Episode 98: Male Infertility, IVF Truths & Fertility Over 35 with Liberty Mills
Is fertility just a woman’s issue? In this episode of The Goode Health Podcast, fertility expert Liberty Mills joins us to uncover the real truths about fertility, IVF, and conception after 35. From male infertility and the myths around age to preparing your body for IVF success, Liberty shares practical, science-backed insights to help you take control of your reproductive health.
We discuss why fertility isn’t just a woman’s issue, how nearly half of infertility cases involve male factors, and why testing, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing matter more than ever. Liberty explains what you can do to improve sperm and egg quality naturally, how to support your hormones, and the key mistakes couples make before starting IVF.
This episode answers questions like:
“Can I get pregnant over 35?”
“How to prepare for IVF?”
“What are the biggest fertility myths?”
“Does stress affect fertility or IVF success?”
“What foods help fertility naturally?”
Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating IVF, or simply want to understand how to optimise your fertility, this conversation will leave you informed, confident, and empowered. You will learn what affects fertility over 35, how lifestyle and stress play a role, and why your fertility journey deserves to be approached with compassion, clarity, and hope.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and related website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat, instead it is designed to help educate and inspire. Always seek the advice of a professional medical practitioner or qualified health practitioner. Never ignore or disregard advice given to you based on information in this podcast or related website and do not delay in seeking medical advice.
Timestamps:
[01:50] - Why Women’s Health Is Still Taboo
Why are fertility, menopause, and periods still difficult topics to discuss? Liberty unpacks the cultural shame and silence surrounding women’s health and fertility.
[06:20] - Myth #1: Fertility Is a Woman’s Issue
Liberty reveals how nearly half of infertility cases involve male factors, and why men’s reproductive health needs equal attention.
[12:00] - Myth #2: Age Is the Only Factor in Fertility
Debunking the idea that only age determines fertility and why underlying conditions like thyroid issues and autoimmune diseases matter.
[13:50] - The Importance of Testing and Early Investigation
Why testing hormones, thyroid, and vitamin D levels early can save time, stress, and unnecessary fertility treatments later.
[15:50] - Being a Woman in Medicine: Gaslighting, Periods & Menopause
Liberty shares her personal story of medical gaslighting and the need for a better understanding of women’s hormonal health.
[19:00] - Myth #3: IVF Is a Quick Fix
Why IVF isn’t always a guaranteed solution and how preparing your body before treatment improves success rates.
[24:30] - Myth #4: Can Stress Really Stop You from Getting Pregnant?
The science behind stress, oxidative damage, sleep, and how chronic stress impacts egg and sperm quality.
[27:45] - Myth #5: Fertility After 35
How biological age, not chronological age, affects fertility and what you can do to optimise reproductive health.
[31:50] - “Geriatric Pregnancy,” “Infertile,” and “Barren”
How medical terminology and labels can emotionally harm patients and why language matters in fertility care.
[37:50] - Social Media’s Role in Fertility Conversations
The positives and pitfalls of learning about fertility on social media, and how online narratives shape public perception.
[44:20] - The Modern Lifestyle & Its Impact on Fertility
Liberty breaks down how diet, environmental toxins, stress, and work-life imbalance affect reproductive health.
[49:00] - Practical Fertility Advice for Couples Trying to Conceive
Actionable steps for improving fertility naturally, from nutrition and supplements to emotional connection and testing.
“We’ve been taught that fertility ends at 35. You’re suddenly ‘geriatric,’ ‘infertile,’ or ‘too late.’ But that’s not the full story. Fertility isn’t just about your chronological age, it’s about your biological health. What you eat, how you manage stress, your thyroid, your sleep, your lifestyle. All of it shapes your reproductive potential. Women deserve better information, better language, and better support. You are not broken, you are not too late, and you are not defined by your age.”
Essential learnings from this episode…
Fertility isn’t just a woman’s issue. Nearly 50% of infertility cases involve male factors. Understanding and testing both partners is essential for fertility success.
Your biological age matters more than your birth certificate. Fertility over 35 can still thrive when you focus on cellular and hormonal health, not just your chronological age.
Testing early saves time and heartache. Don’t wait until IVF to uncover thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions. Early, holistic testing is key.
IVF is not a magic fix, and preparation is everything. Liberty explains how nutrition, lifestyle, and stress reduction directly impact IVF outcomes and long-term fertility health.
Stress and fertility are deeply connected. Chronic stress can affect hormones, sleep, digestion, and egg/sperm quality. So stress management should be part of your fertility plan.
Language and mindset matter. Shifting from blame to empowerment and removing harmful labels like “barren” or “geriatric pregnancy” helps redefine fertility conversations for modern women and men.
EPISODE 98
Important links & mentions from this episode
FREE Optimal Supplement Guide. Use NICOLE20
Connect with Liberty Mills
Website: Liberty Mills
Instagram: @mills.liberty
Book: “360 Fertility: A twelve-week plan for optimising your chance of conception”
Join the Poppy Study
Waitlist for the Goode Health Studio
Check Out our Updated Packages
Take the FREE MitoImmune Health Assessment
Connect with Nicole on Instagram
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