Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast

This is the last in our Men in May Series and we are discussing sex and TTC. Which obviously is for men and women. Sex and TTC, a topic not often discussed but often an area that can quickly become stressful and pressure fuelled leading to issues on both sides. So this week I am joined by Andrea Balboni, a sex, love, and relationship coach. We discuss the challenges couples face with their sex lives when trying to conceive. Andrea discusses why this can become problem, why this is common and very normal and what practical steps couples can take. This includes having open and connected conversations about sex, reducing stress and fatigue, and exploring pleasure in different ways. We discuss: How to reduce stress and fatigue by seeking support from community, friends, and family. Exploring pleasure in different ways and creating intentional time for intimacy. Embrace non-penetrative intimacy and acceptance when sex isn't possible. The advantages of not cycle tracking Andrea has an excellent free resource on her website all about How to Talk About Sex 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

Episode 2 of our TTC Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 8th Oct and you can register ⁠⁠here.⁠💛 Katy and I are talking periods and their link to our health and fertility. We explain that a period is the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle, which marks the start of a new cycle and that a true menstrual period follows ovulation. We also discuss the importance of a good period, (yes the do exist) which should last 3-6 days, have a moderate flow, bright red color, minimal pain, and no excessive spotting. Takeaways A period is the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle, marking the start of a new cycle. A true menstrual period follows ovulation and shedding of the uterine lining. A good period should last 3-6 days, have a moderate flow, bright red color, minimal pain, and no excessive spotting. Heavy periods, light periods, painful periods, premenstrual symptoms, and irregular cycles can indicate underlying issues that may impact fertility. Understanding and tracking your menstrual cycle can provide valuable information about your health and fertility. ACUPUNCTURISTS- you can find out more about the Chinese Medicine Nutrition Diploma at ⁠The Northern College of Acupuncture⁠ by following this link ⁠here.⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠website⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

Welcome to Series 5 of the Podcast! Episode 1 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 8th Oct and you can register ⁠here.💛 Katy and I are discussing all the basic but so often overlooked fertility information to help you understand how your fertility works and improve your chances of conception. In today's episode we discuss the importance of fertility education and the basics of getting pregnant. We highlight the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and the need for more open conversations about fertility. We also address the misconception that getting pregnant is easy and quick, and remind listeners that it can take time and patience. Takeaways: Comprehensive sex education in schools often lacks important information about fertility and reproductive health. Understanding your menstrual cycle and tracking cervical mucus can help identify the most fertile days for conception. Getting pregnant can take time and patience, and it is important to remember that it is not always as easy as it is portrayed. There is a need to normalize conversations about fertility and reproductive health to reduce stigma and provide support to those trying to conceive. ACUPUNCTURISTS- you can find out more about the Chinese Medicine Nutrition Diploma at The Northern College of Acupuncture by following this link here. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our website. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

This month in our community and through the podcast we are focusing in on Men. This is the first episode in our Men in May mini series I am joined by Claire Mooney from Fertility Solutions. Claire is a consultant embryologist with over 24 years experience in assisted conception. She has worked and trained in some of the most successful IVF units in the world. Claire specialises in Male fertility and believes that in an assisted conception industry that focuses heavily on the female partner it is now essential to turn our attention to the male partner. This is Claire's second time on the show (she's that good!) and in this episode we discuss how to have healthy sperm, what lifestyle factors can improve sperm quality and how proper testing is important for everyone who is TTC. We cover: Why male fertility should be considered and tested before assuming infertility is solely a female issue. Comprehensive testing for male fertility, including semen analysis, semen culture, and DNA fragmentation testing. How lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol, and temperature can impact sperm health. How improving sperm quality through lifestyle changes and addressing any issues can increase the chances of successful fertility treatment. How the decline in sexual frequency may be attributed to busy lives and excessive phone use. Why regular intercourse between days 7 and 21 of the menstrual cycle is important for maximizing fertility. Why considering fertility options early on can help individuals make informed choices about their reproductive future. 💛 This is the link for Fertility Solutions. and if you have specific questions for Claire, she will doing a live Q&A in our fertility support group on Friday May 17th at 12 pm. You can join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

In this episode, I am joined by Alejandra, from Fertility Support. Alejandra is an integrative psychotherapist, and we discuss the impact of mental health on fertility. We also look at the differences between counseling, psychotherapy, psychology, and coaching, because quite frankly it's all a bit confusing! Alejandra explains that fertility issues can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Alejandra shares how psychotherapy can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of the fertility journey, providing tools, insight, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. We discuss: Counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, and coaching and how they differ. How fertility struggles can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. The relationship between stress and fertility. It is complex and not fully understood, but it is important to avoid oversimplifying the issue by telling individuals to 'just relax'. How psychotherapy can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of the fertility journey by providing tools, insight, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. How finding a psychotherapist who specializes in fertility can offer additional understanding and knowledge of the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals going through fertility treatments. 💛 For more Fertility Information, Connection and Community,  Join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 Want to track your cycle? Download our Cycle Symptom Tracker and/or BBT chart here.

This is our final episode for this Series, we will be back in September! TRIGGER WARNING: in this episode we discuss miscarriage, IVF failure and pregnancy. We're ending with a positive story, with Charlotte, a lovely patient I have had the pleasure of working with over the last few years. Charlotte shares her journey of trying to conceive and experiencing multiple miscarriages. She shares her emotional toll and the frustration of waiting for appointments and test results and ultimately having to pay for rounds of IVF. I can happily report that Charlotte had her baby boy about a week after recording this episode and both are doing well 💛 Takeaways Trying to conceive can be a challenging and emotional journey, especially when experiencing multiple miscarriages. The process of waiting for appointments and test results can be frustrating and isolating. A diagnosis of low AMH and a low egg reserve can significantly impact the success rates of IVF. Support from friends, family, and online communities can be crucial in navigating the emotional and physical challenges of fertility struggles. It's important to find healthcare providers who are honest, supportive, and provide clear communication throughout the process. Early testing and education about fertility can provide valuable information and help make informed decisions. Finding a supportive community and setting boundaries with others can be crucial during the fertility journey. Self-care and taking time for oneself are important for emotional well-being. The IVF process can be emotionally and financially challenging, but success is possible. Miscarriage is common and can be heartbreaking, but it's important to remember that each person's journey is unique. If you're looking for further support for miscarriage and loss then please see The Worst Girl Gang. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠⁠online ⁠⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

Charlotte Faure Green, a nutritionist specializing in anxiety, stress, and sleep, shares her personal journey with sleep issues and how she became interested in the field. She explains the importance of sleep for overall health and fertility, highlighting the impact of sleep on hormones like progesterone and estrogen. Charlotte discusses the circadian rhythm and its role in sleep, as well as the negative effects of poor sleep and shift work on fertility. She provides tips for improving sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed, keeping the bedroom cool, and incorporating calming activities like meditation or breathwork. Takeaways Sleep is crucial for overall health and fertility, as it affects hormone levels and reproductive outcomes. The circadian rhythm, driven by cortisol and melatonin, plays a key role in regulating sleep. Poor sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and shift work can negatively impact fertility. Creating good sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed and keeping the bedroom cool, can improve sleep quality. Activities like meditation and breathwork can help calm the mind and promote better sleep. ........................................................................................................... 😴 For more support on sleep see Katy's (Reflex East) up coming Sleep School............ "Sleep School is our signature DIY reflexology course to help you finally get a good night’s sleep. This year we will have both myself, Katy, and our wonderful reflexologist Marta leading your sessions where we will guide you through reflexology, sleep hygiene practices and acupressure points that will help get the most restful night’s sleep you have had in years!   Join us at 8.45pm Sunday 21st-Thursday 25th to get you through the working week. And it’s totally FREE! If you can join us live each night you really will get the most out of the sessions and help you to form new habits around sleep. But don’t panic! All sessions will be recorded and accessible for everyone who has signed up to Sleep School   And, if you join sleep school, you'll enjoy a discount on seeing Marta and me at our Hackney clinic throughout July and August—newbies get 15% off their first consultation and regulars get 10% off follow-ups All you need to do is follow the link to join: https://mailchi.mp/17244c7c768c/sleep-school-2024 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠⁠online ⁠⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

Laura Wilkes, a women's health coach and yin yoga teacher, discusses the benefits of Yin yoga for women trying to conceive. Laura will be coming into our community on Wednesday 3rd July at 8 pm to do a free yin yoga class for us. You can join us by registering here. Yin yoga is a slow, gentle practice that focuses on holding poses for an extended period of time, allowing for deep relaxation and release of tension. Yin yoga also helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Laura emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for women to feel and release emotions, as the TTC journey can be emotionally challenging. She highlights the connection between stress and fertility, and the need to prioritize self-care and stress management in order to support fertility. The conversation explores the relationship between stress and fertility, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and managing stress in the journey to conception. Takeaways Yin yoga is a slow, gentle practice that promotes deep relaxation and release of tension. Yin yoga works with the meridian channels in the body, supporting the flow of energy and promoting fertility. Yin yoga helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Creating a safe space for women to feel and release emotions is important in the TTC journey. Stress management and self-care are crucial for supporting fertility. Stress exists and is a natural part of life, but it is important to acknowledge it without blaming oneself or others. Yin Yoga can be practiced during fertility treatment, as it provides a gentle and healing way to release stress and promote relaxation. You can find out more about working with Laura through her website or Instagram page. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠online ⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

WARNING: this episode discusses miscarriage, baby loss and failed IVF. Hazel Leonard, a fertility educator, registered midwife from The Prepared Pineapple, discusses the challenges and concerns of getting pregnant after fertility struggles and loss. Hazel emphasizes the need for support and education during this journey, as well as the importance of acknowledging and validating the emotions that come with it. We discuss the anxiety and fear that often accompany pregnancy after fertility struggles, as well as the pressure to have a positive experience. We also discusses the impact of hormones, the role of doulas, and the need for mental health support during this time. Takeaways Pregnancy after fertility struggles and loss can be emotionally challenging and triggering. It is important to acknowledge and validate the emotions that come with this journey. Seeking support from professionals, friends, or support groups can be helpful. Accessing alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or counseling, can provide additional support. Finding a doula or midwife who specializes in fertility and pregnancy can offer personalized care and support. Taking care of mental health and prioritizing self-care is crucial during this time. Hazel will be doing a free webinar in our community group on June 26th. It's free to join just register via the link below. You can follow Hazel on Instagram here. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠Discovery Call⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠online ⁠and across ⁠four London clinics.⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

This week we are looking at what happens for the man as they go through IVF. I am joined by Kathryn Hawes,  an embryologist at The Lister, to discuss the process of creating embryos and the importance of healthy semen. We look at what healthy semen looks like, the steps involved in creating embryos, the difference between IVF and ICSI, and the use of additional tests and techniques. Kathryn also provides tips for men and couples going through fertility treatment. We discuss: What healthy semen looks like The process of creating embryos involves timing, with the man providing a sperm sample on the day of egg collection, and the sperm and eggs being mixed together for fertilization. What is the difference between IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) Additional tests and techniques, such as DNA fragmentation testing and the use of the Zymot test Lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and reducing alcohol consumption, can have a positive impact on sperm quality. Communication and support between partners are important during the fertility treatment process, and it's essential to manage expectations and be kind to each other. 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

This is the third episode in our Men in May Series. I am joined by Shaun Greenaway and Ciaran Hannington, hosts of the Male Fertility Podcast. Shaun Greenaway is a male fertility coach and advocate. Having been diagnosed as infertile in 2018, he experienced the heartache, shame and secrecy attached to being a man with no sperm.  Shaun found himself navigating this trauma alone, with no support networks in place for men at the time.  Now the proud father to twins conceived via the use of donor sperm, Shaun shares his story via Instagram to provide that voice that he so desperately needed when experiencing infertility.  To further expand the help and support he can provide men going through fertility struggles, Shaun trained to become an accredited Transformational Coach. Kieran is The Male Fertility PT and his mission is to work with as many men as possible, supporting and educate men facing the road of infertility on how to enhance and improve their health to optimise their fertility and help achieve their goal of fatherhood. We discuss their personal experiences with fertility issues and the lack of support for men in this space. We discuss: Why we need better education and testing for men at a younger age to help address potential fertility issues. The lack of mental health support and communication from healthcare professionals for men going through fertility issues. Why open communication and seeking support from others who have gone through similar experiences is crucial for couples going through fertility treatment. How much improvements are needed in the healthcare system to provide better support and education for men dealing with fertility issues. 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

In our second episode as part of our Men in May mini series I am joined by friend of the show Kirsty Harrison. Kirsty is a nutritionist who specialises in fertility and supports many men with nutrition advice and information to help improve their sperm health. In this episode we discuss: Processed foods, trans fats, high sugar and caffeine intake, and the lack of essential nutrients can harm male fertility. Why a Mediterranean-style diet with fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and essential fats is recommended for male fertility. The importance of a good breakfast with protein and vegetables is important for overall health and sperm health. Moderation is key when it comes to caffeine and alcohol consumption for male fertility. Staying hydrated and reducing sugar intake are important for sperm health. Alcohol and how non-alcoholic beers may contain high sugar content, which can have a negative effect on sperm health. Vaping, even without nicotine, can have harmful effects on hormone levels and sperm count. A good multivitamin and testing for vitamin D levels are recommended for male fertility. A balanced diet, including foods rich in antioxidants, is important for sperm health. Sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for improving sperm health. PROTEIN POWDERS: Nuzest. The Organic Protein Company. Pink Sun 💛 Kirsty will be doing a live Q&A on Nutrition for Men in our fertility support group on Wednesday 15th May at 7.30 pm. You can join us in (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

Today I am joined by lovely Bella, an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility and works in our team. Bella shares her journey into acupuncture and her passion for women's health and fertility. We explore why acupuncture is popular during IVF, the best times to start acupuncture treatment, and the key times during IVF to go for acupuncture. We discuss Why acupuncture is a popular complementary therapy used alongside IVF, recommended by many IVF clinics. Why the best time to start acupuncture treatment for IVF is ideally three months before the treatment cycle to allow for lifestyle changes and hormone regulation. What key times during IVF to go for acupuncture including follicular development, after the trigger injection, and before and after embryo transfer. How acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, improve blood flow to the reproductive system, regulate hormones, and provide emotional support during the two-week wait. How acupuncture can also be beneficial in early pregnancy to address symptoms such as morning sickness and constipation and provide support and care. How acupuncture can provide support and guidance after failed IVF cycles, offering a safe space to process emotions and explore next steps. If you'd like more information on Acupuncture and IVF please see my Blog with links to the research discussed in this episode. If you're looking for an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility you're in good hands with anyone who is Fertility Support Trained. There is also The Acupuncture Fertility Network for a register of Fertility Acupuncturists. You can also see the British Acupuncture Council for more information on acupuncture and who works in your local area. 💛 Want to LEARN more about your fertility? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 Looking for CONNECTION & COMMUNITY join our (DTMTR-Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To WORK WITH US  in clinic or online you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For some EMOTIONAL support we have The Pocket Hug: a little guide to help you through. Available for free ⁠here.

This week I am finally back with Katy, having a catch up, she's an award winner now AND has her very own clinic! and discussing some fertility fundamentals. For the last in this series before we break for Easter we cover 5 things we think everyone should know about their fertility. Know Your Cycle. Understanding your menstrual cycle, what is and isn’t normal and when you're fertile is one of the BEST ways to increase your time to pregnancy. Have Enough Sex: sounds obvious, I am sorry. But having enough next through the whole cycle and not just when it's your window is the best way to maximise your chances each month. It takes Two. It’s always important to check the male partner and that lifestyle changes are applied to both parties. Test and Investigation. You don’t have to wait to test and investigate your fertility. If you have underlying issues or concerns test ASAP or test at home. Also know that it doesn't always happen immediately and it can take time. Up to a year is normal. Lifestyle Matters. Healthy lifestyle impacts sperm and egg and does make a difference. 💛 Want to LEARN more about your fertility? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 Looking for CONNECTION & COMMUNITY join our (DTMTR-Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To WORK WITH US  in clinic or online you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For some EMOTIONAL support we have The Pocket Hug: a little guide to help you through. Available for free here.

What is the DUTCH test? The DUTCH test stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones and is an excellent way to get to the bottom on hormone imbalances. This week I am joined by Giulietta Durante, (Hormones in Harmony) a menstrual cycle nutritionist who specialises in hormone health. We look at how you can use the DUTCH test to understand your hormones and what’s going on and make a plan for making positive change. What are the advantages to doing DUTCH over standard blood tests. What is Ostrogen Dominance and what are the signs and symptoms of this.  Why you would do this test if you’re TTC. Why the DUTCH is good for showing where the stress is in your body. Signs and symptoms which might lead you to DUTCH testing What do you to fix things and how you make changes. What influences good hormone balance.  💛 If you would like to learn more about your fertility please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 You can also join our free fertility support community group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us in clinic you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

I am joined by the very lovely and very knowledgable Angela Heap and we are discussing toxins and the impact on fertility. In our everyday lives we come into contact with many different chemicals - through the products we use, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. Studies show that endocrine disrupting chemicals can impact egg and sperm health and hormone balance, therefore affecting fertility. But in modern life it is impossible to escape, it can feel completely overwhelming and it's hard to know where to start. Angela shares great information and advice to help you navigate this. We discuss: how we came to use plastics so much how these can impact health and fertility the impact on sperm just how many chemicals we use on a day to day basis links to autoimmune problems where you can make changes filtering water how to choose products how to not loose your shit and get totally overwhelmed deordorant! Here is the link to ThinkDirty we discuss. This is a good website for products: Everyday Green. And local refill stations have good ranges if you have one local to you. You can find out more about Angela here. 💛 If you would like to learn more about your fertility please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 You can also join our free fertility support community group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us in clinic you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

We have a new team member who is coming on board to help support our patients and work with us in our fertility community group. Morven provides online fertility consultations and support and will be doing a live Q&A in our community next week (Wednesday 6th March) In this episode we discuss: Introduction to Morven and how she came to work in this area Morven’s personal experiences of menstrual cycle and fertility issues What’s involved in an online fertility nurse consultation How to access blood testing remotely  How Morven can help you advocate for yourself with your GP The role of fertility awareness and education Who are these appointments for Morven's top tips to look out for for cycle issues. 💛 Morven is doing a live Q&A in our community group on Wed 6th March. You can sign up below to join us or email us with any questions. 💛 If you would like to learn more about your fertility please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 You can also join our free fertility support community group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us in clinic you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

I am joined by Dr Yau Thum from the Lister to discuss Reproductive Immunology. Reproductive Immunology looks at how the immune system and the reproductive system can impact conception and pregnancy. It is an area that is explored and tested when people have experienced repeat implantation failure and/or miscarriage with no other explanation found. Dr Yau Thum leads the reproductive immunology research team at The Lister Fertility Clinic. He has been involved in research in the area of natural killer cells and immunological aspects of recurrent failed implantation since 2003 and have published papers demonstrating that an "overactive" immune system may negatively affect pregnancy outcomes and IVF success rates. In this episode we discuss: What is reproductive immunology? The problem with researching this area. What tests can you do to test this area? Killer cells what they are, how you test for them? What the cytotoxicity test is. Drug protocols to address these issues and when to start them Who should take the tests. Why they are so expensive. Where to find out more about reproductive immunology. If you want to learn more please see The Lister Fertility Clinic Pages and/or the Reproductive Immunology Centre. You can also find out more via HFEA 💛 If you would like to learn more about your fertility please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 You can also join our free fertility support community group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us in clinic you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

I am joined by fertility nutritionist Kirsty Harrison to talk about digestion and its links to reproductive health. Kirsty is our lovely nutritionist and a member of the Fertility Nutrition Centre. So she has a lot of great information and experience to share about gut health and supporting this to help improve fertility outcomes. In this episode we talk about: What do we mean when we talk about gut health and digestion. What a good poo should like. What is the link between digestion and hormone health and fertility. Why it’s hard to eat well in the modern world. Signs and symptoms to look out for around digestion. The importance of eating slowing and mindfully and chewing your food properly. Why you’d do a gut test and what it can tell you. How to improve your gut health. Should you take probiotics? And what are prebiotics? Kirsty’s top tips for gut health and the importance of breakfast! If you'd like to know more about nutrition and fertility Kirsty is running a live Q & A in our fertility support group on Wednesday 21st Feb at 8pm. The link to join our group is below.... 💛 If you would like to learn more about your fertility please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 You can also join our free fertility support community group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us in clinic you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

The Conception Plan with Dr Larisa Corda. Dr Larisa Corda is a fertility expert, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, a spiritualist and TV Doctor and author. You may recognise her from This Morning, where she frequently appears as the in-house fertility expert. She has recently published a new book The Conception Plan, which brings together conventional medicine and complimentary practices to treat and support a person as a whole. Which, as an acupuncturist is music to my ears!  Why Dr Larisa wrote the book and how it differs from others out there How Dr Larisa’s approach in her book bridges both western and complimentary medicine The huge benefits that come with combining both conventional and complimentary medicine and the research Dr Larisa includes in the book to back this up Why the book follows a 12 week plan and what it includes  Stress and its impact and what you can do about it Unexplained infertility and the role of IVF. 💛 If you would like to learn more about your fertility please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Foundations for Fertility: our Free 5 step Masterclass on Understanding, Optimising and Empowering your Fertility 💛 You can also join our free fertility support community group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us in clinic you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠