Don't Tell Me To RELAX- Your Fertility Podcast

We're back! A brand new Series with our shiny new award 🏆

September is PCOS/PMOS Awareness Month, and in this episode I'm back with Fertility Awareness Queen Katy aka Reflex East discussing how to track a menstrual cycle when you have PMOS.

If you having any irregularity with your cycle and your fed up with trying to predict when you're fertile- this is for you!

We discuss:
Why PMOS makes cycle tracking more difficult
Why ovulation predictor kits can be misleading for some people with PMOS
How cervical mucus can help you identify fertile windows
Why basal body temperature is better for confirming ovulation than predicting it
How apps and wearables can support cycle tracking
Why the luteal phase matters just as much as ovulation
How to approach trying to conceive with long or unpredictable cycles

For more Fertility Support & Care we have clinics in London, Birmingham and a network around the UK:

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Why good embryos don’t implant

I am with Emma Whitney, Director of Embryology at the Evewell, Emma The Embryologist on Instagram, and Chair of the Trustees for Fertility Action to discuss one of IVF’s most frustrating questions: why an embryo that looks good still might not lead to a pregnancy.

We discuss what “good” really means at different stages, why embryo grading is only part of the picture, and how male factor, genetics, and the uterine environment all fit into the bigger diagnostic puzzle.

We discuss
What “good embryo” actually means
Why day 3 grading can be misleading
Blastocyst stage and implantation
PGTA tested embryos that still don’t work
Why embryo grading alone is not enough
Environmental factors and bespoke testing
Common add-on tests and the evidence around them
The male factor may be under-investigated
Time lapse is a major clue
Why uterine assessment can matter

For more Fertility Support & Care we have clinics in London, Birmingham and a network around the UK:

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

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fertility online community with our monthly drop in support group

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This is the last in the Series- as I take a little break for the summer- we will be back in September! But before I go we have this lovely episode to end with.
I am back with Carly to discuss practical ways to support loved ones trying to conceive. We share insights on emotional support, important dates, and practical ways to help- all offered from our lovely listeners and community.

We discuss:

The emotional impact of fertility issues: anxiety, grief, and isolation
How to check in without overstepping: balance and boundaries
Remembering important dates: significance and sensitivity
Offering practical acts of kindness: gifts, support, and reducing the burden
The importance of listening without fixing or giving unsolicited advice
Consistently showing up: invitations, invitations refusal, and ongoing support
Protecting emotional well-being: respecting boundaries and space
The power of community, shared experiences, and collective support

For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fertility online community with the monthly drop in support group

❤️ 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

In this episode I am with, Alison Hall, a nutritional therapist specializing in fertility. Alison discusses the complex relationship between genetics, epigenetics, and fertility. She explains how understanding genetic variants like MTHFR and supporting epigenetic health through nutrition and lifestyle can improve reproductive outcomes.
Main Topics:
The difference between genetics and epigenetics and their roles in fertility
How MTHFR gene variants affect folate metabolism and fertility outcomes
The significance of methylation pathways and supportive nutrients like B12, zinc, and choline
The value of genetic testing and how to select trustworthy providers
Lifestyle factors influencing epigenetic expression, including sleep, stress, and meditation
The relationship between digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption in fertility
The impact of DNA fragmentation on sperm quality and overall reproductive success
The role of immune health and key nutrients like vitamin D and vitamin A
Practical approaches: dietary focus, supplement considerations, and personalized plans

You'll find Alison on Instagram

For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fertility online community with the monthly drop in support group

❤️ 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

I am joined by fertility coach Carly to unpack the emotional toll, misconceptions, and support needs of women experiencing infertility.

Whether you're going through it yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers insights and practical advice for understanding and compassion.

We hope this will be a helpful episode to send onto your family and friends- if you don’t want to go into the detail yourself but would like them to have a better understanding 💛

We discuss
​The emotional and mental impact of infertility, including feelings of exhaustion, grief, and isolation
​Why family and friends often struggle to provide the right support and how to approach these conversations
​The importance of validation over problem-solving and the harmful effects of platitudes like "just relax"
​How misconceptions and lack of education around fertility contribute to misunderstanding
​The long-lasting trauma of IVF and miscarriage, and how it persists beyond pregnancy
​Challenges of participating in family gatherings, social events, and managing others' reactions
​The unique struggles of secondary infertility and societal expectations
​How to be a supportive ally: listening, validating emotions, and avoiding unsolicited advice
For more Fertility Support & Care:

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fertility online community with the monthly drop in support group
​
❤️ 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 of our clinics around the UK