Reflecting on Last Year's Fertility Show: My FIVE Top Seminars
By Sophie Sulehria - The Fertility Show’s Host and Content Director
As we gear up for another exciting Fertility Show, and we get our new seminar timetable in order, I can’t help but reflect on some of the most impactful seminars from last year. Whether you are a first time visitor or a regular attendee, the range of expert speakers and topics at The Fertility Show are incredible. If you missed out or are looking for a bit of inspiration for this year, here are some of my absolute favourite seminars from last year that I think everyone should see!
1. Zita West - "Optimising Fertility Naturally: Lifestyle and Nutrition"
Let’s be honest, Zita West is a fertility rockstar. She is a leading figure in the world of fertility, and her seminar on optimising fertility naturally was one of the highlights of last year. Zita spoke about the critical role that lifestyle and nutrition play in both male and female fertility. She covered everything from the best foods to eat to support fertility, to the key lifestyle changes that can improve your chances of conception. Her approach focused on a holistic, well-rounded strategy to boost fertility, and she delved into how stress, sleep, and exercise all have a significant impact on reproductive health. It’s always a joy to hear from Zita because she not only provides actionable advice but does so in a way that’s engaging, supportive and compassionate. We are delighted that she will be with us again at this year’s Fertility Show and we urge you to come and see her!
2. James Nicopoullos - "A Beginner’s Guide to IVF: How to Choose a Clinic & Make Sure the Treatment Is Right For You"
When it comes to IVF, there’s a lot to consider, especially for those just starting out on their journey. Dr. James Nicopoullos delivered a brilliant beginners’ guide to IVF, packed with vital insights. His seminar guided us through the entire IVF process, from choosing the right fertility clinic to understanding the treatment options available. He also gave some excellent tips on how to ask the right questions when selecting a clinic and how to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs. With so many fertility clinics and options out there, James’ expertise helped attendees navigate what can often feel like a complicated and overwhelming process in an engaging and informative way.
3. Male Fertility – "The Facts"
Male fertility still doesn’t receive the attention it deserves, in my opinion. So I was delighted to watch Jonathan Ramsay and patient Shaun Greenaway have this panel talk. Their emphasis was of course on how vital it is for men to consider their fertility when trying to conceive. Hearing from Shaun, who was diagnosed with azoospermia (the absence of sperm in the ejaculate), was incredibly moving. He shared his personal journey so articulately, including his decision to pursue sperm donation which enabled him to eventually have the family he desired. Jonathan Ramsay’s insights were just as valuable, particularly his emphasis on the importance of truly listening to patients. As he put it, it’s essential to listen to the patient attentively and then conduct the thorough physical examination. The two factors combined are important, as it’s through the story that you learn. Their dynamic on stage was both emotional and lighthearted, making the topic engaging yet meaningful. The seminar covered vital information, including sperm health, how age and lifestyle choices impact male fertility, and common causes of infertility in men. They also discussed treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can help improve sperm quality.
4. Navigating the Journey to Solo Parenthood
One of the most inspiring seminars from last year focused on solo parenthood, a topic that’s gaining increasing attention. Led by Saghar Kasiri from Cryos Sperm Bank and solo mum Mel Johnson, this session explored the journey of becoming a solo parent through sperm donation. They covered everything from the practicalities of the process, to the emotional highs and lows of raising a child on your own. Saghar and Mel not only delved into the emotional aspects but also addressed the legal and practical steps involved - everything from selecting a sperm donor to understanding your rights and finding support systems. The session highlighted the incredible strength, resilience, and courage of those choosing this path. As Mel shared, “I didn’t meet the right person, and when I was 36 turning 37 I thought if I don’t do something on my own, I will miss out on being a parent.” Solo parenthood is an increasingly relevant topic, and conversations like these are more important than ever.
5. Mental Health & Fertility Support for Individuals and Couples
One of the standout seminars at The Fertility Show was led by Tracey Sainsbury, who focused on the crucial mental health aspects of the fertility journey. In this session, Tracey encouraged attendees to "be real" about their emotions, stressing the importance of acknowledging both the highs and lows of the process. She also shared a memorable hand cream example, demonstrating how small acts of self-care, like taking a moment to care for yourself and cleanse when you need a shift, can have a big impact on mental wellness. In addition to caring for yourself, Tracey offered practical advice on how to support others going through fertility challenges. She recommended thoughtful gestures like bringing casseroles or small, kind offerings to those navigating difficult times, reminding people that showing up for others, even with simple acts of care, can mean the world. The seminar covered how fertility struggles can affect relationships, ways to build emotional resilience, and the importance of finding the right psychological support. With a warm, compassionate approach, Tracey provided us with the tools to nurture their mental health and protect their well-being throughout their fertility journey.
Final Thoughts
Last year's Fertility Show was packed with invaluable sessions, and these are just a few of the many, wonderful seminars that stood out to me. Whether you’re looking for natural fertility tips, want to learn more about IVF, or are considering solo parenthood, The Fertility Show has something for everyone. The experts sharing their knowledge and advice made it clear that while the fertility journey can be challenging, there’s so much support and guidance available.
I can’t wait to tell you what this year’s Seminar Programme has in store, and I highly encourage anyone navigating infertility to come join us. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering treatments, or you’ve already started your journey, attending seminars like these provides you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move forward.
Stay tuned for more details about this year’s Seminar Programme, details to be announced very soon!
