Advertise on podcast: What To Expect When You're Injecting by Fiercely Infertile

Pregnancy after infertility is supposed to feel like relief… but for so many, it feels like fear. In this episode, clinical and counselling psychologist Liz Bancroft helps us unravel the messy, unspoken truth that comes after “good news.” We talk about the terror that replaces joy, the constant checking and overthinking, the grief that travels with you into every scan, and the guilt of not feeling as happy as everyone expects you to be. Liz dives into the identity crisis of moving from patient to pregnant, the heartbreak of leaving the safety of your clinic, the loneliness of trying to stay hopeful, and the way trauma can colour every milestone. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or too afraid to believe this might finally be your moment; this conversation will make you feel seen, understood, and far less alone.

Turns out, the male fertility experience is more than just "going into a room"—though let's be real, those rooms are dire. Journalist Simon Collins breaks down what blokes actually need to know about IVF: how to support your partner, why educating yourself matters more than your sample quality, and why making fertility your entire personality helps absolutely no one. From earning the nickname "The Bull" (yes, really) to navigating donation rooms stocked with vintage gay porn and Soviet-era contraband, Simon proves that laughter is survival. Featuring: wanking disaster stories, the art of not being useless during treatment, and how one legendary sample created "twiblings" three years apart. Your partner's doing the hard yards, here's how not to c**k it up.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and this week's episode features Jacqui, who turned her grief after two losses into purpose as Chair of the Rose Garden committee at KEMH. She shares how she transformed that devastating grief into something powerful. We discuss why we need to completely reframe the language we use around pregnancy loss, the well-meaning comments that cause more harm, and why society needs to stop shying away from these conversations. If you've experienced loss, you're not alone and your grief deserves space. This episode is a reminder, loss doesn't have a timeline, and grief doesn't have rules.

Donor conception is a deeply personal decision, whether you're considering becoming a donor or choosing one to build your family. Caily Martin and Hayley Gale, Donor Coordinators at Concept Fertility, guide both sides of this journey with compassion and clarity. For those considering donation, they explain the screening process, counselling requirements, and what it means to help create families. For recipients, whether you're single, LGBTQIA+, or facing fertility challenges, they break down local versus international donors, genetic screening, treatment options, and the legal protections that safeguard everyone involved. From understanding voluntary registers, to navigating waitlists, this conversation provides honest answers to the questions both donors and recipients need to ask. At the heart of it all: what's best for the future donor-conceived person.  This episode is proudly supported by Concept Fertility

Weight and fertility is far more complex than BMI numbers suggest. Dr. Michelle Wellman and Nicole McPherson from Fertility SA tackle this sensitive topic from both female and male perspectives. Dr. Wellman examines the complete weight spectrum, from the overlooked dangers of being underweight to obesity complications, addressing clinic BMI requirements, eating disorders' hidden impacts, and insulin resistance in PCOS. Nicole McPherson unpacks how weight affects male fertility and sperm quality, an often-ignored piece of the fertility puzzle. Together, they provide evidence-based guidance on when weight truly matters for conception, when it doesn't, and how both partners can optimise their health beyond the scale. This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA powered by Genea.

That first fertility clinic appointment can feel overwhelming, the waiting room anxiety, wondering if you've prepared enough, not knowing what questions to ask. In this essential episode, Dr. Chandrika Parmar, Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne City, walks through everything patients need to know before, during, and after their first consultation. From the must-have tests to request from your GP beforehand to the critical questions that actually matter during your appointment, Dr. Parmar shares insights from years of guiding nervous patients through this pivotal first step. We discuss how to mentally prepare for the journey ahead, what realistic timelines look like, how to evaluate if a clinic is the right fit, and the financial conversations couples should have before starting treatment. Whether you've just booked your first appointment or you're still considering making that call, this conversation provides practical guidance on navigating the fertility system while managing the emotional weight of taking this step toward parenthood. This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility.

Meet Marcia, a stylist turned wellbeing entrepreneur, as she shares the story behind her 6-part Substack series My Story. What begins as a four-year journey through burnout, medical trauma, and unexplained infertility evolves into a path of holistic healing, transformation, and ultimately, a profound spiritual awakening. Along the way, Marcia reflects on the pivotal moments that have shaped her, blending science-backed insights with the truly unexplainable. This episode not only reveals the founding inspiration behind Naturel Haus, but also offers a message of hope where it once felt impossible. Resources & Links Sign up to be the first to hear about Naturel Haus (coming soon) - https://naturelhaus.com.au/ Marcia's Substack - https://naturelhaus.substack.com/ Instagram @naturelhausau The book referenced, Rebecca Fett from 'It Starts With The Egg' https://www.itstartswiththeegg.com/book Roger Bannister - the four minute mile - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Bannister

OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) is a condition that can occur during IVF treatment, and understanding it helps you make informed decisions about your care. Dr. Sebastian Leathersich, Medical Director at Concept Fertility and CREI specialist, joins us for an informative conversation about what OHSS is, who might be more likely to experience it, and what treatment options are available. Dr. Leathersich discusses how fertility specialists monitor for OHSS, the various treatment approaches available, and alternatives like IVM (In Vitro Maturation) that may be suitable for some patients, particularly those with PCOS. This episode focuses on empowering patients with knowledge about their options and the care available. Whether you're starting IVF, have been recommended specific protocols, or simply want to understand more about fertility treatment approaches, this conversation provides valuable insights from one of WA's leading fertility specialists. This episode is proudly supported by Concept Fertility.

The first phone call to a fertility clinic can be one of the most vulnerable moments in someone's journey to parenthood. In this heartwarming episode, Leana Fallen, Patient Engagement Coordinator at Fertility SA, shares the crucial role she plays in making that first interaction meaningful and supportive. Leana discusses how patient engagement goes far beyond scheduling appointments - it's about creating a foundation of trust, understanding, and care from the very first conversation. She reveals the thoughtful approaches used to make patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their next steps, even during what can be an overwhelming time. From handling emotional phone calls to coordinating care between different specialists, Leana's role demonstrates how the human touch in healthcare can transform a clinical process into a compassionate journey. This conversation highlights the often-overlooked but vital importance of patient engagement and how the right first impression can set the tone for an entire fertility experience. Whether you're considering making that first call or curious about what happens behind the scenes at fertility clinics, this episode showcases the dedicated professionals who ensure every patient feels valued from day one. This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA powered by Genea.

Meet Rosie, who wanted to share her story even though she's still in the thick of it all and is a beautiful reminder that you don't need a happy ending to inspire others, sometimes sharing the messy middle is exactly what someone else needs to hear. Rosie thought she'd be a young mum but found herself starting her fertility journey at 28. After a heartbreaking chemical pregnancy and feeling left behind while friends had babies easily, Rosie discovered she had PCOS and wasn't ovulating regularly. From her needle phobia (shoutout to her amazing mother-in-law who does all her injections!) to unexpected parathyroid complications that threw a major curveball into her plans, Rosie's path has been anything but straightforward. Just when IVF was underway, high calcium levels revealed enlarged parathyroids requiring not one, but TWO surgeries - including the discovery of a rare fifth parathyroid! She's navigated failed OI cycles, learned the hard way about IVF expectations vs reality, and is now banking embryos with her eyes on the prize.  Thanks for sharing Rosie

Join us as we celebrate the incredible women choosing solo motherhood with fertility specialist Dr. Rose McDonnell from Genea Perth. These remarkable women are redefining family on their own terms, showing extraordinary courage and determination to pursue their dreams of motherhood. Dr. McDonnell shares her admiration for these patients and provides expert guidance on the medical journey, from optimal timing, donor selection, treatment protocols (IUI vs IVF), success rates by age, and the unique challenges solo mothers face. From pre-treatment screening to pregnancy support, this episode provides essential guidance for women considering or pursuing solo parenthood, backed by the expertise of one of Perth's leading reproductive medicine specialists. This episode honours the resilience and empowerment of solo mothers while providing essential medical insights for women considering this transformative path to parenthood.  This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility

In this episode, Dr. Chandrika Parmar fearlessly tackles the fertility questions that keep patients awake at night but too embarrassed to ask out loud. As Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City, she dives into collection room etiquette, post-procedure intimacy, and whether naming your embryos is totally normal (spoiler: it is). With her clinical expertise, refreshing candour, and drawing from her years of experience as a gynaecologist and fertility specialist, Dr. Parmar creates a judgment-free zone where nothing is off limits, proving that the questions that make you blush are often the ones that matter most. This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility Melbourne City

Shannon and Jared Baker's four-year fertility journey is a testament to resilience, love, and never giving up on their dream of parenthood. Facing the dual challenge of azoospermia and endometriosis, this determined couple navigated two micro TESA surgeries, seven egg collections, and nine embryo transfers across three different clinics before welcoming their beautiful baby boy through donor conception. As OG listeners of the podcast from the very beginning of their journey, Shannon and Jared's conversation offers honest insights into the practical and emotional aspects of a long fertility journey. With Jared joining the conversation to offer a male perspective on the challenges men face during fertility treatment, their story explores the emotional complexity of moving from own gametes to donor conception, the physical and mental toll of multiple procedures, and how they maintained hope and their relationship through years of setbacks. From clinic changes to travel adventures that kept their spirits alive, their story reminds us that sometimes the path to parenthood looks different than we imagined, but the destination - holding your longed-for baby - makes every step worthwhile.

As we commemorate World IVF Day on July 25th, celebrating nearly five decades since the first IVF baby changed reproductive medicine forever, we're witnessing an unprecedented technological revolution that's reshaping the future of fertility treatment. Join Nicole McPherson, Director of Research & Science Education at Genea Fertility, as she explores how artificial intelligence and cutting-edge biotechnology are transforming every aspect of reproductive medicine, from AI-powered embryo selection systems that predict success rates with remarkable accuracy, to breakthrough genetic discoveries unlocking new treatment pathways. With her exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible insights, she brings clarity to the most exciting developments in fertility technology, showing how today's innovations are becoming tomorrow's standard of care, and why the next chapter of reproductive medicine promises to be the most transformative yet.  This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA and Genea Fertility.

Some of the most wanted, most loved children in the world are conceived through the incredible gift of donor conception. In this heartwarming episode, Senior Fertility Counsellor Brooke Calo from Fertility SA powered by Genea brings over 20 years of women's health experience to guide us through the beautiful, complex world of donor conception. From the evolving legislation, to the deeply personal process of donor selection, Brooke breaks down what intended parents really need to know about this special pathway to family building. We explore the practical differences between known and unknown donors, how recent Medicare changes are making treatment more accessible, and the emotional journey of creating families through the extraordinary act of genetic generosity.  Whether you're considering donor eggs, sperm, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers honest insights that honour every family's unique journey while celebrating the beauty of how donor-conceived people come to be This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA powered by Genea