Testimonials

I am incredibly grateful for finding this support group dedicated to male infertility, as it has been a vital source of strength and understanding during a challenging time in my life. The openness and camaraderie shared among the members have created a safe space where I can express my fears, frustrations, and hopes without judgement. Hearing the experiences of others who truly understand the emotional toll of infertility has not only helped me feel less alone but also provided practical advice and encouragement that has been invaluable on my journey. I appreciate the compassion, shared insights, and genuine friendships formed within this group, reminding me that, together, we can navigate this difficult path with resilience and hope.

When I found out about my azoospermia diagnosis I thought I had processed it but it didn't really hit me until I read an essay from another man with the same diagnosis. When I read it, everything came down on me at once and I felt this overwhelming doubt about my purpose in life and whether I'd ever become a father, the one thing I wanted more desperately than anything. I wept. I felt so alone, even with my loving wife at home. I tried to find support online, both most infertility groups are mostly women. Reddit has a male infertility sub, but most of it is just guys (and wives) posting semen analysis results asking for what foods to eat and what supplements will help. That's all good but for me I needed help with my emotions. I found a therapist who has infertility as a specialty and who has been through it. That helped, but she is a woman and it just isn't the same as men who have been through it. When I joined this group and "met" Shaun and the other guys, I found a place not only full of men who "get it," but where i could let out my anxiety in a healthy way that didn't increase the stress in my marriage. The best part about this group is that men from all perspectives are represented. Not just men with different types of infertility conditions with different aetiology, and not just men with or without kids, but also some men who are more active and talk more, and other men who just listen and "lurk" but feel supported from reading others' comments. Since finding this group last year, one of the great joys in my life has been bringing other men here- men who I encountered in those other communities online. Men expressing some of the same emotions I felt, but who didn't have this kind of community. I wish that it was no big deal, because maybe that would mean that there are tons of other places men can go, like if a McDonald's opens, it's not really that special, you could've found a burger plenty of other places. But this group actually IS special, and there are not actually plenty of other places men can go to find support with male infertility.

My counsellor pointed me in the direction of Shaun’s Knackered Knackers instagram page and told me about the support group. At the time I was feeling completely floored, isolated and emotionally I was a mess. I had recently undergone the MicroTese operation, which was unsuccessful and I was trying to come to terms with the immense loss that surrounds infertility. I had previously been quite open with close friends and family but following the results I shut down. When I joined the group I introduced myself and shared my infertility story, and even before anybody responded, it felt like an enormous weight had lifted. I then received many kind, caring and supportive messages and I soon realised I was not alone. Everybody on the group is going through their own fertility challenges and what was comforting to me was that there are guys at various stages. Some similar to me, but others who are several years further down the line and this gave me hope. While my partner and I have still got a long way to go on our journey, I am doing so knowing I have the continuous support of others and for that I am truly grateful.

Working with Ciaran over the last year has been an absolute joy; his knowledge and understanding of exercise, fitness and their application is second to none. His friendly and encouraging manner has enabled me to remain committed to my goals. I have seen a real improvement to my overall health