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Send us Fan Mail Recurrent miscarriage can be one of the most confusing and isolating experiences on a fertility journey, and the role of the immune system is often where that confusion is greatest. In this episode I'm joined by Dr Daniella Cardenas, reproductive medicine and IVF consultant at Avenues in Euston, London, for an honest conversation about immunology, recurrent miscarriage and what the evidence can and can't yet tell us. Daniella explains why immune testing and treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss remain such a grey area, why couples often receive conflicting advice, and how she helps patients make sense of the options. We also look beyond immunology at the other common causes of miscarriage, so you have a clearer picture of what may be investigated and why. In this episode we cover: Why immunology and recurrent miscarriage can feel so confusingWhat the current research does and doesn't show about immune testing and treatmentThe gaps in the evidence and how to approach them when making decisionsOther common causes of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy lossHow to navigate investigations and conversations with your clinicWhether you've experienced recurrent miscarriage, are going through IVF after pregnancy loss, or are simply trying to understand your options, this episode offers clear, balanced guidance. The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail IVF over 40 comes with its own set of challenges, and in this episode I'm joined by Dr Ed Coats, Medical Director at The Evewell's West London clinic, for an honest conversation about what couples can expect when they go through fertility treatment later in life. Ed explains how age affects egg quality and IVF success rates, and why couples over 40 often face a different journey from younger patients. He shares how he approaches these challenges in clinic and the options that may help improve the chances of success. We also talk about when IVF might not be the best route, and the point at which a couple may want to start considering donor eggs. In this episode we cover: The common challenges couples face when doing IVF over 40How Ed navigates those challenges and the treatment options availableWhen IVF may not be the right choice, and whyWhen to consider donor egg IVFEd's advice for couples approaching 40 who are thinking about IVFWhether you're already going through fertility treatment, weighing up your options or planning ahead, this episode offers clear, realistic guidance on trying to conceive after 40. The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail Home insemination is becoming an increasingly popular route to parenthood for single women and couples using donor sperm, but it is not always straightforward and there is a lot of conflicting information out there. In this episode, we are joined by Rachel Mackay, founder of Tily Blooms, who has designed a home insemination kit specifically to make the process safer, more comfortable and more effective. In this episode, we cover: Who home insemination might be a good option for, and when it may not be suitableThe practical and emotional challenges people commonly encounter when trying to conceive at homeHow Rachel's kit has been designed to address these issuesTiming, hygiene, and the small details that can make a meaningful difference to success ratesWhat to expect from the process, from start to finishWhether you are just beginning to explore your options or are already on this path and want to make sure you are doing everything you can to support your chances, this conversation offers practical, honest guidance from someone who has built her career around solving this exact problem. If this episode would help a friend, please feel free to share it. The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever felt like your body is working against you on your fertility journey, this episode might be the missing piece. Rachel sits down with Laetitia Felix, fertility and pregnancy coach, mind-body practitioner, and founder of Mindset Body and Soul, to talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough airtime: your nervous system. We get into Laetitia's own personal experience, what she sees showing up again and again in her clients, and how chronic stress and unprocessed loss can keep your body stuck in fight or flight and why that matters. We cover: Why the nervous system plays such a central role in fertility and lossThe signs your body might be stuck in survival modeHow Laetitia works with clients to shift from fight or flight into rest and digestThe mind-body connection Whether you're in the middle of treatment, navigating loss, or just starting out, this one's worth a listen. 🎙️ Find Laetitia at mindsetbodyandsoul.com The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail TTC and been told you need IVF but you're not sure you're ready? You have more options than you might think. In this episode, I'm joined by Marija Skujuna from Plan Your Baby to talk about monitored cycles and ovulation induction: what they actually are, who they could help, and why they might be the step that changes everything before you ever set foot in an IVF clinic. This Episode Is for You If… You've been told IVF is your next step but you want to explore other options firstYou're TTC and feel like you're not getting enough information or support from your current careYou've been trying for a while with irregular cycles or suspected ovulation issuesYou want to understand what's actually happening in your body before committing to a treatment planYou feel overwhelmed by IVF and want a more gentle, monitored approach firstMarija Skujuna is a fertility specialist and the founder of Plan Your Baby, a clinic dedicated to supporting women through their conception journey with monitored cycles, ovulation induction, and personalised fertility care. Plan Your Baby's approach is built around working with each patient's individual cycle, not applying a blanket protocol. 🔗 Book an Initial appointment with Plan Your Baby: www.planyourbaby.co.uk The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve experienced miscarriage, especially recurrent pregnancy loss, you may have been told that everything “looks normal.” But for some couples, the missing piece lies within their genetics. In this episode, we’re joined by embryologist and Director of Embryology at The Evewell, Emma Whitney to explore how genetic testing, including karyotyping, can help uncover hidden causes of miscarriage and fertility challenges. We break down what karyotyping is, how it works, and why it’s often recommended after two or more pregnancy losses. We discuss how chromosomal variations, such as balanced translocations, can be present without any obvious symptoms, yet still impact embryo development and implantation. Emma also explains how genetics plays a key role in IVF, including the use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and how this can support more informed decision-making moving forward. This episode is designed to give you clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or considering fertility treatment. In this episode, we cover: What karyotyping is and what it can reveal about your fertilityThe link between genetics and recurrent miscarriageWhat balanced translocations are and how they affect pregnancy outcomesWhen to consider genetic testing if you’re trying to conceive (TTC)How IVF and genetic testing (PGT) can support healthy embryo selectionWhat your options are if a genetic factor is identifiedIf you’re searching for answers after loss, this conversation offers expert insight and a compassionate, evidence-based perspective on your next steps. The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail Why does Chinese medicine view fertility so differently and could it be the missing piece if you’re trying to conceive?  In this episode, we’re joined by acupuncturist Kate to explore how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can support fertility naturally, especially for couples navigating unexplained infertility, IVF, or difficulty conceiving. If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but you’re still not pregnant, this conversation offers a fresh, holistic perspective. We break down how Chinese medicine approaches fertility by looking at the whole body, cycle health, and nervous system, rather than just test results, helping to identify underlying imbalances that may be affecting your ability to conceive. You’ll also learn how acupuncture can support fertility, improve overall reproductive health, and bridge the gap between “unexplained infertility” and moving forward with assisted treatment. In this episode, we cover: How Chinese medicine can help improve fertility and support natural conceptionWhy Western medicine doesn’t always explore fertility challenges in depthHow acupuncture helps bridge the gap between unexplained infertility and IVFKate’s personal journey into Chinese medicine Top 5 fertility tips for couples trying to conceiveWhether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey or considering IVF, this episode is packed with practical advice, holistic fertility support, and expert insights to help you feel more informed and empowered. You can join Kate's community here.  The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Emma Haslam, a fertility expert who runs a company specialising in IVF abroad and who has also personally built her family through double donor conception. Emma brings both professional insight and real-life experience to the conversation, making this a must-listen for couples who are just starting to explore donor conception or have been told it’s their best option. What we cover: What is double donation? We break down what double donor conception means, how it works, and why it might be recommended.Key things to consider We talk about the emotional, ethical, and practical factors couples should think through before moving forward.Costs and logistics Emma explains the typical financial landscape, what’s included, and what to expect when pursuing IVF abroad.How to choose a suitable donor We walk through the practical steps of searching for and selecting a donor, including the questions to ask and the criteria to consider.Whether you’re just beginning to learn about donor conception or you’re ready to take the next step, this episode offers honest guidance, expert clarity, and a real-life perspective from someone who has been in your shoes. Following her own journey with infertility which led to the birth of her son via IVF abroad Emma Haslam has become the go-to independent expert guide for fertility testing and treatment in Europe. Since 2019 Emma has helped 100s of people globally struggling to conceive to start and grow their families. Emma has been featured in the national and international media, interviewed and featured in a book and is an advocate, writer and podcaster for the infertility community. Emma was a headline speaker at The Fertility Show in London 2025, and Judge at the European Fertility Care awards in 2024 and 2025. Emma is on a mission to make fertility testing and treatment globally more transparent, affordable, accessible, safe and supported for more people and she wants to put you firmly back in the driver’s seat of your fertility journey and give you the best chance of reaching your desired destination; growing your family. Links Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment?  Start with my free training that will tell you everything you need to know. yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass IVF abroad podcast with Emma: yourivfabroad.co.uk/podcast Connect with Emma on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourivfabroad.co.uk The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail Eating for IVF: What to Eat and Why In this episode, Jen Walpole, a fertility nutritionist explains how nutrition can support IVF outcomes, with a focus on the three months before treatment, a key window for egg and sperm development. We explore why nourishment matters before IVF, the key nutrients linked to IVF success, and how vitamin and mineral deficiencies can impact hormone balance, egg quality, sperm health, implantation, and early embryo development. We cover which foods to increase and which to reduce when preparing for IVF, plus a realistic look at what a typical day of eating might look like during IVF prep. We also discuss eating during the two-week wait, what to prioritise, what not to overthink, and how to support both implantation and mental wellbeing. Ideal for couples preparing for IVF or starting fertility treatment soon. You can contact Jen via her website for more information.  The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail Endometriosis is common, complex, and often misunderstood especially when it comes to fertility. In this episode, Dr Rahi Victory, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert breaks down how endometriosis affects fertility, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment and pregnancy options are available. We talk through the symptoms many people miss, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what patients can do if they’ve been told they have “unexplained infertility.” Most importantly, we share realistic and positive outcomes for people with endometriosis who want to grow their families. In this episode, we cover: What endometriosis is and how it impacts fertilitySigns and symptoms of endometriosisDiagnosis delays and why they’re so commonTreatment options for endometriosis and fertilityPregnancy outcomes and success rates in patients with endometriosisHow to advocate for yourself with unexplained infertilityYou can contact Dr Victory on: [email protected] The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often falls on female fertility but sperm health plays a crucial role too. In this episode, we’re joined by Ian Stones from Test Him to explain sperm DNA fragmentation, one of the most overlooked factors in male fertility and unexplained infertility. We break down what sperm DNA fragmentation actually is, how it differs from a standard semen analysis, and why sperm count and motility can appear “normal” while conception still doesn’t happen. This episode is especially relevant for couples facing unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or repeated IVF or ICSI failure. Ian explains who should consider DNA fragmentation testing, how the test works, and what the results really mean. We also explore lifestyle factors that can damage sperm DNA, such as stress, smoking, alcohol, diet, heat exposure, and inflammation and discuss evidence-based treatments and lifestyle changes that may help improve sperm DNA quality. If you’ve never been told about sperm DNA fragmentation testing but are struggling to conceive, this episode could be the missing piece. Ian also has an online support group which can be joined via the Test Him website.  The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Fertility Suite Podcast, we explore the vital and often overlooked role of the vaginal microbiome in fertility. Joined by Jess Childs, registered Nutritional Therapist and Intimate Health Specialist at Pelvic Relief, we break down what the vaginal microbiome is, why a Lactobacillus-dominant environment supports fertility, and how imbalance may affect sperm survival, implantation, and early pregnancy. We discuss what influences vaginal bacteria, common (and silent) signs of imbalance, how vaginal microbiome testing works, and practical ways to support vaginal health when trying to conceive. We also explore live bacteria (probiotics) and their potential role in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. This episode is essential listening for couples TTC who want a deeper understanding of fertility beyond hormones and timing. Below you will also find some of the studies that were referenced in this pod and you can contact Jess on: [email protected] Impact of ureaplasma in semen (these findings revealed that U. urealyticum lowers semen quality via the upregulation of semi nal fluid leukocytes, elastase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and DNA fragmentation): https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12610-025-00262-5.pdf In conclusion, although the causes of miscarriage are often unknown, research suggests that the microbiota in the vaginal could contribute to an increase in miscarriages. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165037824000603Taken together, these findings underscore the potential of the (reproductive tract) microbiome to shape immune responses in pregnancy and the possible role of microbial dysbiosis in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss through its effects on immune balance: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165037824000603The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail KIR & HLA-DQ Alpha Match Testing explained, what these immune tests mean for IVF, implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss. A conversation for fertility patients seeking answers with Dr V at Fertilysis.  This episode is especially helpful if you are: Experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)Facing recurrent implantation failure (RIF)Going through IVF with unexplained outcomesCurious about immune causes of infertilityFeeling dismissed or told “everything looks normal”Considering or questioning reproductive immunology testingIf you’ve been through multiple miscarriages, failed embryo transfers, or unexplained infertility, you may have heard terms like KIR genes, HLA-DQ alpha matching, or reproductive immunology, often with little explanation and a lot of confusion. In this episode, we break down KIR & HLA-DQ alpha match testing and how these immune system factors may relate to implantation, early pregnancy, and IVF outcomes. You’ll learn how the maternal immune system interacts with an embryo and why some fertility specialists explore immune testing when everything else looks “normal.” We cover: What KIR genes are and how they influence immune response in pregnancyWhat HLA-DQ alpha matching between partners meansHow immune signaling may affect implantation and placental developmentWhy some people with excellent embryos still experience repeated failureWhen KIR and HLA testing is typically consideredThe controversies, limitations, and unanswered questions in reproductive immunologyWhy this testing is empowering for some and not appropriate for everyoneMost importantly, this episode validates what so many fertility patients feel:“Something isn’t working and I deserve answers.” The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I welcome Emma Haslam from Your IVF Abroad. Having navigated IVF herself, Emma brings her advice, guidance and expertise and we have a very open discussion about everything we think you need to know before starting IVF and choosing a clinic. Emma is a breath of fresh air if you are navigating IVF!  You can follow Emma on instagram too - @yourivfabroad and more details below:  Free short guide to the process of having fertility treatment abroad  https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/step-by-step-guide-to-having-fertility-treatment-in-europe Free short guide to the 7 things you need to know before having egg/sperm donation abroad  https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/condsidering-donation-in-europe My podcast https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/podcast  Services https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/services The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite

Send us Fan Mail Maria is a Personal Trainer who founded Fitness Fertility, a specialist PT service for women who are struggling to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment. In this episode we bust some myths around exercise and TTC and Maria explains why we should be exercising for health first and the benefits for fertility.  You can also check our Maria's instagram @fitness_fertility  The Fertility Suite offers in person Fertility Acupuncture with the UK's top Fertility Acupuncturists at 5 UK clinics and 7 Affiliate Clinics. Find your nearest clinic here.  We also work online to help you get the answers you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy 🩷  We support:  📍Couples who are struggling to concieve  📍Couples suffering through miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss  📍Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques such as IVF 📍Anyone who wants answers and support on their road to a healthy pregnancy Book a discovery call with us to find out more 💜 Find us on instagram @thefertility_suite