This episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, Shaun and Ciaran are joined by senior fertility nurse specialist, Francesca Steyn. Francesca is the Clinical Services Manager at the Wales Fertility Institute. She has over 18 years of experience in the sector, and is the current chair of The Royal College of Nurses' Fertility Nursing Forum.
What is a Fertility Nurse?:
Francesca talks about the vital role fertility nurses play, and why they are so important to patients going through fertility struggles. She explains how they are the glue that holds everything together - nurses are at the heart of a clinic and the one constant that patients see throughout their path to parenthood.
Supporting Men:
Francesca acknowledges that traditionally, fertility clinics have been great at supporting women when they come to the clinics, however, they have fallen short when it comes to supporting the men. She is passionate about the fact that this needs to change, and in her role as RCN Chair, she recently oversaw a groundbreaking report compiled for Fertility Nurse Practitioners.
Francesca explains what the report comprises of, and how it is going to help nurses up and down the country understand more about male infertility. This will in turn help the male patients, who will receive more tailored treatment and support.
Society And Stigmas:
Together, the three talk about the feelings of embarrassment that men might feel when opening up. They explore the stigma and stereotype that society has about men needing to put on a front and to not display vulnerability. On top of this, they discuss whether the fertility world is changing, and if it is becoming more inclusive for all patients who walk through the doors.
Fertility treatment for gay men:
Francesca discusses the discrimination that is present for gay men when it comes to how they are dealt with in clinic, as well as access to funding for fertility treatment - for which there is no NHS funding for gay men at all. The three debate how clinics can become a better environment for everyone looking for fertility treatment.
Our Sponsors:
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