Testhim.. it's that simple! Understanding sperm tests with Ian Stones

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:

1. Why male fertility testing is often delayed
2. When to start investigating male fertility
3. Why semen analysis is only the starting point
4. The role of sperm DNA fragmentation in recurrent miscarriage
5. What a varicocele is and how it affects sperm quality
6. Why testicular scans matter
7. How infections and oxidative stress impact sperm health
8. The importance of seeing a male fertility specialist, not just a general urologist
9. Why lifestyle changes should happen at least three months before trying to conceive
10. The impact of heat, cycling, tight underwear and hot tubs
11. Alcohol, diet and BMI in sperm health
12. Why men need to know their anatomy and check for lumps and changes
13. The emotional experience of male infertility and feeling like the spare part
14. How proactive testing could reduce repeated failed IVF cycles

What Testhim actually does

Testhim offers:

1. Advanced male fertility testing
2. A detailed male fertility questionnaire to build a personalised risk profile
3. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing
4. Oxidative stress testing
5. Testicular ultrasound scans
6. Follow up calls to explain results clearly
7. Access to male fertility urology specialists across the UK
8. Monthly male fertility support groups
9. A dedicated male fertility podcast

Their questionnaire...