Testhim.. it's that simple! Understanding sperm tests with Ian Stones
In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Ian Stones, co founder of Testhim, to talk about something that should be simple but still too often isn’t. Testing men.
We talk a lot in fertility about women’s bodies, women’s hormones, women’s investigations. But male fertility accounts for around a third of infertility cases, and yet men are still frequently an afterthought.
Ian and I explore when men should be tested, what those tests actually look like, why semen analysis is not always enough, and how men can advocate for themselves earlier in the process.
If you are dealing with male factor infertility, recurrent loss, unexplained infertility, or you simply want to understand more about sperm health, this episode is for you.
And if you are the partner trying to get a reluctant man to engage with this conversation, please share it.
What we discuss in this episode:
- Why male fertility testing is often delayed
- When to start investigating male fertility
- Why semen analysis is only the starting point
- The role of sperm DNA fragmentation in recurrent miscarriage
- What a varicocele is and how it affects sperm quality
- Why testicular scans matter
- How infections and oxidative stress impact sperm health
- The importance of seeing a male fertility specialist, not just a general urologist
- Why lifestyle changes should happen at least three months before trying to conceive
- The impact of heat, cycling, tight underwear and hot tubs
- Alcohol, diet and BMI in sperm health
- Why men need to know their anatomy and check for lumps and changes
- The emotional experience of male infertility and feeling like the spare part
- How proactive testing could reduce repeated failed IVF cycles
What Testhim actually does
Testhim offers:
- Advanced male fertility testing
- A detailed male fertility questionnaire to build a personalised risk profile
- Sperm DNA fragmentation testing
- Oxidative stress testing
- Testicular ultrasound scans
- Follow up calls to explain results clearly
- Access to male fertility urology specialists across the UK
- Monthly male fertility support groups
- A dedicated male fertility podcast
Their questionnaire covers:
- Fertility history
- General health
- Lifestyle and diet
- Work environment
- Red flag history such as undescended testicles or confirmed varicocele
- Exercise habits
- Clothing choices
- Miscarriage history
The system builds a risk profile and gives clear next step guidance.
Because knowledge is power.
Listen to the Testhim podcast
Ian co hosts the Testhim podcast with male fertility advocate Toby Trice. It is one of the only UK podcasts dedicated specifically to male fertility.
Here are some standout episodes to explore:
Fertility Talk with Jonathan Ramsay
Environmental toxins and fertility with Professor Richard Lea
Understanding varicocele with Steven Moser
The couple approach with Jas Kalsi and Fatima Husain
Dealing with friends and family
You can also explore all episodes at
A note on being proactive
One of the strongest messages from this episode is this:
Do not wait until after multiple failed IVF cycles to investigate male fertility properly.
If you can:
- Test early
- Optimise early
- See the right specialist early
You want to know that you have left no stone unturned.
Support from our sponsors
Access Fertility
If you are worried about the financial aspect of IVF treatment, Access Fertility partners with over 60 UK clinics to offer interest free finance, multi cycle packages and refund programmes.
Find out more at:
https://www.accessfertility.com/thefp
One Day Tests
Book a confidential online fertility consultation and discuss blood testing with a specialist.
Use code FERT10 for 10 percent off your blood test.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
Learn more about Fertility Action:
Find out more about workplace fertility support:
https://fertilitymattersatwork.com
Explore Testhim and their services:
If this episode has helped you, please share it with someone who needs it.
Male fertility is not an afterthought.
It is half the story.
Until next time.
