Hey Lovelies,
My name is Danielle, and I just wanted to say welcome to 'The Infertility Gal' website. If you have landed here reading this, then I want to say thank you for being here. I am incredibly grateful for your presence and excited for you to explore this website, which aims to provide useful information on infertility. I hope to relate to you at whatever stage of your journey you are in. I look forward to the opportunity to interact with you in the future; please reach out and introduce yourself, sharing your infertility journey with me. My email contact details are listed below if you are interested in connecting.
The reason I started 'The Infertility Gal' is to create a community of like-minded individuals who can share the latest information on all things infertility-related. I want to provide valuable advice, including insights on IVF resources, and highlight the latest innovations alongside current treatment options available on the market. Please stay tuned to my blog and upcoming podcast for more information and resources.
My personal infertility journey began in 2023 when I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, in my late 20s. The diagnosis did not come as a shock to me, as I had suspected I had PCOS years prior to this. However, it was the first time I received an official diagnosis. I have been experiencing irregular periods, excessive hair growth, obesity, fatigue, and I suspect I have not been ovulating. After consulting both a General Practitioner (GP) and a Gynaecologist who specializes in women's reproductive health, I was prescribed Metformin to help manage my symptoms, particularly obesity. All of these signs and symptoms led to a new reality: the journey to parenthood was not going to be straightforward for my husband Phil and me, especially since we have been married since 2019.
We received even more devastating infertility news in late 2024 when Phil, who is in his mid-30s, was diagnosed with Azoospermia, a male factor infertility issue. This means that no sperm was found at all. This news was honestly shocking for both of us, as Phil has never been overweight, nor has he ever smoked or drank, and he is not taking any medications. After two sperm analysis tests, one indicated 'occasional sperm,' but when Phil underwent a sperm collection, the lab could not obtain any viable sperm. We were puzzled, especially since Phil had a successful hydrocele operation in his early 20s and had no other obvious issues since then. Even after consulting a Urologist specializing in men's reproductive health, we were advised to keep the scrotal area cool, exercise, eat a Mediterranean diet, and maintain a healthy weight. We were both surprised by the lack of research into men's fertility and why effective medical treatments for conditions like Azoospermia have not yet been developed.
The next step in our infertility journey is to decide whether to pursue advanced InVitro Fertilisation (IVF) through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), an option provided to us by the Gynaecologist and Urologist at a joint infertility clinic. Phil also has to consider surgical sperm retrieval, and if that is not successful or viable, we may need to explore ICSI using donor sperm.
My husband Phil and I are living in the United Kingdom (UK) and are fortunate to have access to the National Health Service (NHS), which offers free healthcare for all. We live in Bracknell and have access to one free cycle of IVF on the NHS. The number of IVF cycles available to service users on the NHS varies depending on where you live in the UK. Currently, there are campaigns and lobbying efforts to overhaul the 'Postcode Lottery' of IVF care on the NHS, as some areas lack access to IVF while others may offer up to three cycles. I definitely want to explore this topic in more detail, so stay tuned to the blog and podcast for more information and resources regarding the IVF 'Postcode Lottery.'
Professionally, I hold a BA (Hons) in Healthcare Management and am working towards a Master of Public Health. With these qualifications, I aim to bring useful resources and create a powerful tool for people like my husband and me who are navigating their own infertility journeys. I plan to post blogs here on this website, including recipe ideas, fitness tips, updates, supplement suggestions, brands I love, and interviews with experts in their fields to provide you with the best information on infertility available.
You never have to navigate the infertility journey alone.
Email me: admin@theinfertilitygal.co.uk
Much love,
Danielle.
