Welcome to this episode of The Fertility Podcast, the official podcast of Fertility Action. In this conversation, Natalie is joined by long-time friend of the show and Fertility Action trustee Dr. James Nicopoullos, consultant gynaecologist and medical director at The Lister. They dive into the often frustrating diagnosis of unexplained infertility - what it actually means, how it impacts your treatment options, and what you can do when you feel like you're hitting a wall.

This episode also covers highlights from Fertility Action’s recent campaign in Parliament, new shifts in male fertility awareness, and why conversations around fertility at work still have a long way to go.

What we discuss:

• Parliament updates and raising awareness about cuts to NHS fertility funding
• The Fertility Show and how to handle the overwhelm as a new patient
• James' role as a Fertility Action trustee and why he believes in Katie’s mission
• What unexplained infertility really means (and why it's so common)
• The emotional toll of having no clear answers, especially for people used to being in control
• Questions to ask your doctor when faced with unexplained or subfertility
• What to rule out: hormones, anatomy, sperm DNA, and more
• The reality of add-ons and how to weigh evidence-based versus emerging options
• When it makes sense to seek a second opinion and how clinics typically respond
• The evolving conversation around male infertility and the importance of male involvement
• Fertility in the workplace, what patients are still dealing with, and how employers can do better
• Why infertility still isn’t fully recognized as a legitimate health condition in some policies
• How education, advocacy, and testing are slowly shifting public perception

Quote to remember:

“You should be using your annual leave for a holiday, not to do fertility treatment.”

Listen if you’re:

Dealing with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, feeling stuck after multiple cycles, or needing a reminder that there are still questions worth asking and answers worth pursuing.

Links & Resources

• Follow Fertility Action: @fertility.action
• DM Natalie: @fertilitypoddy
• Email: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.com
• Subscribe to the podcast on your app of choice
• Learn more about Dr. James Nicopoullos: Lister Fertility Clinic
• Explore Fertility Action’s support groups and advocacy work: fertilityaction.org

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 community
• The emotional toll of fertility treatment and the gaps in support post-treatment
• Why peer connection and bespoke support are crucial
• Ongoing parliamentary campaigning for fair fertility treatment access
• How to get involved by writing to your MP
• The need for a male fertility focus in healthcare strategy
• Urgent updates on changes to NHS fertility funding in Sussex and beyond
• Katie 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 environment

Take 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 Health

Contribute to the ongoing male fertility survey submissions close Wednesday, 17 July. H

Helpful Links:

• Fertility Action Instagram (Linktree)
• Men’s Health Strategy Consultation
• Test Him with Ian Stones
• Fertility Matters at Work
• DM Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• Email thoughts or guest ideas: natalie@thefertilitypodcast.com
• Subscribe on your podcast app to stay updated

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_abroad
• Visit 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!