The Truth About Stress and Fertility Jacky Boivin is Professor of Health Psychology at Cardiff University and Director of Women’s Health Research Wales. Her work examines how psychological factors affect fertility, from the desire and timing of having children, through to how people adapt emotionally when attempts to conceive succeed or fail and develops evidence-based tools and interventions to support people trying to conceive and the professionals who care for them.

https://whrw.uk/
Instagram - @womenshealthresearchwales

In this episode, Joyce is joined by Professor Jacky Boivin, one of the world's leading experts in fertility psychology, for a thought-provoking discussion about the relationship between stress, fertility, and emotional wellbeing. Together, they explore one of the most common myths in reproductive health: the belief that people simply need to "relax" in order to conceive.

Drawing on decades of research, Jacky explains what the evidence really tells us about stress and fertility, why infertility can be emotionally challenging, and how the fertility journey can affect individuals and relationships.

The conversation explores the psychological impact of fertility treatment, the value of counselling and peer support, and practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing while navigating uncertainty.

The episode also examines the growing influence of social media on fertility information, the importance of evidence-based advice, and how patients can make informed decisions about treatment options. This insightful and compassionate discussion offers reassurance, understanding, and practical guidance for anyone trying to conceive or supporting someone on their fertility journey.

Becky Kearns is co founder and CEO of Fertility Matters at Work, a UK organisation dedicated to improving workplace support for people experiencing fertility challenges. A former HR professional, she combines her career expertise with her own lived experience of early menopause, IVF and donor conception to advocate for better awareness and support. Becky is also the founder of Paths to Parenthub and is an established patient advocate, speaker and writer, regularly featured in national media, and is leading efforts to make workplaces more fertility friendly.

https://fertilitymattersatwork.com/
https://pathstoparenthub.com/
Instagram: @fertilitymattersatwork, @definingmum

Joyce and Becky discuss the emotional, practical and financial realities of trying to conceive while managing a career. They explore why many people feel unable to tell their employers they are struggling, the psychological impact of fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, and the difficulties of balancing appointments, treatment and work responsibilities.

The conversation highlights the vital role employers can play in creating supportive workplace cultures, the importance of fertility policies, manager training and peer support, and the need to include men, LGBTQ+ individuals and solo parents in discussions about fertility and family building. Becky also shares her vision for legislative change, including better workplace protections for those undergoing fertility treatment and greater recognition of fertility challenges as a significant life event.

This is a moving and important discussion for anyone experiencing fertility challenges, as well as employers, managers and colleagues who want to better understand how to support people through one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.

Anis Feki is the head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Hospital Cantonal, and professor at the university of Fribourg, Switzerland. He is a fertility specialist with extensive experience in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction. He has worked internationally in both clinical practice and research, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and delivering personalised fertility care. His work covers all aspects of fertility treatment, including IVF, and he is known for his clear, evidence-based approach to supporting patients through what can be a complex and emotional journey. He derived the first human embryonic stem cell line and the first iPS cells in Switzerland. He is currently chair of the largest fertility society – the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Instagram: @anis.feki.fribourg
Resources about fertility and treatments
https://www.eshre.eu/Home/IRHEC/IRHEC_Resources
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-fertility-clinic/search/ https://fertilityeurope.eu/

What actually happens when you start fertility treatment? How successful are treatments such as IUI, IVF and ICSI? What are the real costs, risks and emotional challenges involved? And how can you avoid the myths and misinformation that surround fertility treatment?

In this episode, Professor Anis Feki, fertility specialist, discusses everything you need to know about fertility treatment, from your first consultation through to IVF, embryo freezing, donor conception and what happens when treatment is unsuccessful. Anis explains why fertility treatment should always be personalised, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and why emotional support is just as important as medical treatment. We also discuss fertility treatment success rates, the impact of age, endometriosis, male infertility, counselling, social media myths and the growing market for IVF add-ons. Whether you are currently undergoing fertility treatment, considering your options, or supporting someone on their fertility journey, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance delivered with empathy and honesty.