Don't Tell Me To RELAX- Your Fertility Podcast

I am with Dr. Christina Hickman from Avenue's Fertility Clinic to discuss the advancements in fertility treatments, particularly for individuals over 40.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding age-related fertility challenges, the role of technology such as PGTA and AI in improving outcomes, and the significance of mental well-being during the IVF journey.

We discuss:

• Why IVF is not a guaranteed solution for age-related fertility issues.

• How technological advancements have significantly improved IVF success rates.

• How PGTA helps identify embryos with the right chromosomes, increasing chances of pregnancy.

• How egg freezing can be a strategic option for women over 40.

• Why mitochondrial health is crucial for egg quality and fertility.

• How men's fertility issues are often overlooked but equally important.

• Why individualized IVF protocols are essential for older patients.

• Why mental well-being and joy during treatment can positively impact fertility outcomes.

If you'd like more support for IVF prep you can grab a spot on our ⁠Optimise Your IVF Outcomes talk here⁠

For more fertility support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

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If you'd like more support for IVF prep you can grab a spot on our Optimise Your IVF Outcomes talk here

I am joined by fertility nutritionist Kirsty and fertility coach Carly to discuss the essential aspects of preparing for IVF.

We discuss

• Why blood sugar stability is crucial for hormone health.

• How gut health is essential for nutrient absorption.

• That a Mediterranean diet can support positive fertility outcomes.

• Protein intake is vital for egg and sperm health.

• Why the three-month preparation window can significantly impact fertility.

• How emotional health is as important as physical health during IVF.

• Why setting boundaries can help manage emotional stress during the IVF process.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

⭐️ You can down load Carly's free resources here & her IVF course is here.

Happy New Year and welcome to a brand new series of Don't Tell Me To RELAX!

We're kicking off 2026 with some sound advice from our very own a team of fertility acupuncturists. Having around 80 years of experience between them the team share their top tips for supporting individuals struggling to conceive.

We disucss:

• How to think of food as your first medicine, supplements second.

• Why eating a balanced diet is crucial for fertility.

• The benefits of warmth to alleviate menstrual pain and improve fertility.

• How sleep affects hormone production and overall health.

• Why open communication with partners is essential during fertility challenges.
• How online support groups can provide community and understanding.
• Why digestion is so important and where to go for support.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

***BONUS CHRISTMAS EPISODE***

We are releasing this in the middle of Christmas in case anyone is looking for some extra emotional support during this time.

I am with one of our affiliate acupuncturists, Danielle Croft from Banbury, to discuss the emotional challenges faced during fertility journeys and how Chinese medicine can provide support.

We discuss

• How fertility journeys can evoke a range of difficult emotions.

• Why anger is a natural response to fertility challenges and should be expressed.

• How finding joy is crucial for mental well-being during fertility struggles.

• How worry and overthinking can be managed by setting boundaries and focusing on self-care.

• Why grief is a valid emotion in the context of fertility and should be acknowledged.

• The ways connecting with something greater can help cope with grief.

• How movement and exercise can help release pent-up emotions like fear and anger.

You can download Danielle's resources here.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

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❤️Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility tips and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one ofour clinics around the UK

I am with Fertility Nutritionist Kirsty Harrison to discuss the complexities of alcohol consumption during the festive season, when you are trying to conceive.

We chat about societal pressures surrounding drinking at Christmas, the impact of alcohol on fertility, and provide practical advice for making informed choices.

We discuss

• Why the festive season can be sp emotionally charged

• How the research indicates that alcohol can negatively impact fertility outcomes.

• Moderation is key; under four drinks a week is advisable for those trying to conceive.

• How it's important for both partners to be on the same page regarding alcohol consumption.

• Why enjoying a drink without guilt can have positive emotional benefits.

• Why maintaining healthy habits during the holiday season can support fertility efforts.

• How research and evidence can help couples make informed decisions about drinking.

Here is a link to one of the research papers referred to.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

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❤️Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility tips and information

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If your IVF has not gone how you hoped this episode is for you.

I am with Dr. Shabana Bora from Alma Fertility to discuss the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with IVF failure.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind unsuccessful cycles, the necessity of further testing, and the value of recovery time before attempting another cycle.

We discuss

• How IVF failure can be emotionally devastating, but it's important to understand that it can happen due to various reasons, often beyond one's control.

• What the common reasons for IVF failure include issues with egg quality, sperm quality, and the unpredictability of each cycle.

• What further testing is recommended.

• Why taking a break after a failed cycle allows for emotional and physical recovery, which can be beneficial for future attempts.

• How lifestyle changes, including nutrition and stress management, can positively impact IVF outcomes and should be considered before the next cycle.

• The importance of seeking a second opinion or changing clinics if you feel their needs are not being met.

• How different IVF protocols may yield different results, and it's essential to find a clinic that can tailor treatment to individual needs.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

I am joined by Tim Royle this week. Tim shares his deeply personal journey through IVF alongside his wife, Hannah .

Tim discusses how going through so much treatment led to him making a short film about his experience "Its The Hope That Kills You"

We discuss the emotional toll of fertility treatments, the male perspective on the experience, and the importance of communication and support.

Tim reflects on the loneliness often felt during the IVF process and the challenges faced with medical care. He emphasizes the significance of hope and the small actions that helped them cope.

Tim's short film, 'It's the Hope That Kills You,' which aims to shed light on the struggles of fertility is out on 30th Nov and will be available on YouTube. You can also follow on Instagram @itsthehopethatkillsyoufilm

For more male support you can see-

Fertility Solutions

TestHim

Fertility Action

For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

Today I am with Dr. Grace Lee Brindle from Hope In Mind Psychology to discuss the often overlooked topic of secondary infertility.

We explore the emotional complexities, including feelings of guilt and shame, that accompany the desire for another child when one already has a child.

We discuss

• Why secondary infertility is often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame.

• How the isolation felt by those with secondary infertility can be profound.

• Why it's important to validate feelings of sadness and grief in the context of secondary infertility.

• How parents often struggle to balance their desire for another child with their responsibilities to their existing child.

• Why seeking help and support is crucial for those navigating secondary infertility.

• How support groups specifically for secondary infertility can provide a sense of community.

For more information on Fertility Action and the support group that we discuss see their website.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

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❤️Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility tips and information

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Episode 8 of our Teaching To Conceive Series

💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive.

on Tuesday 29th October we will be discussing Testing & Investigations for your Fertility, with Independent Fertility Nurse, Morven.

You can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ to watch live or get the play back. 💛

In this episode Morven and I discuss fertility testing and investigations. We cover the importance of understanding fertility, the types of tests available, and the guidelines for when to seek help.

Takeaways:

• why starting with a hormone panel is crucial for women.

• NICE guidelines recommended for fertility testing.

• Other hormone tests that can be helpful

• why men should always be tested for fertility alongside women.

• How anabolic steroids can negatively impact male fertility.

• Why cervical smears are essential before trying to conceive.

For more information on working with Morven see her website.

This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at ⁠⁠www.femmehealth.co.uk⁠⁠ and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

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❤️Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility tips and information

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Over the next 3 months we will be looking at the complex and emotional topic of miscarriage.

In this episode I am joined by Morven, an Independent Fertility Nurse and resident Fertility Nurse in our Don't Tell Me to RELAX community.

We discuss the various types of miscarriage, symptoms, and management options.

Plus:

• How miscarriage is a common yet heartbreaking experience.

• What are different types of miscarriages with varying symptoms.

• How statistics on miscarriage are often based on estimations.

• How symptoms of miscarriage can vary widely.

• How expectant management allows the body to pass naturally.

• How medical management involves medication to assist in the process.

• How the emotional recovery from miscarriage can take longer than physical recovery.

For further support we will be running two events in our community as part of this series. To access them follow this link to join our community.

💛 Miscarriage Support & Care in Tea & Chat with Carly Garret our Fertility Coach on June 18th at 8 pm

❤️ What Now? A Practical Guide After Pregnancy Loss with me Hannah Pearn July 15th at 7pm

For further miscarriage support see:

Worst Girl Gang Ever

Tommys

Miscarriage Association

Held in Our Hearts

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

For more Fertility Support & Care:

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❤️Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility tips and information

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💛⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK