling when someone tells you that they’re pregnant and you are not and it’s what you want more than anything. You feel happy for them but sad for you at the same time.. a fusion of melancholy and joy and it’s a real thing you can feel both at the same time… Links & Resources:Let’s Stay Connected DM Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy Follow Fertility Action: @fertility.actionEmail thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected] Subscribe on your podcast app to stay updated Follow Jessica: Jessica discusses her newest book 'Save me from the Waves'Jessica's first ever chat on The Fertility Podcastin 2014Follow Love Her WildFind out more about Jessica's work, her books and her adventures here Connect with Jessica on Instagram🎧 Subscribe to The Fertility Podcast for more episodes offering support, stories, and real talk about fertility.

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