Sex and intimacy can change dramatically when you are trying to conceive, especially when fertility treatment, loss or ongoing uncertainty is part of your life. In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Kate Moyle, psychosexual therapist, podcaster and author of The Science of Sex, to talk about how sex, desire, relationships and connection can evolve in ways we never expected when fertility becomes part of our story.

This episode touches on loss, grief and confusion. If you are not ready for that right now, please skip and come back when you are ready.

Kate brings both professional insight and compassionate understanding to one of the most normal yet least discussed parts of many people’s experience. We talk about timing, pressure, anxiety, loss, connection, expectation and how to rebuild joy and pleasure in your relationship.

Whether you are in a long term partnership, thinking about future intimacy, or trying to untangle the impact that fertility has had on your sex life, this conversation is full of practical insight and reassurance that you are not alone.

What we discuss in this episode:

1. Why sex often feels different when fertility issues are part of your life
2. How timing and pressure can change desire and connection
3. Why we often feel there is something wrong with us when intimacy changes
4. The impact of miscarriage, loss and medical trauma on sex and relationships
5. How shame and silence make it harder to ask for help
6. Reclaiming touch and connection beyond the fertility goal
7. How fertility challenges affect male partners and masculinity
8. How to bring pleasure and ease back into sex after it has become stressful
9. Why rebuilding intimacy is a process and not a quick fix

Kate Moyle is a UK based psychosexual therapist, author and public speaker whose work helps people understand sex and intimacy through a biological, psychological and social perspective. She is the author of The Science of Sex, a neutral, accessible guide to sex and sexuality designed for all bodies.

You can find Kate’s work here:

1. The Science of Sex (book) – available from major retailers and online booksellers
2. The Science of Sex podcast – listen wherever you get podcasts
3. Website

Kate’s approach is grounded in research, lived experience and curiosity. This episode is one of the most honest and compassionate conversations we have had about sex and fertility on the podcast.

Thank you to our sponors:

This episode is supported by partners who help people access care and clarity on their fertility journey.

👉Access Fertility

If you are worried about the cost of treatment, Access Fertility offers interest free loans, multi cycle packages and refund programmes to help make IVF more affordable for you. They partner with over 60 UK clinics to help you access treatment without added financial stress.

👉One Day Tests

If you want clarity on your hormones, ovulation or fertility indicators, One Day Tests offer online appointments with fertility specialists plus convenient fertility blood testing. You can discuss results with a specialist, get direction on next steps and track key hormones that matter in your journey.

Use code FERT10 at checkout for 10 percent off your blood test.

Let’s keep the conversation going

1. Follow The Fertility Podcast on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
2. Email your thoughts or ideas: [email protected]
3. Learn more about support and community at Fertility Action
4. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps others find support too
5. Leave a review or share this episode with someone who needs to hear it

Thank you for listening and for being part of this community. Intimacy, connection and fertility can be hard, but you do not have to navigate it alone.

Until next time.