top of page

Your IVF abroad Podcast

with Emma Haslam

Male factor infertilty:
Sperm testing, Varicocele, IVF and Male Fertility with Rob from Fertility in Sport

15th September 2026

Season 5 Episode 10

Show notes:

Male infertility is far more common than many people realise – yet fertility testing and treatment can still feel overwhelmingly focused on women.

​

So what happens when a semen analysis shows something isn't right? Is a basic sperm test enough? And what else should you investigate before moving straight to IVF?

​

In this episode, I'm joined by Rob Kemp, founder of Fertility in Sport, who shares his personal experience of male factor infertility, from his first worrying sperm test result to discovering a varicocele, undergoing treatment and eventually becoming a dad following IVF with ICSI.

​

Rob's story began with a simple at-home male fertility test while he and his wife were struggling to conceive. A subsequent semen analysis through his GP confirmed that his results were low – but he was reassured with the familiar phrase: "you only need one."

​

It was only after comparing his results with a friend who was already going through IVF that Rob began to question whether there was more to investigate.

​

That decision eventually led to further male fertility testing, the discovery of a varicocele and a private varicocele embolisation. Rob also underwent more detailed investigations, including hormone testing and sperm DNA fragmentation testing, before he and his wife went through IVF with ICSI.

​

Their IVF round produced just two eggs, with only one embryo continuing beyond the first 24 hours. At one point they were given a less than 5% chance of success.

​

That embryo became their daughter.

​

In our conversation, we talk about what Rob wishes he'd known before trying to conceive, why a basic semen analysis doesn't always tell the whole story, and why investigating possible causes of male factor infertility can be so important before – or alongside – fertility treatment.

​

We also explore something that doesn't get talked about enough: what infertility and IVF actually feel like for men.

Rob shares why talking became a coping mechanism for him, why some men feel sidelined during fertility treatment, and why supporting a partner through IVF doesn't mean your own experience, fears and emotions don't matter.

​

We discuss:

  • Rob's first male fertility test and the semen analysis that followed

  • What happened after he was told "you only need one"

  • Why getting a second opinion changed the course of his fertility journey

  • How a varicocele was discovered and why he chose to have an embolisation

  • Semen analysis versus sperm DNA fragmentation testing

  • Male factor infertility and the importance of looking beyond basic fertility testing

  • IVF with ICSI and being given a less than 5% chance of success

  • The emotional impact of infertility and IVF on men

  • Why men can feel excluded from the fertility conversation

  • What Rob wishes he'd known about male fertility before trying for a baby

  • Why he created Fertility in Sport and how sport could help open up conversations about fertility

  • Rob's advice for any man worried about his fertility and unsure what to do next

​

One message comes through particularly strongly in this conversation: don't assume that one basic test has necessarily given you the whole picture. That doesn't mean everyone needs every fertility test available, and it doesn't mean further investigation will always uncover an answer. But understanding what has – and hasn't – been investigated can help you ask better questions, make more informed decisions and feel more confident about your next step.

​

And if you're a man listening because you're worried about your fertility, Rob wants you to know one thing above all: You're not alone.

​

About Rob Kemp and Fertility in Sport

Rob founded Fertility in Sport following his own experience of male factor infertility and IVF. Fertility in Sport aims to increase fertility awareness through sport while also providing support for people working and competing within sporting environments.

​

You can find Rob and Fertility in Sport on Instagram at @fertility.in.sport, on LinkedIn under Rob Kemp, Founder of Fertility in Sport.

​

💛 Want some independent help with your fertility journey home or abroad?​

​

If you're feeling stuck, in limbo, don't know what to do next or aren't sure who to trust, I can help you look at the bigger picture after working with 100s people globally.

​​

As an independent fertility strategist, I look at your history, what's already been investigated, where there may be gaps and what your options could be whether you ultimately decide to have fertility testing or treatment here in the UK or abroad and how I can help you with both.

​

I don't work for fertility clinics and I don't accept clinic commission, so my advice is always focused on what is right for you and if you decide to have fertility treatment in your home country I may also be able to still guide and support you.

​

👉 Watch my free training here:

https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

​

​

Links & Resources:

​

​​​​​

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment?​​

​

​​​Book a free no-obligation call with me and let’s talk about what’s going on for you and whether working together is the right next step. https://calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

FREE Online fertility pharmacy introduction - Need an introduction to a specialist pharmacist for a no obligation quote for all your fertility medication at competitive rates and delivered globally?
yourivfabroad.co.uk/online-fertility-pharmacy-service

Your IVF abroad planner/journal - Keep everything organised and in one place, and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here: yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

bottom of page