talking male fertility - the testhim podcast

Are you one of the millions of couples struggling with a diagnosis of “unexplained infertility"? What if the answer isn't a medical mystery, but simply a test that hasn't been run yet? In this episode of the testhim podcast, we are joined by Lalana Songra, medical advisor at Examen. With a fascinating background spanning surgical urology and a Masters in Public Health, Lalana brings a unique "ground-up" perspective to male fertility education and behavior change.We delve even deeper into sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), breaking down the crucial differences between single-strand and emerging double-strand DNA damage. Lalana shares new data on how high levels of double-strand damage are heavily linked to delayed embryo development, implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss even when a standard semen analysis comes back completely "normal."In this episode, we discuss:The public health shift: Why fertility needs to be reframed as a shared, couple-centric journey rather than a female-first issue.The blue print inside the ladder: Understanding the structure of sperm DNA and why standard semen analysis fails to catch up to 25% of male-factor issues.Single vs. Double-Strand damage: How different types of DNA breaks impact your ability to conceive naturally versus later-stage pregnancy outcomes and live births.The power of a label: Why having an accurate, in-depth diagnosis provides couples with the ultimate emotional empowerment and financial clarity before investing in invasive treatments like IVF or ICSI.The golden window: Lalana’s public health vision for changing primary care so couples can optimise sperm and lifestyle health before ever stepping foot inside a fertility clinic.Whether you are trying to conceive naturally, staring down another round of IVF, or dealing with the heartbreak of recurrent miscarriage, this episode is a powerful reminder that knowledge is power

What more could we be doing for men before they even step foot in a fertility clinic?In our latest episode with Lalana Songra we explored the importance of advanced testing but also how men have a golden opportunity to maximise their fertility before fertility treatment rather than only looking at them when everything else has failed. Check out the full episode out on 15/07/26

When it comes to predicting male factor infertility, relying on a standard semen analysis alone simply isn't enough. Coming up in the latest episode we sat down with Lalana Songra from Examen to talk all things sperm DNA fragmentation. Lalana believes that sperm DNA fragmentation testing is the strongest diagnostic tool we have for uncovering the hidden barriers to conception. Check out the full episode available on 15/07/26

If you’ve been told that your semen analysis is "normal" but you’re still not conceiving, or if you’ve been ushered straight toward ICSI without a single physical exam this episode is for you. We sit down with world-renowned Consultant Uro-Andrologist Professor Amr Raheem to discuss how urological care goes beyond the lab to treat the "whole man," ensuring you are in the best possible position for success.In this episode, we dive into:Beyond ICSI: Why the reliance on technology can sometimes overlook treatable root causes of male factor infertility.The "Snapshot" myth: Why a basic semen analysis is only one piece of the puzzle and why "normal" results don't always mean "fertile."Male infertility as a biomarker: Why your reproductive health is a vital "warning light" for your overall long-term health and hormonal balance.The Varicocele debate: Prof. Raheem tackles the controversy head-on—explaining why investigation into this condition is so critical.The TRT Crisis: A stark warning on how self-prescribed Testosterone Replacement Therapy and gym supplements can accidentally shut down sperm production.100% Fixable: A candid and hopeful discussion on overcoming erectile dysfunction and the psychological barriers of the fertility journey.To find out more and to contact Prof Raheem visit:https://www.themalefactorfertility.co.uk/

The number 1 risk factor for ED? It’s not what you think!Did you know that by age 50, half of all men will experience some form of ED? Prof. Amr Raheem breaks down the early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, starting with the quality of your morning erections.It’s time to talk about the things men usually keep quiet. Listen to the full episode out on 17/06/26.

Many men are unknowingly sabotaging their chances of fatherhood by using TRT or other testosterone supplements. In this months episode Prof. Amr Raheem breaks down the biological feedback loop that can 'switch off' your fertility and shrink your testes! Check out the full episode out on 17/06/26

Is technology making us "lazy" when it comes to male fertility? Coming up in our next podcast episode Professor Amr Raheem challenges the common assumption that ICSI is a complete fix for male factor infertility. While it's a revolutionary tool, relying on it alone can mean missing treatable root causes that could improve overall health and the chances of natural conception.Full episode out on 17/06/26

For too long, men in the fertility process have been treated as "accepted bystanders", present for the appointments, but often excluded from the care. In this episode, we sit down with PhD researcher and industry expert Andrew Coutts to discuss the findings of his groundbreaking study into the male experience. We move past the surface-level conversations to look at how men can transition from passive patients to empowered consumers of their own healthcare.In this episode, we dive into:The "Patient vs. Consumer" Shift: Why viewing yourself as a "consumer" in the private sector can actually give you more control, better access to information, and a stronger voice in the consulting room.Peer Support as Clinical Power: How men are using external communities to gather the "intel" they need to challenge transactional medical relationships and advocate for better diagnostics.Challenging the "Reproductively Complex" Label: Why the narrative that "men are simple, women are complex" is scientifically outdated and psychologically damaging to the male experience.The Hidden Impact of the Clinic Environment: A frank discussion on how the physical space of a clinic—and the lack of male-centered design—affects a man's engagement and emotional well-being.The Global Fertility Market: The logistical and ethical realities of seeking treatment abroad, and why many patients are now choosing international clinics as a primary option.Workplace Advocacy: How to navigate the rise in employer-funded fertility benefits and ensure you are getting the most out of the support available to you.Find out more with further podcast episodes, news articles and the testhim support group over at:testhim.com

Why do men join fertility support groups? It’s probably not for the reason you think.Andrew Coutts' research reveals that while many assume these groups are for emotional venting, the vast majority of men are actually there for information. They use these groups to "arm themselves" with facts and peer experiences so they can walk into their next clinic appointment as informed advocates.Knowledge is the best tool you have in your fertility toolkit.Check out the full episode out on the 13/05/26

Andrew Coutts explains why the rise of the "fertility consumer" is the best thing to happen to male fertility care in years. When men realise they are purchasers of a service, the clinics have no choice but to respond and improve.His research highlights how men are moving away from being "passive passengers" in the clinic and instead using their position as consumers to demand better standards, clearer information, and more personalised care.Check out the full episode out on 13/05/26

This episode is packed with science, data and tops tips on what you should be doing to optimise your fertility. Ro has extensive clinical experience in a number of areas including women's health, weight management, diabetes, gastroenterology and Fertility. She is the author of Deliciously Healthy Fertility, and is frequently seen in mainstream media.  She is a published academic author, with research published in peer-reviewed journals to include the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Obesity, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Clinical Obesity. We covered so much in this episode it was just incredible. Whether it was essential tips on supplements, what the impact of oxidative stress is or why sperm DNA fragmentation matters we covered loads. To find our more about Ro's work head over to her websitehttps://dietitianro.co.uk/

Do couples and do men know enough about male fertility? Are we seeing a change or is there still more to do?Check out the full episode out on 15/04/26

Coming up this month... the wonderful Ro Huntriss, fertility dietitian. Are we going too far with supplements? When is too much too much?Check out the full episode out on 15/04/26

In this episode we caught up for a second installment with Cool Beans underwear founder Saara Jamieson. In Part 2 of our chat, Saara opens up about the inspiration behind her brand-new book. It is a breathtakingly honest account of infertility struggles and loss, paired with the solid scientific advice needed to spark change for men now and future generations.This conversation was, as always, truly inspiring as we heard about the ups and downs of Saara's personal journey and how that inspired her to design and develop Cool Beans underwear and now put that all down in a truly awesome book. This isn't just a book it's a personal story and a must read guide for couples facing infertility challenges. It's also a book that has a vision and mission to change men's health!To order a copy of the book head over to the Cool Beans website or visit Amazon for a kindle version.

This is such an important part of the fertility conversation that also rarely happens. So much focus is often on women and egg quality that little attention is given to the men at all, let alone the impact sperm health can have on a woman's pregnancy and the ongoing health of future children! Check out this great episode out on 11/03/26

Coming up on our next podcast it's cool beans part 2!Another great conversation with Saara from Cool Beans underwear about her new book and all the incredible work she's doing to support men's health.Right here Saara raises a great point.... why is it we're not testing men more thoroughly and more routinely. Should we really be trying IVF as our 1st port of call and then testing men only when it fails?Full episode out on 11/03/26

In this episode we were joined by the wonderful Liberty Mills.Liberty is an integrative health and nutrition coach and author of 360 Fertility. What we love about Liberty's book and her approach is that men are a central part of the conversation.This episode had laughter and it had tears but what really shone through was Liberty's passion, commitment, expertise and enthusiasm to make sure that both the man and the woman are fully supported on their fertility journey and ensuring no stone is left unturned. To find out more about Liberty's work and her book head over to hear website:https://integrativeliberty.co.uk/

This was such a powerful part of our conversation with Liberty. When men truly understand the importance of their sperm health in relation to their future child it can create real motivation and change that is incredibly powerful. Full episode out 11/02/26

Coming up this month a hilarious and enlightening conversation with the wonderful Liberty Mills. No sex in the bedroom when TTC.... how does that help?Full episode out on 11/02/26

This is one of those episodes that will blow your mind. Dr Paul Clayton is a clinical pharmacologist and pharmaco-nutritionist. His experience and background in medicines, foods and nutrition is extensive and impressive. In this episode Paul explains the impact the western diet is having on us. He talks about the way the food industry is impacting the food that we ear and the extent to which these food are responsible for so many of the chronic and long term health conditions we as a society are now facing. And importantly why this is almost certainly a major factor in global sperm and testosterone decline. There is no doubt that Paul has some strong opinions, some of which you may agree with, some you may not! But what he has to say is important and it will get you thinking about the food you eat and why we all need to pay a lot more attention to what we put into our bodies!If you want to explore some of Paul's work, books and blog head over to his websitehttps://drpaulclayton.eu/

Imagine how much better life would be if ultra processed food was actually healthy for you! Cheap, convenient and healthy! Well it could be coming our way soon. Check out the full episode on 14/01/26

If you needed any motivation to clean up your diet this podcast episode could well be the thing that does it! Full episode out on 14/01/26

Coming up in January 2026 this mind blowing episode with Dr Paul Clayton! What we covered in this episode was just incredible! Paul lifted the curtain on what's really going on with the global food chain and how this is driving so many of our health problems today! Full episode out 14/01/26

In this month's episode we hear from Katie Rollings and how her own fertility journey inspired her to launch a brand new fertility charity, Fertility Action. Through years of struggle, heart ache and seeing her husband also hit rock bottom it was only when she finally had her twins that she realised it was time to make a stand and make a change. Katie talks incredibly openly about the struggles she and her husband faced and how much of an impact infertility had on her and the motivation that gives her to make a difference for others. Fertility Action is a compassionate charity committed to supporting men, women and people facing the emotional and physical challenges of infertility, secondary infertility, or sub-fertility across the UK.To find out more you can visit their website and donate to this great charity athttps://fertilityaction.org/

Coming up in this episode we sat down with Katie Rollings, founder of Fertility Action. Katie talked so openly about the impact of IVF on her and her husband and how this inspired her to set up a brand new charity - Fertility Action. Full episode out 10/12/25

In this mind boggling episode we had the huge pleasure of welcoming 2 previous guests back on to the podcast, Professor Richard Lea and patient advocate Jonathan Luwagga.This episode was extra special in that we bought together science and research as well as the patient experience as we explored the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Prof Richard Lea helped us get to grips with the way in which these everyday chemicals impact our fertility whilst Jonathan shared his experience as a patient who has been and is still going through infertility challenges. This was all part of a bigger conversation being filmed for a future documentary exploring the huge impact the chemicals are having on us all. To find out more about Jonathan's advocacy work you can find him on instagram @jkluwagga

Coming up on the 12/11/25 this fascinating conversation about the impact of the chemicals in our environment and what they're doing to our fertility and specifically what they're doing to sperm!

As part of our conversation around endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC's) we heard more about Jonathan's story and how EDC's may have played a role in his infertility. We also heard how he was completely dismissed by medical professionals when he first spoke to his doctor about having undescended testicles. Imagine being asked "where are your testicles?"Full episode out on 12/11/25

Coming up on our next podcast episode.... we're going back to endocrine disrupting chemicals.It was our huge pleasure to welcome Prof Richard Lea back into the studio and this time we were also joined by the wonderful Jonathan Luwagga to blend the patient story with science all part of a bigger documentary that is due to be released in 2026.140,000 new chemicals have entered our environment in the last decade. What on earth is this doing to our fertility?Surely it can't be a coincidence that as these chemicals have arrived in our life that sperm counts have plummeted??Full episode out on 12/11/25

In this episode we were back to just the 3 of us. After a bit of a catch about what's been going on in testhim HQ we explored the joys of dealing with friends and family whilst going through infertility. How do you cope with those unhelpful comments? How do you tell your family? How should you respond when someone tells you to "just relax"?Toby and Mike share their experiences and explain how they were both able to turn it around (with a bit of time and healing) to make it a positive interaction with those who clearly didn't get it. Infertility is so incredibly cruel but being able to use your own experience to help others is one of the most powerful things you can do and this is exactly what Toby and Mike have managed to do.

It's hard to imagine life beyond fertility treatment when you're in it, and it's even harder to think that life could still be fulfilling without children. In this episode Mike talks incredibly openly about the dark days and the regrets but if there was ever anyone who has clearly turned it into a positive and has channelled his experience into helping others it's this man! Full episode out on 15/10/25

Sometimes other people just dont' get it right?!Opening up to anyone about your infertility can be so incredibly hard and sometimes other people just aren't going to understand. But with the right approach it can be a positive conversation. Find out more in the full episode out on 15/10/25

In this month's episode we welcomed Paul Galgey to the studio. Paul was completely unknown to us until one day we got an email from him. Spoiler coming up..... this email he sent from the maternity ward after the birth of his daughter just days beforehand. Little did we know that an insta live he'd seen from us completely changed his fertility journey and he wanted to say thank you to us! Paul's story is one of botched varicocele repairs, lack of support and mental anguish. Not, unfortunately entirely uncommon.Only when he heard our live with Steven Moser did he consider further surgery for his varicocele. This is when things changed. Paul's story is one of determination and resilience and demonstrates the importance of being proactive. Paul wanted to share his story with us as a way of thanks but to also highlight to other men the importance of being proactive. An absolutely great conversation and we wish Paul all the best in his future role as Dad!

How many other couples are led to believe IVF is the solution?The reality is sometimes quite a bit further from that! In this episode Paul talks about the importance of fertility education for couples and actually for him how doing the research, being proactive completely changed their fertility journey and potentially contributed to their outcome.Full episode out 15/09/25

Any other men out there who look down and think things don't quite look right?In this episode Paul talks really openly about how things didn't seem right to him and the nagging feeling that something wasn't right. Paul was diagnosed with a Varicocele in his 20's and with the eventual right intervention things changed for him and his sperm quality. Check out the full episode out on 15/09/25

Coming up in our next episode this honest and frank conversation with Paul Galgey. Paul touches on some really important points of what infertility is really like for a man. Isolation, the feeling of despair and having to face the reality of potentially being infertile! Not to mention the reality of getting your testicles out in front of a doctor. Trying for a family when it's not going to plan isn't fun, as Paul says, it can be one of the hardest things a couple has to face. Full episode out 15/09/25

This month we welcomed Nina Barnsley, Director of the Donor Conception Network (DCN) and we had one of the most thought provoking conversations we've ever had in the studio.'The DCN was set up over 30 years ago to support donor conception families and prospective families. The changes that have happened in the fertility world and specifically the donor conception world in that time are quite incredible. In this conversation we explore some of the complexities surrounding using donors and what couples or individuals may have to consider. How do you choose a donor, who do you tell and how do you tell them? Should you tell the children and how do you tell them? How does using a sperm donor impact men? And so much more!But it also goes beyond that, once a child arrives the conversation doesn't end there. Donor conception brings a whole other world of questions and conversations that others wouldn't even think about.If you would like to find out more about DCN's work head to:https://dcnetwork.org/

Coming up this month this incredible conversation with Nina Barnsley from The Donor Conception Network. How do you have that conversation with donor conceived children? Do you tell, do you not tell?Well actually we now know that being open and honest is by far the best thing but getting support around this is still imperative. Check out the full episode out on 11/08/25To learn more about The Donor Conception Network head to:https://dcnetwork.org/

Coming up this month we're delving into the huge subject of donor conception! This subject is so incredibly complex and we covered so much but one of the big takeaways was that using donor sperm or donor eggs is a big decision and it takes time. Having the right support around you is absolutely imperative and that's exactly where the Donor Conception Network comes in. To learn more about DCN head to:https://dcnetwork.org/Check out the full episode out on 11/08/25

We recently welcomed Saul and Aliza into the podcast studio to share their story. We've known Saul and Aliza for many years and we know how much they've been through. We know the challenges they've faced with their friends and family and how hard it's been for them to share their story. Now however, they're talking openly about both sides of their challenges and what they've been through and are still going through. Quite often we get to hear the stories where couples have completed their treatment but Saul and Aliza are still in the depths of treatment with a big query about whether to use frozen embryo's that were created before a varicocele & DNA fragmentation was discovered!This is such a lovely episode as we hear about the ups and downs of their treatment and how they've got through it as a couple.

This month we were joined by Dr Anand Patel, a men's health expert. Anand has got over 24 years experience in general medicine, general practice, sexual function and more recently male fertility. He is also known in the media for his work on channel 4's embarrassing bodies and hosted the channel 4 documentary "celebrity save our sperm". Anand has got extensive experience in sexual function and testosterone deficiency and you're always guaranteed a fascinating and varied conversation! And this is exactly what we got. From willy's as wind socks and shrinking testicles we covered so much. We also dug into the politics of General practice and how the system is failing men. This is a fascinating episode. To find out more about Anand and his work head to:https://dranand.com/

Just a little reminder that the average volume a man ejaculates is between 2 and 5ml!In this very entertaining and insightful conversation with Dr Anand Patel we explored so much around fertility and more. Part of the conversation was aroud how and what young men are learning when it comes to sex and their bodies! So many young boys have viewed porn that their perception of normal is grossly out of line and this is no more evident in what they believe is normal in terms of ejaculation! Check out the full episode out on 14/07/25

You can always be sure of an entertaining conversation with this great man, Dr Anand Patel! Night time erections, your willy is like a wind sock and don't buy testosterone from Gary or your balls will shrink! Check out the full episode out on 14/07/25

In this incredibly open and honest episode we hear from Declan Petley a guy who has been through so much! Declan faced some incredible challenges growing up. He went from being the shortest to the tallest in his class, he lost track of how many broken bones and injuries he picked up through his life whilst also battling intense emotions including anger, depression and suicidal thoughts. He struggled at school and constantly felt like he didn't fit in! Only in his 30's did someone finally piece it all together. Having hand countless medical appointments and misdiagnosis's and being told to just get on with it he finally discovered that he had Klinefelter syndrome. A life changing diagnosis but also a chance for him to make sense of the world and his place in it! Now he has to face the fact that he may never have his own biological children! And you have to listen to the end for the most incredible ending to any episode we've ever recorded!

Coming up this month an incredibly open and honest conversation with Declan Petley who was diagnosed with XXY! For years Declan was in the dark around his health and why so many things seemed to not be working. Seeing the right clinician meant the missing part of the jigsaw puzzle was put into place which was a huge relief but then also opened up masses of questions about his fertility, something he'd never thought about. Full episode out on 16/06/25

What happens when a man is misdiagnosed!! This month we hear from Declan Petley about his life living with XXY! A simple genetic test could have completely changed Declan's life so much earlier but unfortunately it was missed. Declan faced depression, suicidal thoughts and years of pain, all because no one understood what might be going on for him. Check out the full episode on 16/06/25

In this incredible episode we hear from consultant Urologist Jas Kalsi and consultant Gynaecologist Fatima Husain about their combined approach to fertility treatment. This episode is a breath of fresh air and incredibly powerful. It demonstrates that actually when you truly approach fertility in a way that assesses and treats both sides of the equation it can make an incredible difference. Jas and Fatima explain how they have set up a brand new and unique service within the NHS that encompasses many aspects of male fertility support alongside the standard female pathway. They work with amazing nurses and GP's and ensure that all aspects of both the man's and the woman's health are fully considered. The results they get, speak for themselves. To find out more about Jas Kalsi head to:https://myfertilitynow.co.uk/To find out more about Fatima Husain head to:https://www.windsorgynaecology.co.uk/

The impact of infertility on men can never be underestimated. Whether it's performance issues or psychological challenges the facts remain the same, it's a challenging place to be and it's hard to reach out for support. Check out the full episode coming on 19/05/25

Are men being ignored? Is it a case that if his semen analysis is average or OK that he's then disregarded. But actually we know that even a normal semen analysis doesn't mean everything is actually ok!Check out this fantastic episode where Jas and Fatima talk about the importance of treating both the man and the woman, available on 19/05/25

What happens if both the man and the woman get investigated and treated at the same time?Well funnily enough you potentially increase the natural birth rate and the IVF success rate. You also potentially stop that couple needing IVF!Is that not the ultimate outcome we all want, a healthy natural pregnancy?Of course there are times when IVF and even ICSI are essential and much needed but optimising the couple is still essential. This episode with Dr Fatima Husain and Dr Jas Kalsi has to be one of the most refreshing, heart warming and encouraging episodes we've ever recorded. Keep your eyes peeled for more teasers and the full episode out in May.