In this myth-busting episode, co-founder of Oasis FSN Erin catches up with Dr. Kaajal Abrol from TRIO Fertility to take on the most common—and confusing—fertility myths. From cough syrup and pineapple cores to IVF myths and embryo grading, we separate fact from fiction in a candid, evidence-based conversation.If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by conflicting fertility advice online, this one’s for you. Dr. Abrol brings both compassion and clarity to a topic full of misinformation.🧠 Myths Debunked:Does IVF use up your eggs?Are fresh embryo transfers more successful than frozen?Is stress alone stopping conception?Can men be ruled out after a single semen analysis?Does birth control cause long-term infertility?And more—from caffeine to cervical mucus “hacks”✅ What Does Work:Lifestyle and medical interventions that truly support fertilityUnderstanding ovulation, timing, and when to seek testingWhy it's okay to feel frustrated when you're doing “everything right”❓ Listener Questions We Cover:What is secondary infertility—and how common is it?Does sperm count matter if sperm quality is high?How many IUI or IVF rounds should someone expect?What does the latest evidence say about post-transfer activity and rest?🔗 Resources:Learn more about Dr. Abrol and TRIO Fertility at triofertility.comDr. Abrol’s podcast FERTILITY DOC TALK - https://open.spotify.com/show/4lbKGkOptt7U679PxSzJH3?si=976e11dff46d468fINSTAGRAM @kaajalabrolmdFollow Oasis Fertility Support Network: @oasisfsnCatch up on past Fertility Village episodes on Spotify and YouTube

This week we’re joined by Lisa—a certified grief educator and founder of Family Redefined @familyredefinedwithlisa who helps folks navigate life after infertility and pregnancy loss.In this powerful episode Lisa will share what it means to release the dream of motherhood with compassion and clarity. 💔 If you’ve ever wondered how or when to stop trying—and what life could look like on the other side—this conversation is for you. Lisa is an Oasis community member and volunteer whose fertility journey has been filled with courage, reflection, and—ultimately—joy.Lisa previously shared her full story on The Oasis Fertility Podcast, and tonight we reflect on some of the most powerful moments of that conversation, offering listeners a deeper connection to her experience and her heart.Through honest storytelling, this episode reminds us that even the most difficult paths can lead to light. Whether you're in the middle of your journey or reflecting back, Lisa’s story offers comfort, inspiration, and hope.💫 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:A recap of Lisa’s powerful fertility storyWhy joy and grief often exist side by sideEncouragement for those navigating a long roadHow sharing your story can offer healing—for you and othersUpdates on Oasis Support Groups, including new offerings🎧 Want More from Lisa?💛 Listen to her full episode on The Oasis Fertility Podcast – Lisa's Story📍 Connect with her in person at Oasis Fertility support group in Guelph🫶 Community Updates:🌱 Oasis Support Groups run regularly—register at oasisfsn.com💻 Erin facilitates virtual support👥 New! Our Men’s Support Group launches this month with Rob as the conversation starter🗓️ Note: Men's group takes place on Tuesday, not Monday💬 Final Message:“Ask for support—we’re here for you. You are never alone in this.”Follow @oasisfsn for updates, join a support group, and tune in next week for another episode of Fertility Village Live.

This episode is a celebration of something REALLY special—our newly launched “I Can Do Hard Things” Infertility Journal! 🎉Join Erin and Ashley as they dive deep into why this journal was created, how it’s being used, and how it can support your mental health, emotional healing, and self-compassion through every stage of your fertility journey.Whether you're waiting, trying, grieving, healing, or simply surviving the two-week wait, this episode offers real talk, powerful tools, and warm encouragement. 💛📖 In This Episode:✨ Why support groups matter🧠 Mental health tools from the journal💗 Coping with the two-week wait🌈 Affirmations, grief, grounding & self-care🔥 Rage pages, gratitude tracking, and the “control list”💬 Personal reflections from Erin & Ashley🪴 Highlights From the Journal:Affirmations & Mantras: “I am not alone.” “This is hard, and I can do hard things.”Grief Support: Honouring the invisible losses that come with infertilityThe Emotion Wheel & Mental Health Pain Scale: Tools to help name and navigate tough feelingsGrounding Exercises: 5-4-3-2-1 method, soothing visualization, and moreSelf-Care Tools: Journaling prompts, worry jars, and rage pagesTwo-Week Wait Survival Guide: 8 evidence-informed coping tips💬 Conversation Prompts From the Episode:What is one hard thing you’ve done lately that made you proud?What part of the grief journey resonates most with you today?What’s one thing you can control this week?If your emotions today had a color, what would it be?🛒 Want the Journal?📖 The “I Can Do Hard Things” Infertility Journal is currently available through Oasis Fertility Support Groups.More access options coming soon!Visit oasisfsn.com or DM @oasisfsn for info.💛 Final Message:“You are not broken. You are navigating something unbelievably hard—and doing it with so much courage. Let this journal, and this community, be your reminder that healing is possible and support is here.”Follow us at @oasisfsn, and tune in every Wednesday night for Fertility Village Live.Catch up on past episodes on Spotify and YouTube.

In this episode of Fertility Village Live, we welcome back Tammy, the compassionate voice behind Graceful Growth Coaching. A former guest on The Oasis Fertility Podcast (Season 2), Tammy returns to share how she supports others on their healing and fertility journey through coaching, Reiki, and in-person care.Whether you're navigating infertility, loss, or simply seeking deeper self-connection, this conversation is a reminder that your journey matters—and you don’t have to go through it alone.Tammy shares how she blends intuitive support with practical coaching tools, and how the simple act of honouring your emotional, mental, and physical needs can lead to powerful shifts in healing and growth.💫 Where to Find Tammy:🧘‍♀️ In-Person Sessions: The WOMB (Burlington, ON)Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4–8 PMReiki available in-person only. Coaching available in-person or virtually.🌐 Website: www.gracefulgrowth.ca📱 Instagram: @gracefulgrowth.coaching🧠 Topics Touched On:What it means to hold space for your storyHow coaching and Reiki complement fertility and healingWhy self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essentialBuilding a practice of gentleness and self-trustHow to connect with a supportive guide when you’re ready🎙️ Missed Tammy’s Story?Hear more from Tammy in her full story on The Oasis Fertility Podcast – Season 2 -Tammy's Story🫶 Final Words:“Your journey matters. You matter. Your self-care matters.”Follow us at @oasisfsn and catch up on past episodes on Spotify and YouTube. Welcome to the Village—you are never alone.

This week on Fertility Village Live, we’re diving into a topic that’s still too often left in the shadows: male infertility.Join us as Marissa and Erin welcome the Ashley and Kevin Porter, who are opening up about their journey through diagnosis, double donor conception, and the strength it takes to rewrite the story you thought you’d have.This one’s about courage, love, and breaking the silence — and we’re so honoured to hold space for it. it's a conversation that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime and Ashley and Kevin are a couple whose heartfelt and courageous journey includes navigating a male infertility diagnosis, the emotional weight of that experience, and their decision to grow their family through double donor conception.With honesty and vulnerability, Ashley and Kevin walk us through their path—from the first signs that something might be wrong, to the difficult realities of testing and diagnosis, to the brave decisions they made together in order to pursue parenthood. They share what it’s like to face stigma, navigate grief, and ultimately reframe what family and fatherhood can mean.-- In a story filled with love, resilience, and growth, they open up about:-- Receiving a male infertility diagnosis and its impact on identity and mental health-- The emotional decision-making behind using both an egg and sperm donor-- How they’ve supported each other through uncertainty, grief, and hope-- Reimagining parenthood and finding joy in a path they never expected-- What it means to share this story publicly—and why it mattersPlus, we lighten the mood mid-episode with a playful “Couple’s Edition” Q&A, where Ashley and Kevin share sweet, funny, and relatable moments from their fertility journey. Expect laughter, real talk, and maybe even a few tears.Whether you’re in the middle of your own journey, supporting a partner, or just want to better understand what male infertility can look like in real life—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Key Themes:Male factor infertilityEmotional impact on men and couplesMental health in fertility careDouble donor conception -egg + spermRedefining fatherhood and familyCommunication and support in relationshipsWhy this episode matters:Male infertility is often left in the shadows—rarely talked about, rarely acknowledged, and too often misunderstood. By sharing their story, Ashley and Kevin are helping to break that silence and normalize the conversation. Their vulnerability offers comfort, clarity, and connection to others who may feel alone or unseen.

This week on Fertility Village Live, we’re shifting the spotlight and handing the mic to the men—the partners and intended fathers who have walked beside their loved ones through the emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster of infertility. In a conversation with Caley and Sarah that’s raw, real, and long overdue, our panel of guests shares their unique perspectives, personal experiences, and hard-earned wisdom on what it’s like to navigate infertility as a man.So often, male voices are left out of the fertility narrative. But behind every treatment, every loss, and every hope is a partner who’s also feeling the pressure, holding space, and carrying their own emotional weight—often in silence. This episode dives into the unspoken: how infertility has shaped their identities, strained or strengthened relationships, affected their mental health, and reshaped their understanding of masculinity, vulnerability, and support.We’ll talk about:--> What it feels like to support a partner through fertility treatment--> How infertility impacts male identity and emotional well-being--> Why many men struggle to open up—and what helps--> Navigating grief, hope, and uncertainty as a couple--> What these men want others to know (and stop assuming)--> How we can create more space for male partners in fertility care and conversationWhether you’re a partner, a patient, or a friend—this is a powerful and necessary dialogue that will resonate deeply and leave you thinking. Bring your partner, bring your questions, and join us as we work together to normalize these stories and create space for every voice in the fertility journey.Let’s keep expanding the village—because no one should walk this road alone.

We’re honoured to be joined by the incredible Shaun Greenaway (@knackered_knackers) — Male Fertility Coach, advocate, and co-founder of NeXYs Fertility — for a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.Marissa and Joy host this epic episode of Fertility Village Live with Sean as he shares his personal journey through infertility, the emotional challenges men face, and the importance of breaking the stigma around male fertility struggles. Discover how Sean's experiences have shaped his mission to support others and the transformative work he's doing today.Shaun shares openly about his own journey with Azoospermia, becoming a dad to donor-conceived twins, and the often-unspoken emotional weight men carry in the fertility world. With his signature honesty and deep insight, Shaun breaks down stigma and shows us what real support for men can look like. Sean's turning point and decision to share his story publicly, the role of community and support in navigating infertility, insights into donor conception and the journey to parenthood are all key moments in this beautiful conversation.Whether you’re on this path yourself or supporting someone who is, this one is for you. Let’s keep the conversation going and make space for everyone navigating fertility.#MaleInfertility #FertilitySupport #OasisFertilityNetwork #ShaunGreenaway #KnackeredKnackers #FertilityAwareness #DonorConceived #BreakingTheSilence #MenMatterToo

In this eye-opening episode of Fertility Village Live, co-hosts Tanya and Erin welcome Dr. Mathieu Boilard, PhD—CEO and founder of Nasci Biomed—for an in-depth conversation on male fertility and the groundbreaking science happening behind the scenes. Nasci Biomed is a private research and diagnostic lab based in Quebec, Canada, specializing in the advanced cellular biology of spermatozoa. Their work uses cutting-edge flow cytometry and biochemistry to offer some of the most comprehensive male fertility analyses available today.

Dr. Boilard walks us through what a fertility spermogram actually measures—from volume and pH to detailed mobility patterns, morphology, and even DNA fragmentation. He explains why these deeper insights matter when it comes to diagnosis, early detection of male factor infertility, and choosing the right course of treatment. We explore common diagnoses like oligospermia, azoospermia, and teratospermia, and discuss what current options exist for men with very low or no sperm—such as micro-TESE procedures and hormone treatments. We also talk about how testosterone and other hormones play a critical role in sperm production, and what signs men can look for if they’re wondering whether they may have a fertility issue.

We dig into sperm DNA fragmentation—what it is, how it’s tested, and how it can impact outcomes for IUI and IVF. Dr. Boilard shares how Nasci is bridging the gap between fertility research and clinical application, constantly searching for technologies that could lead to meaningful breakthroughs for patients.

Whether you're currently TTC, undergoing treatment, or just learning more about your reproductive health, this episode provides essential knowledge for anyone looking to better understand the often-overlooked male side of the fertility journey.

To learn more about Nasci Biomed or to book an appointment for a fertility spermogram or DNA fragmentation test, visit: www.nascibiomed.ca