Your Questions, Answered Live!
Join us for the monthly NOW-fertility Connect forum:
A Space for Your Fertility, Your Voice, Your Knowledge
Your fertility journey matters, and so does your decision.
NOW-fertility Connect is open to patients, members of the public, policymakers, and anyone else with an interest in fertility care.
The forum is a special patient-focused event designed to inform, empower, and support you. It is the perfect opportunity to ask your fertility-related questions, gain practical tips, receive trusted guidance from an expert panel, connect with NOW-fertility consultants and other allied fertility professionals in a welcoming and community-feel space.
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.
You can ask questions live during the event or submit them in advance by DM to our Instagram account @nowfertilitycare
- Wednesday 28th January 2026
- 4pm BST/5pm CET/8pm GST
- Virtual via Zoom. No Zoom Account required. Simply join via the link or use the Meeting ID and Passcode to join anonymously.
Meeting ID: 892 3614 5551
Passcode: 996470
Dr Antoine Abu Musa
@nowfertilitycare
Ask the Experts
Tips for dealing with anxiety during IVF
I’m Izanne, Fertility Nurse at NOW-fertility, and here are 5 things I tell my patients:
- Focus on the step you’re in. IVF happens in stages and looking too far ahead can be overwhelming.
- Ask for clarity, not certainty. No-one can guarantee outcomes, but you deserve to understand what happens next.
- Regulate your nervous system. When anxiety spikes, inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 and exhale for 6 counts.
- Protect your boundaries. Limit Google and forums if they increase fear. Choose one or two trusted sources instead.
- You are not meant to cope alone. Lean on your nurse, your clinic or professional support.
Remember – you are not failing, you are trying. And today, that is enough.
Top 5 Fertility-Friendly Breakfast Ideas
Choosing fertility-friendly breakfasts consistently can support hormonal balance, energy levels, and reproductive health. Small, mindful choices in the morning can make a meaningful difference on your fertility journey.
- Eggs with whole-grain toast and avocado: Rich in high-quality protein, choline, and healthy fats that support hormone production.
- Greek yogurt with berries and seeds: Provides calcium, probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3s important for egg quality.
- Oatmeal topped with nuts and fruit: Helps stabilise blood sugar while offering fibre, zinc, and iron.
- Green smoothie with leafy greens, banana, and nut butter: A great source of folate, iron, and healthy fats in an easy-to-digest form.
- Chia pudding with milk and berries: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants.
Stephanie Rahmeh
@brassicanutrition
NOW-fertility
‘Nourish Your Fertility’ Offer
Every fertility journey is unique—so should your nutrition be. With our exclusive offer, receive customised nutritional advice that complements your treatment and gives you the best possible support on the path to parenthood
Until 31/01/26, each patient booking an initial consultation with one of our fertility consultants will be eligible for a complimentary online session with Stephanie Rahmeh, Founder of Brassica Nutrition Clinic (@brassicanutrition).
To book your consultation please:
Hayfa Chebil
@nowfertilitycare
Fertility Testing
Understanding your semen analysis
Understanding the key parameters (The WHO Standard)
The analysis focuses on three primary factors that determine the quality of the sample:
1. Concentration and sperm count
This parameter assesses the quantity of sperm present within the ejaculate.
- Volume: This is the total amount of fluid produced. The minimum WHO reference value is 1.4 millilitres (ml).
- Concentration: This is the number of sperm per millilitre of ejaculate. The minimum concentration value considered within the normal range is 16 million sperm per ml.
- Total sperm number: This is the concentration multiplied by the sample volume. The total number of sperm ejaculated should be greater than 39 million.
2. Motility (Movement capability)
Motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move effectively. Since sperm must travel a significant distance to reach and fertilise an egg, movement is vital. The report breaks down movement into specific types:
- Progressive motility (PR): This measures sperm moving actively and purposefully, either in a straight line or in large circles. This is the most critical measure of movement quality.
- Non-progressive motility (NP): These sperm are moving, but without making substantial forward progress (e.g., twitching their tails or moving in tight circles).
- Immotile (IM): These are sperm that show no movement whatsoever.
For a sample to be classified within the normal range, 30% or more of the sperm must exhibit Progressive motility (PR).
3. Morphology (Shape and structure)
- Morphology evaluates the size and shape of the sperm head, mid-piece, and tail. Sperm production is naturally imperfect, and it is very common for a large percentage of sperm to have irregular forms (e.g., an irregularly shaped head or a coiled tail).
- The reference range: Using the strict WHO criteria, the reference range for morphologically "normal" sperm is surprisingly low. A result is considered normal if 4% or higher of the sperm have a correct shape and structure.
Perspective: This means that even with a normal morphology score, up to 96% of the sperm in a sample may be considered abnormal in shape, which is a normal finding in a healthy, fertile male.
Key takeaway: Semen analysis is a screening tool
The NOW-fertility clinical team concur that it is an essential initial screening tool. It offers a clear, objective snapshot of sperm count, movement, and shape at the time of collection. This helps clinicians quickly identify potential male factor issues and guide the next steps for evaluation or treatment.
Start your fertility journey with NOW-fertility — and get your money back
This February only — when you book an initial consultation with a fertility consultant and go ahead with treatment, the full cost of your consultation is deducted from your treatment fee*.
What this means for you:
- No extra cost for your first consultation
- An individualised cost plan before you begin
- Choice of treatments and countries available
*Applies to initial consultations booked and paid for between 01/02/26 and 28/02/26, taking place up until 31/03/26.
Events & Activities
Preparing for IVF webinar
27th January 2026, 7pm GMT
Join acupuncturist Hannah Pearn and fertility nutritionist Kirsty Harrison for a focused, practical session on the steps to take before starting IVF
Hannah Pearn @donttellmetorelax
Kirsty Harrison @kirstyharrisonnutrition
NOW-fertility Connect
28th January 2026, 4pm GMT/5pm CET/8pm GST
Q & A forum with Dr Antoine Abu Musa and other fertility specialists.
Ask your questions live or submit them in advance by DM to our Instagram account @nowfertilitycare or by email to: annetteeckersley@now-fertility.com
Meeting ID: 892 3614 5551
Passcode: 996470
Group Coaching Course:
Choosing Solo
9th February 2026, 8pm – 9.30pm GMT
Group coaching for single women considering solo motherhood with Mel Johnson of @the_stork_and_i
For more details:
Mel Johnson
@the_stork_and_i
The Fertility Mentor
The Fertility Mentor invites you to a free, five-day online programme designed to support women navigating fertility challenges. Delivered by Claire Innes (The Fertility Mentor), it offers practical, evidence-based strategies in nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing—all tailored to those preparing for or undergoing assisted conception. The programme covers core topics such as nourishing meal planning, mindset techniques, and supplement guidance, delivered in short daily sessions. It is designed to help participants feel informed, more in control, and supported during their fertility journey.
Claire Innes
The Fertility Mentor
@thefertilitymentor
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’.
Elli Kasbi
Founder & Owner of Elli Junior
@ellijunior
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
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.com
Hannah Pearn
Fertility Acupuncturist
- hello@hannahpearn.com
- www.hannahpearn.com
- @donttellmetorelax
Ian Stones
Co-founder and co-director testhim
- info@testhim.com
- testhim.com
- @testhimltd
Stephanie Toulemonde
Emotional Coach
- info@stephanietoulemonde.com
- www.stephanietoulemonde.com
- @stephanie_toulemonde_coaching
Julia Young
Registered Nutritional Therapist | Fertility ~ PCOS ~ IVF
- info@juliayoungnutrition.com
- juliayoungnutrition.com
- @juliayoungnutrition
We hope you enjoyed this month’s Fertility Focus.
