’The Infertility Gal’ Podcast

I am joined today by a guest Ann-Laure from the non-profit ‘Storks of Hope’ which was initially started in France. ‘Storks of Hope’ provides resources, advice, and support for those who are navigating infertility issues including IVF and egg donation. Don't forget to check out their website to see what events are upcoming. 

In this episode I am joined by the author of ‘Wanting Children’ Professor Leonard M. Lopoo.  Leonard has published 'Wanting Children' in June 2026 after years of research, giving a fresh publication on Family-Planning policies and the Engineering of America's Population. Leonard's work looks to address how America can work towards a national implementation of 'family planning' rather than focusing...

In this episode we are joined by the founder and CEO of This Wont End Me the lovely lady Thanai! Thanai is an advocate for those of us who are battling with endometriosis, PMOS and PMDD helping to raise awareness. Thanai has a background in youth development and her work with TWEM is focused on creating community engagement and social impact.  Where can you find This Won't End Me:  Website: https:...

On this episode of The Infertility Gal, the host Danni is joined with Dr. Himanshu Borase who developed the app Naree, which is aimed at supporting people through infertility and through broader women’s health needs. The vision for Naree is for the app to be downloaded by the woman from the age of 11 right through to the age of 65. In this case this allows for the woman to be aware of all the vari...

In this episode, the host Danni shares her experience balancing full-time work, infertility treatments, and distance learning from 2021 to 2026. She discusses graduating a BA (Hons) Healthcare Management with a first-class degree, completing a free Master of Public Health, researching IVF funding for her dissertation, and creating 'The Infertility Gal' brand to support others facing fertility chal...

Host Danni shares her personal infertility journey—living with PCOS while her husband has azoospermia—and explains how infertility can affect both partners. The episode outlines common female and male causes (ovulation problems, endometriosis, fibroids, PID, low sperm count, testicular issues), testing and referral steps on the NHS, lifestyle factors, and the importance of seeing a GP. Danielle al...

Host Danni shares her personal infertility journey with PCOS, her husband’s Azoospermia diagnosis, and the long NHS pathway to IVF — including weight eligibility and her imminent NHS-funded treatment. This episode explores alternative family-building options if IVF doesn’t work: the differences between fostering and adoption in the UK, eligibility checks, timelines, legal rights, and available sup...

Join the host Danni after a walk in Swinley Forest as she dives into a reset week focused on recouping and rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul, while celebrating cozy activewear and comfort routines. She shares a simple tomato soup recipe, coastal walks in the Gower and Cornwall, St Michael's Mount adventures, and beloved treats like Cornish pasties and homemade 'nice cream.' The episode also ex...

In this episode we share Phil's phone appointment with a private andrologist after azoospermia results, learning there is about a 50% chance of finding sperm via surgical retrieval and discussing procedures (PESA/TESA/micro-TESE), risks, recovery, and outcomes. We explain why we paused private treatment to pursue the NHS pathway, the change in supplements (stopping Fertilosan and considering Impri...

In this episode the host Danni checks in with listeners for a quarterly life audit, sharing personal experiences of living with PCOS and navigating the long NHS IVF/ICSI waiting process. She discusses managing physical health, mental wellbeing, work and finances, saving for potential parenthood, and considering alternatives if conception isn’t possible. With honest stories and practical tips, she...

This episode follows a couple navigating infertility after a failed sperm collection, exploring options like ICSI with a donor and surgical sperm retrieval while dealing with private clinic delays and NHS waiting lists. Along the way the host shares personal reflections on PCOS, career decisions, family caregiving responsibilities, and difficult conversations about disability and parenthood. A can...

The 9th of January 2025 was Phil’s sperm collection date at Kings Fertility Clinic in London. In the days of the lead up to the 9th of January Phil had been taking his Fertilisan F supplements, the three tablets a day and eating healthier, going on runs at least once a week or sometimes two times per week. I was nervous in the days of the lead up to the sperm collection date as there was every cha...

Before spending your money at the first Fertility Clinic you find do your research, the clinic is required to provide you with a full price list of their various procedures and a list of their live birth rate statistics based on age and health conditions.  The clinic Thames Valley Fertility is running an open evening every 2 weeks on a Thursday from 1800. The event is free for all to attend and to...

As someone who lives with PCOS being told that I needed to lose weight in order to have the best success on the ICSI journey I was initially overwhelmed. Overall I lost 16 kilograms by doing an audit on my food consumption, exercise consistency and lifestyle changes.    The Infertility Gal website: www.theinfertilitygal.co.uk     1 in 6 couples experience infertility, OTO fertility is a wearable d...

In this episode we deep dive into the importance of our finances and future planning for the possibility of a growing family.    The Infertility Gal website: www.theinfertilitygal.co.uk     1 in 6 couples experience infertility, OTO fertility is a wearable device which can aid in reducing the need for IVF cycles and help to shorten the time to pregnancy.  www.mondayfertility.com   FREE OTO wearabl...

In this episode Danni and her partner Phil share their first joint NHS fertility appointment on 24 December 2024, meeting a gynaecologist and urologist to explore ICSI after private testing. The consultants discuss Phil’s very low sperm count, possible sperm collection or surgical retrieval, Dani’s PCOS and the positive effects of metformin, and the pathway to NHS funding for one ICSI attempt. The...

Danni shares her infertility journey, beginning with home blood tests and a pelvic scan that confirmed PCOS, followed by private clinic appointments that uncovered male factor infertility (azoospermia) in her husband. She walks through the tests, treatment options considered (ovulation induction, ICSI), private sperm collection and storage, costs, and the next steps toward NHS care or surgical spe...

In this episode Danni shares her personal PCOS journey, explaining how diagnosis impacted her fertility, weight, hormones and wellbeing, and the steps she took to regain control. She describes practical strategies that helped her: diet and Mediterranean-style meals, regular exercise, metformin and supplements (inositol, probiotics, vitamins), and daily habits like spearmint and green tea. She also...

Danni recounts her and her husband Phil's ICSI/infertility journey and the difficult decisions around telling family and employers while navigating Phil's mother's cancer and multiple medical appointments. She shares personal reactions from loved ones, practical steps they took with the NHS and at work, and offers honest reflections and encouragement for others facing similar conversations.   The...

In this intimate episode the host Danni is sipping her favorite matcha and shares how she and Phil discovered infertility in their family-building journey — from irregular periods and a PCOS diagnosis to male-factor issues, job instability, repeated moves, and the emotional toll of waiting for answers. She explains using an ovulation tracker (MIRA), the decision to seek medical help, and the impac...

In this first episode the host Danni shares the story of meeting her husband across continents, their long‑distance romance, engagement and marriage. She opens up about their dual infertility diagnosis, the emotions that come with the journey, and their decision to pursue IVF together — offering comfort and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.   The Infertility Gal website: www.thein...