My Mission

In many ways there is scope to massively improve the IVF process as it is currently packaged to service-user’s. I can think of several changes which are inevitably going to change over the years including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation of processes within the IVF process, the use of stem cell and advanced cell research within IVF will progress and smaller clinics with less invasive technology.

However, one interesting piece of equipment which is readily available on the market may spark your interest. A thermal collection cup which is aimed at allowing the male partner to collect their sample up to 24 hours before needing to process the sample.

This means that the days of producing a sample in a clinic setting, with the dog-eared magazines which are stuck together and producing a sample on demand is no longer required.

Or the days of producing a sample at home, then keeping the sample warm whilst rushing to the hospital in your car, trying to find an urgently find a car parking space, running into the labs to hand the sample in, all within a 30-minute time window can be made redundant.

I have heard of one wife’s story of her throwing the sample cup in her bra to keep the sample warm whilst rushing to the hospital to hand the sample in. She even was struggling to find a carpark close to the hospital entrance and just hoping that the sample was kept warm enough and was sent in the right time frame to keep the sample at its optimum quality.

I have heard another story of a man who was rushing his sample to the lab whilst keeping his sample warm on the passenger seat of the car with the seat warmer on. He was a bit worried though that the seat warmer would warm the sample up too much and affect the samples quality. This method can induce stress on the male, knowing that you don’t want to hit peak traffic around the time of rushing your sample to the hospital lab.

Another aspect of sample production is scheduling conflicts which may incur around work, where you may feel obliged to let your manager know you have several hospital appointments which have been scheduled. Any additional stressors in your life at such a critical time have the potential to contribute negatively to the production of the sample. There can even be performance anxiety on the day of having to produce the sample particularly when time or comfortable conditions to produce the sample are not on your side.

There are so many variables and the male sample equates to 50% of the IVF equation and is essential that the quality of the sample is as optimum as possible.

Therefore, I can recommend a game changing sample cup for sample collecting. It is called the Protex cup and NovoSort device. This product has already been purchased by busy physicians who cannot take time off of work, a paraplegic whose preference was to collect their sample from the comfort of home and even men who have performance anxiety within the rushed clinic setting.

So, whilst the future of IVF is gearing up to embrace the future with AI, using medications which are less burdensome on the body and more streamlined services being made available to service-user’s there is surely scope for innovative products within the fertility space.

If you are interested in purchasing this semen collection cup then check out the following website: https://www.rsifertility.com/products

As women in the process of Trying to Conceive (TTC) we can be led to believe that the only fertility test we need to observe for is ovulation, in many cases after it has occurred within the cycle. 

The truth is that tracking the complete hormonal cycle often leads to women falling pregnant three times faster than those who only track the ovulation timing as indicated by Proov.

It is only natural for us as a woman who is actively in their TTC era to be looking at taking the guess work out of everything fertility related. All too often we ask ourselves do I have a good egg reserve, am I ovulating, are all my hormones working to produce the correct levels? 

We can be left confused, and at times waiting for months and months for the GP to organise complete fertility profile blood tests.

Proov Complete test kit is the only testing kit on the market which analyses the four fertility hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Fertility Stimulating Hormone (FSH). 

Therefore, Proov Complete is capable of identifying a fertility profile which can take multiple back and forth visits to the doctor to identify.

Ovulation detection kits are integral to the TTC journey particularly when you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, perimenopause, thyroid disorders, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), Endometriosis, irregular cycles just to name a few potential reasons. Women who cannot identify if they are ovulating within their cycle can use the testing kit to determine if they are ovulating and when. 

In some cases when ovulation does not occur this can be useful to identify the need of further fertility testing through referrals from the GP’s to the Gynaecologist as required.

The Proov Complete testing kit enables you to explore your 6-day fertile window, giving twice as many opportunities as the standard ovulation tests to fall pregnant. Additionally, there is an exclusive progesterone score which is a patented implantation window analysis which is critical and often missed with other ovulation testing kits on the market.

Once you have completed the testing you will then receive a full-cycle analysis which will identify what is happening within your cycle with the hormones whilst trying to conceive. 

Additionally, the results can be shown to your GP or Gynaecologist so that you can look into an action plan to best suit your fertility needs.

The tests which we should be checking when trying to conceive:

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)- 

indicates your egg reserve. 

FSH is a good indicator of the amount of eggs you have left and an indicator of how your ovaries will react to fertility changes. Therefore, the FSH gives a good understanding of your fertility status currently in terms of egg reserve and the steps you need to take next.

Estrogen Metabolite (E1G)- 

this test indicates the start of your fertile window. 

When the rising E1G level commences it shows that the body is gearing up for ovulation to occur. The E1G can indicate 6 fertile days when ovulation has potentially occurred and pregnancy is possible.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)- indicates your ovulation trigger. 

The LH hormone peaks 24-48 hours prior to the release of the egg. Therefore, you can identify when your fertility is prime and timing intercourse or insemination around the LH peak can be effective for pregnancy to occur.

Progesterone Metabolite (PdG)- this indicates when successful ovulation has occurred and if your body is producing enough progesterone to support implantation. 

Clinical studies have indicated that when there are optimal PdG levels there is a 75% higher chance of pregnancy to occur.

If you are in your TTC era, or curious about your fertility profile then consider 15% off your purchases with Proov using my affiliate link:

https://proovtest.com/THEINFERTILITYGAL

Use Code: THEINFERTILITYGAL. 

I would recommend listening to the Emma Grede podcast and the episode entitled ‘Glucose Goddess on Bootstrapping, Control, and Building on Your Own Terms’, if you are into business chats and learning more about the founder of the Glucose Goddess Jessie Inchauspe.

Jessie is not only a French biochemist and New York Time’s bestseller of ‘Glucose Revolution’ and ‘The Glucose Goddess Method’ but is also known for her hacks with controlling the glucose levels naturally. 

Jessie makes revolutionary science accessiable to all with a focus on improving physical and mental health. Jessie has over 6 million followers on her @GlucoseGoddess Instagram page where she helps people to transform their food habits.

One other standout product which Jessie’s company sells aside from the books she has published is the Anti-Spike Formula which her and the team have created. 

The Anti-Spike Formula is a natural supplement which is helpful in reducing glucose spikes by up to 40%, it is impactful in lowering your fasting glucose by up to 8 mg/dL and reducing insulin resistance by up to 11%. 

Additionally, it can increase your GLP-1 by up to 22%.

Anti-spike is for those who are not living with a medical condition but looking to improve their glucose levels for their general health. Our current lifestyles and diets tend to leave us with sugar cravings, fatigue, brain fog, constant hunger, etc. Therefore, ensuring that there is a steady and consistant glucose level across the day can aid in resolving some of those issues.

https://www.glucosegoddess.com/en-gb?srsltid=AfmBOopr-DflqTkxpWIENu0Bxym-8ZvzGbziYmZLy9geP8xdQ-jIf0Ek&view=sl-3C90D546

Evelyn Health has a 'The PMS Bar' range which I would recommend trying. The chocolate flavour PMS bar is a favourite of mine. I have also tried their lemon and poppy seed bar and the salted peanut butter bar. I really loved the lemon and poppy seed flavour as well! 

The bars are in such an accesiable format, when you are craving chocolate or something on the go it is the perfect bar to throw in your bag, take to work, eat on the daily commute, or when the 3pm pick me up hunger cues kick in.

I would highly recommend checking out their website and looking into their other products which they have on offer too. 

The product has active ingredients, meaning that you are only to consume one bar a day. 

There active ingredients include:

Vitamin B6, Magnesium Bisglycinate, Magnesium Citrate, Saffron, Calcium Carbonate, Curcumin, Tetrahydrocurcumin, Chromium Picolinate, L-Theanine, Piperine, Vitamin C

Evelyn Health also has a product called ‘The Full Routine’ which is in a shake form, and a powder product called ‘Revive’, a product called ‘Daily Cycle Support’ and three free digital guides, one on PMS, PMDD and exercise, one on PMS, PMDD and nutrition one on PMS, PMDD and your career. There is also a fun lime green nail varnish and a pin badge.

https://www.evelynhealth.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23598408180&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23603857646&gbraid=0AAAAAqZRcXapuFnTuDgshei7ny4e1kizr&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp3J9JWmVsmmg4ZZ3Vux5JvEtHSeI0nuxuHqZu-YTKf8yMH0ZGnGl-RoC4sYQAvD_BwE

You can find ‘Now Fertility Connect’ on Instagram and through their website. I have been able to join onto the full hour’s zoom discussion one time which a panel of the fertility multi-disciplinary team were available to chat for an hour with the general public. One of the standout questions for me was right at the end of the session where one of those thought provoking questions came up- what did the panel think IVF would look like in 10 years-time?

I was interested to hear that the future is going to lean into AI selecting embryo’s and stem cells being used to create embryo’s. The future is looking incredibly slim-lined as well with a focus on creating smaller spaces, less staff required, and less margin for error as AI technology would select the embryo’s etc for the IVF to take place. Additionally, there would be a focus on the IVF processes improving as technology advances.

The professionals said they wanted to see BMI as a barrier to access to IVF going like ‘yesterday’ and the dog-eared and sticky magazines found in the rooms where males go to produce their sperm sample disappear. They also said they wanted to see more streamlined supplements and dietary advice across the board.

Again, they recommended the Mediteranean diet as the best to follow overall for both the male and female. I find it interesting that with potentially less than 10 years we will see such a shift in the fertility industry and the consultants and professionals all agreed that staff would have to embrace the changes as they come along.

I would highly recommend looking into Now Fertility Connect’s upcoming events, they run the multi-disciplinary hour-long panel once a month alongside other events. The zoom call was for free and featured a wide range of multi-disciplinary professionals from fertility nurses, acupuncturists, andrologists, gynaecologists, nutritionists, wellbeing coaches and more. A high value chat with professionals and consultants across the world.

https://now-fertility.com/services/gender-selection/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18390059921&gbraid=0AAAAAo8Xsk_KPN3kQhiOD0TukuNmBn3pn&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp2U-S6qTD94IG3C9wKTG69VkvI3XAJqWOwWTZlGdngblXbK7oeO3ghoCbMkQAvD_BwE

I recently connected on Instagram with a lady called Sowmiya who is developing an app called ‘Mealistik’ all the way from Brisbane Australia. 

I have since got to have a virtual meet-up and help the Founder of Mealistik Sowmiya do a deep dive into her app which she is developing alongside AI technology. 

Sowmiya has an IT background and has been developing an app which is primarily focused on women who would like to gain back control of their chronic illnesses such as Endometriosis, PCOS etc by way of tracking sleep, moods, nutrition, blood results, period cycle and flow, weight, hydration, supplements even down to producing PDF documents to hand to the doctor when you visit the GP. 

There are currently no other apps on the market which are so in-depth in focus for women who are living with chronic health conditions. When I was diagnosed with PCOS at the GP surgery I was told to monitor my weight, ‘go on metformin’, exercise and eat right and then left to figure the rest out. There was no other real support and this is where Sowmiya’s app is going to be a massive bridging point, not to give medical advice but to help offer in-depth insights into your chronic health journey. 

I am excited for the launch of ‘Mealistik’ and will be cheering Sowmiya on all the way from England. Mealistik is an app which I wish I had years ago when I was first diagnosed with PCOS and I would deffinatly encourage you to go and check it out if you are living with a chronic illness.  

If you are interested to look over the prototype of the app or have any suggestions as to what you would like to see to aid women living with chronic health conditions then please reach out. 

Sowmiya is also very keen to build up a community presence around the app where women can connect with each other.

Personally, I would love to see a Women’s health app geared up to any chronic illness which takes the guesswork out of what meals to have based off of your dietary requirements, monthly cycle prediction, fertility planning, menopause support. An app which uses AI to help me track how my cycles are, my moods and make suggestions for me. 

You can connect with Sowmiya on: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mealistik/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sowmiyayoganathan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mealistik/posts/?feedView=all

The infertility journey began for me around the end of the year in November 2023 when I sought out a diagnosis for PCOS. I had suspected that I had PCOS for quite a few years, with the fatigue, dark lines in the creases of my arms and even around my waist indicating that I was insulin resistant, lack of predictable periods which were months apart, clumps of my hair falling out, weight gain, insomnia, cravings for junk food, cheese and carbs. 

Basically, PCOS was completely impacting on my life in more than one way, but I did not have a diagnosis for it. Additionally, there was the thought in my mind too that there could be another health issue which was affecting me. Either way I needed to rule out PCOS if this was not the case as I considered myself to have all the signs and symptoms. 

I ordered a blood testing kit at home from Hertility, which could analyse my profile bloods for PCOS and general hormonal profile. It was sent out to me in a small posted box kit which was postable through the front door. In the kit there was a finger pricking needle which I was able to use to draw blood from my fingertip to send off to the lab in a small blood vile for analysis. Once I had gathered enough blood, I sent the vial back via the postal system and received the analysis results back on Hertilities login profile. 

As I had anticipated the bloods came back indicating that I may have PCOS and it was recommended here that I should get further testing for PCOS through having an internal vaginal scan performed to confirm the blood results. The bloods reported a normal TSH, FSH, LH and a low E2, raised prolactin, raised testosterone and low SHBG. Additionally, my AMH came back as 44.27 at this time suggesting that I had a good ovarian reserve which is also anticipated in people with PCOS. 

I booked a pelvic scan through Hertility through one of the scanning clinics which they outsourced privately, taking me to a scanning facility near Heathrow Airport. Until I went to the scanning clinic, I had not even been to see any healthcare professional in person, which had taken the pressure of driving to various appointments and the time in which it takes to go in clinic and booking it in to fit around my work schedule. However, the pelvic scan required me to attend in person, the first part of the diagnostic process where I actually had to leave the house.

The pelvic scan did not take long, in fact I consented to an internal scan and the sonographer asked me if I preferred a chaperone or not. I agreed to the scan without a chaperone and had to undress from the lower half down. 

I then was instructed to lay on the thin bed which they provide and there was a pillow available which was at times placed under the hips, as at times you are required to raise the pelvis up for a clearer scan. 

First the sonographer asked me why I was sent to the clinic and I explained that I was there to check if I had PCOS and had been sent by the Hertility team. The sonographer had not heard of them before and was very interested in the process. I explained that I had suspected for a while that I had PCOS. As she scanned she started to count the follicles and told me that there was a high amount of follicles, which would be expected to be seen in someone with PCOS. 

The results of the pelvic scan in November 2023 concluded that I had a normal appearing uterus, normal endometrium, AFC of 50 and bi-lateral PCOS. From there I had a confirmed diagnosis and knew what I was dealing with from my own health perspective. I also conveyed this information to my husband as it would impact on our fertility and the chances of us falling pregnant naturally. 

Additionally, I was conscious of my age at 29 years old and had always considered to have children when I was in my 20’s, although this didn’t seem so likely at this point without fertility treatment. 

Hertility is a women's health company and rightly so with a name merging both 'her' and 'fertility' together. The company's aim is to provide at-home hormone and fertility testing with onwards care to women supporting from menstruation to menopause. 

The latest research continues to be poured into the Hertility products and leading diagnostic tools are utilised to guide the experts to analyse your test results. 

If you are interested in purchasing your own hormone testing kit from Hertility consider using my affiliate link:

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=47085&awinaffid=2814396&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fhertilityhealth.com%2Fhormone-and-fertility-testing

Hertility Code: TIG10 for 10% off any order over £249

I was astounded when my husband Phil, who was 33 years-old when diagnosed with Azoospermia found that there is no Pharmacological treatment or cure for the condition. We are astounded because it’s 2025 and this market still remains untapped, but alongside this Azoospermia affects 1% of males in the United Kingdom, and that number is growing by the day (NHS, 2025). We are in a men’s fertility healthcare crisis. Is this a silent epidemic of mammoth proportions?

Overall, male fertility is declining at a rapid rate in our generation, sperm counts are at an all-time low and are believed to have dropped by half in the last 40 years alone (WHO, 2025). 

Whilst there is no pin-pointed reason for a rapid decline in sperm counts, it is suggested that issues pertaining to global pollution, global warming which is a hormone disruptor, damaged sperm DNA and increases in oxidative stress are strong contenders. Honestly speaking we are in the trenches with no helpful treatments available to improve male fertility, even though it is a rapidly increasing issue.

Additionally, harmful and toxic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates are seeping into our bodies and act as hormone disruptors (Krzastek., SC, 2020). 

How can we as a population not open our eyes to the effects of global warming, toxins in our food, in the air and in our water and see the need to prioritise our environmental exposure in reproductive health. 

Policy maker’s need to address the growing concerns with the pollution of planet earth alongside the impact which it has on our reproductive health.

Even though male fertility rates are rapidly declining there is such a lack of options when it comes to male fertility healthcare. The Urologist could only recommend my husband Phil to keep the genetical area cool by wear a cooling pack, take a male fertility multivitamin, get adequate sleep, eat a mediterranean diet and keep the weight within a healthy range. 

Whilst all good advice, it left both Phil and I thinking just how much of a gap in the market there really is for men who are faced with medical infertility. Why is there such a lack of innovation and treatment options, is it because of stigma? Is it because traditionally infertility has been viewed as a woman’s issue and funding gets focused on women’s health? Is it because surgical intervention is viewed as the best option for success?

Male infertility looks different for everyone and includes issues with semen and sperm production, low sperm count or azoospermia, unexplained infertility, poor sperm motility or abnormalities with sperm shape. In Phil’s case a pharmacological medication which would help to boost sperm count would be beneficial, but there is subsequently no such medication on the market. The only current option is surgical intervention through a Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) or Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE).

Is it Possible to have Normal Testosterone Level and Azoospermia?

In short, yes it’s possible to have a normal testosterone level and also have Azoospermia (JHM, 2025). This is because Testosterone comes from the ‘interstitial’ cells which are more resilient than the germ cells. Therefore, even in a poorly functioning testicle testosterone can still be produced, even if sperm is not being produced (JHM, 2025).

Traditional Treatment Options for Azoospermia:

Due to the failure of sperm production within the teste’s treatments like medications, fertility supplements and lifestyle changes often are not effective in reversing infertility. Majority of men with azoospermia who are actively trying to conceive are offered surgical sperm retrieval (Gilbert., B, 2025). 

The most effective treatment for Azoospermia is the microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (microTESE) which is a micro surgery performed by a Urologist under a microscope to find sperm production (Gilbert., B, 2025). Even if a limited amount of sperm has been found they can be used within the treatment of In Vitro Fertilization with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to try to conceive.

If the micro-TESE is a failed surgery then there is no chance for the male to have a genetic child of their own with the current technologies and pharmacological treatments available (Gilbert., B, 2025). Additionally, even if sperm is retrieved from the micro-TESE the overall live birth rate is still very low. Therefore, by going through the expensive micro-TESE operation and then the ICSI process there is still a high probability that a live birth is low.

There is such a lack of treatment options available, as when the micro-TESE fails, or if the micro-TESE is un-successful the only way to grow your family is through using a sperm donor or to explore adoption as an option.

Some of the Experimental Trials:

There are current experimental trials for the treatment of Azoospermia. The most interesting studies are cell-based therapies which act as a regenerative medicine to restore fertility through the creation of germ cell colonies (Gilbert., B, 2025). 

The research includes the transplanting of Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSG’s) into the testes or by using stem cells to create male germ cells in a lab.

- Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSC’s):

SSG’s are ‘seed’ cells found within the testes which are producing sperm, and all males have SSCs in the testes, even prior to puberty (Gilbert., B, 2025). If SSC’s are not present or no longer able to function then the man will be unable to produce sperm. This is where SSC therapy steps in and it acts to preserve and transplant SSC’s if there is potential to lose them (Gilbert., B, 2025).

- Mesenchymal Stem Cell’s (MSC’s):

There is also research being conducted into Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC’s) which is a stem cell found in tissues such as bone marrow and fat (Gilbert., B, 2025). 

The MSC’s are not working to become sperm, rather they will act to support and repair the cells. The MSC’s work to reduce inflammation, secrete growth factors and even have the potential to develop into other cell types (Gilbert., B, 2025). 

Research has shown that by injecting MSC’s into the testes of animals with Azoospermia there has been an ability to re-start sperm production again.

- Exosomes:

Exosomes are essentially small vesicles which are released by cells and bring proteins and other signals (Gilbert., B, 2025). Exosomes are a cell-free treatment which is thought to be a safer treatment option due to a lower tumour risk, less opportunity for immune rejection and no risk of cell division. 

There is evidence to show that exosomes are working to regenerate damaged sperm and in turn improving sperm function in lab studies. Ongoing research is currently working towards recognising exosomes impact including the reduction of inflammation during the production of sperm and improving the growth signals which move directly to the testicular tissue (Gilbert., B, 2025).

Additionally, there are clinical trials working towards AI-powered sperm retrieval which works to automate and improve the search for sperm during the micro-TESE procedures (Gilbert., B, 2025). 

Overall, the aim is to increase the success rates of finding the sperm and to make the process more efficient.

Some studies also include work to incorporate micro-ultrasound’s which are high-resolution to help visualize the separate testicular tissue and to identify the area’s containing higher amounts of sperm (Gilbert., B, 2025). 

Overall, the aim is to assist in the sperm retrieval process to make it more targeted and successful.

In Conclusion:

Whilst promising, it is important to remember that these trials are still experimental and there has yet to be a live birth as a result of these trials (Gilbert., B, 2025). Therefore, until any progress and solid evidence has been made conclusive as a result of these trial’s we are left with the micro-TESE and ICSI option, even though there is not a high chance of live-birth.

Who is going to be triumphant in finding the solution, and ultimately reach the heights of success, dominate the market and hold the lion’s share of the profits? 

There are so many variables, ethical considerations, questions and a lack of clarity as to what’s next in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology space regarding male infertility.

Finally, are any of the current research studies going to prove beneficial, or are we going to have to start back at the drawing board? The even bigger question is are we ever going to find a cure for Azoospermia?

References:

Gilbert., B. (2025). The Future of Male Fertility: Stem Cells and Exosomes fort Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Available from: https://mensreproductivehealth.com/the-future-of-male-fertility-stem-cells-and-exosomes-for-non-obstructive-azoospermia/Accessed on 05th December 2025.

John Hopkins Medicine. (2025). Azoospermia. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/azoospermiaAccessed on 05th December 2025.

Krzastek., SC, Farhi., J, Gray M, Smith., RP. (2020). Impact of environmental toxin exposure on male fertility potential [online]. Bethesda, MD: PMICD. pp. 2797-2813.

National Health Service. (2016). Clinical Commissioning Policy: Surgical Sperm Retrieval for Male Infertility. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Surgical-sperm-retrieval-for-male-infertility.pdf Accessed on 05th December 2025.

World Health Organisation. (2025). Infertility. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility Accessed on 05th December 2025.

Whilst I have been waiting for IVF, I have spoken to the ‘London Egg Bank’ about their ‘freeze and share’ egg donation programme whereby half of my eggs will be stored for my personal use later if I wanted to use them and the other half of the eggs collected would be given to the egg donation programme. 

The call with the London Egg Bank was roughly one hour and prior to the call I had to fill out forms which addressed my health, my families health history and any genetic conditions which I was aware of in the family. The form also asked me for my demographics, my level of education, occupation, the ethnic origin of both my parents and myself, whether I was of Jewish decent, my GP address, my nationality, passport number and my NHS number. 

The forms also ask if you have been adopted and whether you were born as a result of donor insemination or egg donation. There is a question box asking why you would like to be an egg donor and if you have ever been seen by a psychologist/ counsellor or any other mental health professionals. 

Another question which the form asks is for your sexual health and contraceptive history and for the result of your last pap smear test. 

Additionally, the form asks for your personal health history and whether you have any chronic medical conditions and past surgeries. Then the form asks for your menstrual and gynaecological history including how many days your period lasts, previous pregnancies and any complications experienced from this.

Another group of questions which the form focuses on is your physical characteristics including your height, weight, skin tone, hair texture, natural hair colour, hair type, hair texture and how you describe yourself. Then the form focuses on your social history and lifestyle factors including if you take drugs or if you smoke or drink. Then the form asks of your travel history and if you are planning on travelling outside of the UK in the next 3 months. 

Next is the Zika declaration which asked me to declare that I have not travelled to any country with the Zika virus within the last 12 weeks. The next is a declaration that I have not travelled to any country in the last 6 months with the Ebola virus. 

Following this there is a general health declaration going through questions about your blood pressure to migraines to convulsions or fits, blood transfusions, cancer, congenital malformations, metabolic/endocrine disease, neurological diseases, X linked disorders, sensory conditions, dominant disorders, heart murmurs and allergies etc. 

Once the form is completed then you can book a time to meet with a Patient Engagement Coordinator with the London Egg Bank who is assigned to you. During the phone call which I had I had one experienced Patient Engagement Coordinator and one trainee who was taking over some parts of the meeting to explain to me the process and to go over the form which I had completed prior to the call. 

I found the call very informing but they did read through all the process and procedures which they follow at the clinic for egg donation very fast. 

After the call with the London Egg Bank, I asked the NHS Frimley clinic which Phil and I are under as to whether I could go ahead on the ‘freeze and share’ egg donation programme and it not count as an IVF try and impact on our one free funding ICSI cycle on the NHS. 

I was advised by the Frimley fertility nurse that as the egg collection is a form of IVF which includes stimulating your eggs with injections that it is not advisable to go for the egg collection prior to the IVF cycle on the NHS. 

The fertility nurse advised that any complications can occur after stimulating the ovaries and as a result there is the potential to prolong our actual chance of conceiving. However, the fertility nurse did say that the ultimate decision was down to me.

https://www.londoneggbank.com

I can suggest to look into is ‘GAIA Family’ which focuses on a better way to pay for your IVF treatment. Overall, you start off your IVF journey with a protection fee whilst GAIA pay’s for your IVF treatment costs directly to the clinic, and on top of that if you do not end up with a child at the end then there is nothing more to pay back. If you do have a child then the payment will only be for the cycles which you use in order to achieve a pregnancy, in flexible monthly instalments for up to 8 years. If you do not have a child after you have used up 3 cycles of treatment then you do not have to pay for any of your treatment. However, if you decide to not continue with treatment before the end of the 3 cycles then the cycles you have had will be discounted for you to pay back. Additionally,  there is 0% interest to pay whilst you are actively going through the treatment. This is the current arrangement as per the 5th of September 2025 with GAIA. 

Through GAIA there are some excellent benefits including 6 free counselling sessions, a free embryologist consultation, nutritional guidance, membership support, access to in-person and online events and access to peer support groups. This means that there is a supportive community already in place for you to join and not feel so isolated on the journey. 

The plans offered through GAIA depend on your treatment, your IVF history and your Body Mass Index (BMI). However, if you are in need of a surrogate they cannot offer an plan yet. GAIA states that they can offer insurance for IVF, ICSI, reciprocal IVF, and treatment using donor eggs or sperm, but they do not cover IUI, surrogacy or treatment for previously stored embryo’s. There is a maximum term time of 8 years to pay back the loan and no early repayment fees. 

It is defiantly something to look into particularly as the sheer costs can be daunting when you begin to look at IVF and the sad fact is that the cost can be a barrier to having a family for some. 

https://gaiafamily.com/en-gb

Another really cool recommendation is from ‘testhim’ all one word which is focused on testing men’s fertility. ‘Testhim’ began in May 2021 when two men met at the racetrack, they had initially met online through Fertility Network UK during the pandemic but until 2021 had not met in person. Then with a zoom call in July 2021 they both identified a need to do something together with a view to fill the male infertility gap alongside a fresh and impactful approach. 

They even have a podcast which you can listen to which provides further education and information regarding men’s infertility health. The mission of ‘testhim’ is to create a positive change within male fertility to provide necessary guidance, comprehensive tests and ongoing support for men.

The website even includes brands which they recommend selling products from men’s cooling underwear one of the brands is called ‘cool bean’s underwear’, to supplements from providers like Proxeed, Punalpin, Fertilovit THY, Fertilovit Endo, Fertilovit PCOS, there is even a child’s book for sale entitled ‘my boy’s can’t swim’. 

‘Testhim’ offers a Testhim M+ Supplement which is manufactured by them and it includes ingredients such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, zinc and folic acid, which aims to help sperm health and reduce oxidative stress, they also collaborated with Logixx Fertility to produce sperm DNA fragmentation testing services which is available through the Doctors Laboratory and the University of Kent. This is groundbreaking within the male fertility space. 

Additionally, they offer testicular scanning services through partnering with Ultrasound Direct which allows for easier access for male’s to access scans which are then joined with a consultation with their in-house fertility expert Ian. There is also an online support group which has been set up to provide a safe place for males to talk and to not feel alone in their journey. 

https://www.testhim.com

‘IVF Babble’ is a cool website which I can highly recommend, and it covers such a wide range of issues IVF related such as diet and lifestyle, to IVF clinics, to campaigns, to education, to community and a directory to leading expert advice from around the world. 

‘IVF Babble’ is trailblazing in breaking down taboo topics and allowing people to make informed choices in their journey which is research driven. There are so many success stories along the way which ‘IVF Babble’ celebrates as well in the IVF community, including high-profile success stories which helps us to recognise that even highly successful people potentially have long journeys to parenthood as well. They even have a newsletter which you can sign up for, which provides continuous IVF driven content. 

‘IVF Babble’s’ mission is to empower and support all who are on the journey to parenthood whilst using content which is accurate expert lead from the world-renowned specialists. There is a strong vision to guide everyone going through infertility with ‘confidence and clarity’. Through simplifying the proses they aim to help all achieve their dream of conceiving. 

‘IVF Babble’ is a website which launched in November 2016, was co-founded by two women who are good friends who separately underwent IVF journey’s resulting in twin pregnancies. ‘IVF Babble’ which has over 4 million visitors and is read in 168 countries and is an extremely impressive resource which dosen’t look medical and scary, but fresh and normal whilst still providing expert advice. 

https://www.ivfbabble.com