Your Questions, Answered Live!
Including: Fertility After 40 – insights from our multidisciplinary panel
Join us:
- Wednesday 29th April 2026
- 4pm BST/5pm CET/7pm GST
- Virtual via Zoom
The forum is a unique patient-focused event designed to inform, empower, and support you.
- Ask your fertility-related questions
- Gain practical tips
- Receive trusted guidance from an expert panel
- Connect with NOW-fertility consultants and other fertility professionals in a welcoming and community-feel space
Hosted by
Dr Andreja Smajila
Consultant in Gynaecology
@nowfertilitycare
Men & IVF
5 steps that could make a difference!
IVF is as much about the preparation and planning as it is about what happens in the lab. The process needs the best help it can get, and what you deliver in terms of sperm health could make all the difference. Here are five steps to get you on the right track.
- Preparation is key: Sperm take approximately 74 days (roughly three months) to mature. Good sperm health for IVF starts with a routine established at least three months before your cycle begins (six months is ideal).
- Sperm need good food: A Mediterranean-style diet rich in healthy fats and lean proteins is gold. Focus on ‘tidying up’ your diet by cutting out sugar and ultra- processed foods while strictly limiting alcohol.
- Prioritise sleep: Quality rest is the cornerstone of metabolic and hormonal health. Consistent, good sleep ensures your body has the right environment to produce fit, healthy sperm.
- Get Educated: Knowledge reduces anxiety. Listen to podcasts and read articles to understand the mechanics of male fertility and how you can help. Remember: IVF is a team effort.
- Stay Connected: IVF can be an emotional gauntlet. Don’t bottle things up; talk openly with your partner about your concerns. Supporting each other ensures that the process strengthens your relationship rather than straining it.
Ian Stones
Male Fertility Coach/Founder of testhim
@testhimltd
Fertility Friendly Recipe
Protein-Rich Chocolate Granola
Eggs are rich in choline, a key nutrient for egg quality and early development. Combined with healthy fats from nuts and seeds and antioxidants from cacao, this granola supports hormone balance and stable blood sugar, both important for fertility. For an extra protein boost, sprinkle over a bowl of Greek yoghurt.
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 150g oats (gluten-free if needed)
- Handful mixed nuts, chopped
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C fan.
- Blend the banana, cacao, yoghurt, flaxseed, chia, cinnamon and eggs.
- Add the mixture to a bowl with the oats and combine, you can also add chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts).
- Fry the mixture in a hot pan with some melted coconut oil.
- Spread onto a lined tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, breaking up halfway, until golden and crisp.
Serve with yoghurt or milk, or enjoy as a snack.
Julia Young
Fertility Nutritionist
@juliayoungnutrition
Ask the Experts
what does low AMH mean for IVF outcomes?
Low AMH is associated with a lower ovarian response to stimulation. This often means fewer follicles develop, fewer eggs are retrieved, and sometimes fewer embryos are created in a treatment cycle.
However, AMH does not measure egg quality. Patients with low AMH can still produce chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos, particularly at younger ages.
Because low AMH is linked to a higher risk of poor response and possible cycle cancellation, treatment protocols and medication doses are carefully selected and adjusted to reduce this risk as much as possible.
Dr Luciano Nardo
Consultant in Reproductive Medicine & Infertility
@nowfertilitycare
Research Round-up
Can ultra-processed foods affect fertility and early pregnancy?
A recent study* published in Human Reproduction suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – like ready meals, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks—may influence fertility and early embryo development.
Researchers followed over 800 women and 650 male partners in the Netherlands, analysing their diets before conception and tracking fertility outcomes.
Key findings:
- Higher UPF intake in men was linked to reduced fertility.
- Women with higher UPF consumption showed subtle differences in early embryo growth.
- Women’s UPF intake did not consistently affect their ability to conceive.
While the study does not prove cause and effect, it highlights the potential role of diet in reproductive health. With many factors influencing fertility, these findings support the importance of healthy eating for both partners when planning a pregnancy.
*https://academic.oup.com/humrep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/humrep/deag023/8537945
Events & Activities
NOW-fertility Connect
29th April 2026, 4pm BST/5pm CET/7pm GST via Zoom
Whether you are seeking treatment, looking for answers, needing reassurance or simply being empowered in the choices you make about fertility care, NOW-fertility Connect forum is for you.
Ask your questions live or follow @nowfertilitycare and DM them in advance.
PCOS to Pregnancy
Confused by conflicting PCOS advice?
PCOS to Pregnancy is a 21-day, root-cause programme run by fertility nutritionist Julia Young, designed to support metabolic balance, regulate cycles, and create the foundations for ovulation. Less guesswork, fewer cravings, and a clearer path towards your fertility goals:
Julia Young
Fertility Nutritionist
@juliayoungnutrition
The Rise Circle - The 2am Mind.
22nd April 2026, 1pm BST/8pm SGT/8am EST
A free live circle for women who can’t switch off on their fertility journey.
Live on Zoom completely free. Replay available for a limited time.
Hosted by
Tina Padia
Fertility & NLP Coach
@tinafertilitycoach
Elli Junior Design
Elli Junior Design specialises in bespoke nursery interiors crafted to be safe, functional and beautiful. Rooted in Scandinavian principles and child-development research, we create nurturing spaces where little ones can grow, learn and dream. All designs are custom-made in Dubai using premium materials and non-toxic finishes, ensuring style meets safety at every step. From concept to installation, we tailor every detail to your space, lifestyle and budget — bringing warm, purposeful and timeless nurseries to life across the UAE.
Special Offer
Special offer for ‘Fertility Focus’ readers – 50% off the design fee.
Please call Customer Service on +971 58 826 1293 and quote ‘NOW-fertility 50’.
Contributors Panel
Cassie Destino
Founder of IVF Support UAE
- cassie@ivfsupportuae.com
- www.ivfsupportuae.com
- @ivfsupportuae
Claire Innes
Fertility & Nutrition Coach
- claire@thefertilitymentor.org.uk
- www.thefertilitymentor.org.uk
- @thereal.fertilitymentor
Mel Johnson
Solo Parenthood Coach, Founder of The Stork and I
- mel@thestorkandi.com
- www.thestorkandi.com
- @the_stork_and_I
Maria McMaster
- info@fertilityfitnesscoaching.com
- fertilityfitnesscoaching.com
- @fertilityfitnesscoaching
Elli Kasbi
Founder & Owner of Elli Junior
- elli@ellijunior.com
- www.ellijunior.com
- @ellijunior
Tina Padia
Fertility Coach
- tina@tinafertilitycoach.com
- www.tinafertilitycoach.com
- @tinafertilitycoach
Hannah Pearn
Fertility Acupuncturist
- hello@hannahpearn.com
- www.hannahpearn.com
- @donttellmetorelax
Ian Stones
Male Fertility Coach / Founder of testhim
- info@testhim.com
- testhim.com
- @testhimltd
Stephanie Toulemonde
Emotional Coach
- info@stephanietoulemonde.com
- www.stephanietoulemonde.com
- @stephanie_toulemonde_coaching
Julia Young
Fertility Nutritionist
- info@juliayoungnutrition.com
- juliayoungnutrition.com
- @juliayoungnutrition
We hope you enjoyed this month’s Fertility Focus.
