The Fertility Podcast

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Hayley King, donor-conceived adult, mum of donor-conceived twins, and Operations Manager at Path to Parenthub. We’re talking about the story that made headlines last December, a sperm donor with a genetic mutation linked to cancer being used in nearly 200 conceptions across 14 countries.This episode unpacks how this could happen, the gaps in donor regulation that allow it, and what this means for families. We also talk about the emotional, ethical, and logistical challenges of donor conception in a globalised industry, where the same donor can be used across borders with no international limits in place.Hayley brings both personal and professional insight into how families can make informed choices, why early disclosure matters, and what changes are urgently needed to protect the next generation.If you’re on a donor conception path or supporting someone who is, this conversation is essential listening.What we discuss in this episode:Hayley’s experience growing up as a donor-conceived person, and what shifted when she became a parent herselfWhy early disclosure matters and how secrecy shaped the mental health of donor-conceived people in the pastThe UK’s 10-family donor limit and why it does not apply outside the UKHow one donor can be used in multiple countries with no tracking or shared systemThe story of one donor linked to a BRCA1 cancer gene being used in nearly 200 conceptionsWhat “family limits” really mean and why they are difficult to enforce globallyThe emotional weight of discovering you have 50 or even 100 donor siblingsHow sperm banks and clinics are often driven by profit rather than transparencyWhat questions prospective parents can ask their clinic or sperm bankWhy Path to Parent Hub was created as a safe space for donor conception familiesHayley’s advice for parents, donors, and donor-conceived adults navigating identity and connectionA note on regulation and emotional safety:While advances in genetic screening are helpful, they are not foolproof. The issue is not just medical, it is ethical. Donors should not be used to create hundreds of families across continents.Without international family limits or shared tracking systems, donor-conceived people may unknowingly share genetics with a vast number of people worldwide. This impacts their sense of self, their safety in relationships, and their ability to connect the dots in their identity.As Hayley says, transparency matters. Families deserve accurate information and regulated systems that put people over profit.Let’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy

Happy New Year - hope you're enjoying the bright sunshine we have in Manchester as we wait to see if it snows! You've survived the festive season and hopefully you're starting the new year in a peaceful place, despite the possibilityof there being a lot to consider in your year ahead. I hope the podcast continues to stay in your earholes and supports you along the way. If you're yet to subscribe, please do so, wherever you have found this episode as it makes a real difference. Plus, feel free to leave a review each time you listen as I love hearing your thoughts. Natalie x

As we wrap up 2025, this final episode of The Fertility Podcast is a heartfelt reflection on the year we’ve had and a look ahead to what’s coming. I’m joined by Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action, for a candid chat about the emotional toll of trying to conceive at this time of year, what has changed in the support landscape, and why we need more trust, better information, and continued compassion in the fertility space.If this time of year feels like a gut punch, you are not alone. Whether you are grieving a loss, recovering from a failed cycle, or quietly carrying the weight of infertility, I hope this episode reminds you that your experience matters and that support is out there.What we discuss in this episode:Why it is okay to feel conflicted or overwhelmed during the festive seasonCreating your own boundaries, traditions, and safe spaces during the holidaysWhat Fertility Action’s support groups are hearing most including pregnancy announcements, TTC burnout, relationship issues and intimacy questionsHow the groups are structured (TTC versus positive test and beyond) and why that mattersThe rise in patients feeling confused by medical advice, conflicting information online and social media rabbit holesFertility as both emotional and transactional and how clinics need to do better at meeting patients with empathy and psychological safetyThe importance of honest, regulated medical guidance and why peer support should not replace professional adviceProgress on fertility education and policy change and why 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for advocacyKatie’s hopes for empowering patients and reaching earlier stages in the fertility journey through GP education and accessA note on the mental load this season:If you have found yourself thinking “I really thought this would be our year”, you are not alone. That sense of grief, reflection, and uncertainty can be especially heavy during the holidays. But you are allowed to set limits. To say no. To opt out of conversations or events. You are not selfish for protecting your peace.Whether it is preparing a few phrases for difficult family questions, giving yourself permission to decline invites, or joining a support group for the first time, do whatever helps you feel grounded.And if you need a glimmer of hope, plan something just for you. Something small, comforting, or creative such as making a Christmas bauble while you chat with others who get it.Let’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected] more about support groups and resources at fertilityaction.orgSubscribe on your podcast app to stay updated for 2026Leave a review or share this with someone who might need itThank you again for listening this year. However you are ending 2025, I wish you peace, space to breathe, and a gentle start to whatever comes next.Until next time.

Tips from the TTC communityIn this penultimate episode of 2025, I wanted to share something a little different. This time of year can be incredibly difficult if you’re trying to conceive, dealing with loss, or navigating life after fertility treatment. So I gathered a brilliant group of patient advocates and professionals to offer their heartfelt, practical advice for getting through the holidays.From awkward questions at the dinner table to setting boundaries and finding your tribe, this episode is full of small but powerful ideas to help you protect your wellbeing and find support, whatever your journey looks like.What we discuss in this episode:Why you don’t need to shrink yourself to make others comfortableHow to prepare phrases and "outs" for difficult conversationsThe power of setting boundaries and being selfish in the kindest wayFinding your community and not navigating it aloneWhat to say to that nosy aunt (or how to head it off entirely)Navigating solo parenthood, donor conception and surrogacy during the holidaysCoping with involuntary childlessness and sitting in grief without guiltWhy men need support too, and how to show up for each otherEmbracing joy in small ways, even during a painful seasonYou’ll hear from:Julianne Bouteloup, perinatal psychologist and founder of Parenthood in MindMel Johnson, solo motherhood coach from The Stork and IAisha Balisaria, patient advocate and founder of Mind Body Revival CoachMichael Johnson‑Ellis, co‑founder of My Surrogacy JourneyKreena Dhiman podcaster, speaker and donor conception advocate - The Art of Being BraveKev Button, founder of The Man CaveHayley King, from Path to Parent HubVanessa Haye, writer, speaker and infertility advocateLet’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected] our advocacy work: @fertility.actionExplore and connect with this episode’s guests via the links in the show notesSubscribe to the podcast to stay updated as we plan for 2026Please know that whatever you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone. Your emotions are valid, and you deserve support. Take what you need from this episode, and share it with someone who might need it too.Until next time.

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Anand Patel, a GP and specialist in men’s health, for an honest and incredibly practical conversation about how male fertility is handled in general practice.Anand shares the exact questions men should be prepared to ask their GP, why basic investigations are often missed, and how a simple examination could reveal more than you think.If you or your partner are just starting to explore fertility testing, this is a must‑listen.What we discuss in this episode:What to say (and bring up) during your GP appointment if you’re worried about fertilityWhy most GPs aren’t trained in fertility and what that means for patientsHow to advocate for yourself when you’re not sure what to askThe “ICE” model (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations) and how it helps patients get better careThe critical role of basic examinations that are often skippedWhat conditions and warning signs GPs should be looking forWhy GP training needs to change and how newer trainees may be more up to dateFertility MOTs, NHS limits, and when private care may make more senseThe emotional impact of male factor diagnoses and how to create more compassionate conversationsWhat a decent male fertility assessment should actually includeSpecial thanks to Examen, sponsor of this episodeExamen offers direct, cutting‑edge sperm DNA fragmentation testing (including both single and double‑strand DNA damage), used by 85% of fertility clinics across the UK and Ireland.Tests are:Non‑invasiveAvailable via clinics or partner hubsDesigned to provide clarity, confidence and actionable insightYou don’t need a referral to get tested. Simply book online, drop off your sample and receive detailed results to discuss with your clinic.🎧 Learn more at examenlab.comLet’s keep the conversation going:Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyEmail your thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected] our advocacy work: @fertility.actionLearn more about Dr Anand Patel and his work:Website / Clinic: Centre for Men’s Health – Anand Patel Centre for Men's HealthInstagram: @dranand InstagramLinkedIn: Dr Anand Patel uk.linkedin.comExplore SDF testing with your clinic or directly at examenlab.comPlease subscribe and leave a review if this episode was helpful. And if you know someone who needs this kind of GP‑level support, send it their way.Until next time.