Ep 17 - Understand Your Fertility Options Post Cancer Diagnosis with Kate Pleace

Today on the podcast I want to welcome Kate. Kate is a registered nurse who has spent over 13 years specialising in women’s health with extensive experience in fertility and menopause. Since our episode with the wonderful Helen Munro - Episode 7 - on her story of fertility after cancer, I have had so many questions and messages about this. So I thought it would be fab to get some signposting from an expert on this subject.For many years Kate has worked within a large IVF clinic. She completed her master's in science in Reproductive medicine which specifically focused on fertility and menopause. She has recently decided to work independently offering consultations, support, and education to fertility patients.Kate is really knowledgeable and also super warm in her approach. I hope you will find this episode helpful.If this triggers upsetting feelings for you, it can be helpful to talk these through with someone. There are organisations that can support you, such as the British Infertility Counselling Association who can offer more support. https://www.bica.net Here are the highlights:(06:08) How does storing eggs, embryos and ovarian tissue work in practice?(07:42) Does everyone have the same access to this help?(13:05) How do people feel about adding hormones back into their bodies in order to harvest eggs?(16:05) Where are the eggs stored?(21:08) Fertility treatment whilst in the middle of menopause(28:06) Advice for anyone who has been recently diagnosed  On the podcast Kate mentions two support services which might be of help for you:https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ Connect with Kate:https://www.conceivablefertilitysupport.co.uk/ And on instagram: @fertility_menopause_support  About Dani:The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.More educated, better informed and less alone. Connect with Dani:Instagram @healthywholeme  Facebook: @healthywholeme  Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathubFor oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/  Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/