Thanks to our episode sponsor Examenlab who has created Exact tests to give a clear picture of the quality of sperm DNA, you can see whether or not there is a possibility of improving it. Visit examenlab.com to find out more

You've heard a snippet of our chat with professor Sheryl Homa explaining the big gap in treatment for men at the GP surgery and how all too often they are fast-tracked through the doors of a fertility clinic when more investigations should and could be done. Listen in full

Also, Gareth Down talked about the male-only Facebook group he set up, find out how you can join and listen in full here

Dr. Muhammed Akhtar explains how men can make lifestyle changes to prevent a decline in sperm count. Listen to the full episode here.

Gaz spoke about what he wished he’d known sooner after having failed cycles and multiple miscarriages and then finding out about sperm DNA fragmentation. Listen here.

Professor Sheena Lewis, who created the Sperm Comet test talks more about what the test can show you. Listen here.

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Why are there such gaps in our knowledge when it comes to male reproductive health? Well as we continue with our Early Years theme we're in conversation with Rene Almeling -   sociologist and author of a new book called Guynecology, a smart book with a smart title.

The Fertility Podcast is dedicated to giving a voice to male fertility issues, both with the expert interviews we share and inviting men to come and share their experiences. We also champion the importance for Men to be included in ALL fertility discussions, which we know often isn't the case.

Natalie came across Rene's book after reading an article in Elle magazine and didn’t hesitate to get Rene on the show as we needed to hear more about Guynecology!

Rene takes us back in history to explain why, until recently, men’s reproductive health was largely ignored. At the end of the 19th century, a move by US doctors to develop a male fertility speciality was ridiculed, mainly due to the stigma surrounding what was then in focus - venereal disease. In the 1960s another group of doctors developed the speciality Andrology but to this day Andrology is in no way near the established speciality like its female reproductive health equivalent.

A pet hate of Kate’s is that fertility clinics rarely work alongside each other, and Rene tells us about emerging research looking into paternal effects and why it is important to have more joined-up working. This new research suggests that the impact of age, lifestyle and exposure to chemicals, in the 2-3 months that sperm is developing, can damage sperm in a way that can impact not just fertility, but importantly the health of the child.

Rene talks about the importance of adding male fertility to the school curriculum and missed opportunities of talking to young men about their reproductive health. From her research into the topic, Renee concluded that we don’t need a whole new speciality of male reproductive health. We just need to take our umbrella of reproductive health and stretch it to cover men too.

Rene’s book is so interesting and if you have an interest in male fertility or you or your partner are struggling with male factor infertility then this is for you. You can also win Natalie's bookmarked copy ( with a lot of post notes for reference ) via her Insta

Please do review this episode via Apple Podcasts as we'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Meet Professor Sheryl Homa – Clinical Scientist and director of Andrology Solutions, an HFEA licensed male fertility clinic offering expert care and advice on men's fertility.

Sheryl spoke about how we currently deal with infertility is wrong and how Sheryl she believes the triaging for fertility is inappropriate.  Women are fully investigated however there is currently very little focus on the man. As a result, couples are put forward for IVF treatment when they may not necessarily need it.

If a man is investigated appropriately and treated then men’s fertility may be improved to optimize their natural fertility or improve their chances of successful IVF treatment.

Sheryl recommends that GPs consider referring men to a urologist or andrologist early on for proper management. More awareness on this issue is required and greater empowerment and education of both GPs and patients.

Can pick up conditions such as a varicocele or an obstruction. Varicocele repair is not always successful and not indicated for very small varicoceles, however, pregnancy rates following a repair are equal to or better than IVF success rates. Whilst it repairs fertility, IVF gives the couple a baby but the couple is still infertile, there is no treatment for their infertility.

Men may not always notice a varicocele, however, it is most likely to present on the left side, the teste may be larger, may feel discomfort and the pain may come and go. Men also complain of their teste feeling like a bag of worms.

More men are being diagnosed with poor sperm parameters from using protein supplements and shakes. A recent study showed that these supplements contained some steroid compounds. Sheryl recommends that men should not take any protein supplement or shake as not all ingredients are listed.

Supplements such as antioxidants work to reduce oxidative stress. A varicocele can raise oxidative stress and damages DNA.  You can have a normal sperm analysis but still have oxidative stress. Sheryl recommends that men have oxidative stress testing before starting antioxidants and then repeat testing after 12 weeks.

The mumps virus can cause inflammation of the testes and can cause men’s tubes to become blocked. Men have 6kms of tubes in their testes! Sheryl believes that unexplained infertility is actually un-investigated when it comes to men. She recommends that men are proactive and ask their GP for a referral to an uro-andrologist and that fertility clinics are more inclusive in working with male fertility specialists. Treating male infertility will reduce the need for invasive IVF and the demand on NHS resources, leaving more money for couples who really need IVF treatment. Support for men – men need support and information in a different format to women and a podcast or male-only fertility support groups on Facebook, for example, allows for anonymity.

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