IMAGE Talks Fertility Podcast: Male Factor Infertility

In this episode, we discuss male factor infertility with specialist Dr Tim Dineen and Àine and James, who are eight months pregnant with their first child.

The journey toward starting a family is an exciting time, even if it isn’t always easy. Fertility journeys can be filled with highs, lows and sometimes a bit of uncertainty: what are the best things to do? What happens if you have difficulties?

Fertility is a deeply personal and emotive topic, and so often, these fertility journeys remain unspoken – they can be straightforward or rollercoaster rides made more complicated by contradictory information on the internet. Our fertility podcast – IMAGE Talks Fertility – helps break down all of this information, opening conversations and demystifying fertility in Ireland today.

In this second season, we talk to women and men about their fertility journeys. We will hear from some fantastic people who have been through it all and take inspiration and learnings from their experiences.

We also hear from Ireland’s leading experts in fertility, many of whom come from Waterstone Clinic – our partners in this podcast.

Season 2: Episode 3: Male Factor Infertility

In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that we’ve touched on more than once over the course of this series, but not yet focused on: male factor infertility. Fertility issues affect one in every six couples who are trying to conceive, and in at least half of these cases, male factor is an issue.

Our host Dominique McMullan, IMAGE Media’s Editorial Director, sits down with Dr Tim Dineen, a specialist in male fertility at Waterstone Clinic, and tackles some of the facts and myths related to male factor infertility. Later in the episode, Dominique is joined by Àine and James, a couple who have experienced male factor infertility, who are currently expecting their first child.

It surprises both men and women to know that just as many fertility issues stem from men as they do women. As Dr Tim Dineen advises, “Let’s forget the myth that it’s female orientated – men need to be aware that fertility can be a problem for them”.

So what should men know about their own fertility? Why should men have their fertility tested and what tests should they have? What happens if the results are poor – what kinds of options do people have? Is there a stigma around male factor infertility?

James’ advice for men thinking about having a family with their partner is simple: “It’s just a quick test, just have it done and talk about it”. It is so important that couples are assessed together because male fertility issues can often be asymptomatic. Getting information through having a simple male fertility check will help you and your partner be in the best place to start your journey to parenthood.

In episode three, we answer all these questions and more, so you can be empowered with knowledge for your next step. So get comfy, and maybe even get out a notepad, and Let’s Talk Fertility.

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Our Host

Dominique McMullan

Dominique McMullan is passionate about storytelling, and the power of women’s stories in particular. As Editorial Director of IMAGE Media, she guides the editorial vision of the company as it prospers in an ever-changing media landscape. With confidence, curiosity and passion Dominique continues to work with women across Ireland to tell the stories that matter.

Our Guest Speaker

Dr Tim Dineen

Dr Tim Dineen is a founding member of Waterstone Clinic and leads the Embryology and Andrology teams in the Waterstone lab. He received his PhD from NUI Galway and undertook further specialist training in Genetic Counselling. Dr Dineen is an ESHRE-certified Senior Clinical Embryologist and has a keen interest in male infertility as well as being a core member of the clinic’s Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing programme.

Dr Dineen is a member of IFS, ICE, ESHRE and ACE and helped to establish a strong link between Waterstone Clinic and NYU Fertility in New York. He was one of Ireland’s representatives on the European Assisted Conception Consortium, established to oversee the implementation of the EU directive on Tissues and Cells in EU member states.

Since this episode aired, Àine and James have welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. We want to take this opportunity to thank them for sharing their inspiring story with us and wish them all the best in the future.

For more on Let’s Talk Fertility, check out episodes, reads and more here.