This is Infertility is a bi-weekly podcast where we fuse narrative storytelling with experience and science to give you a new perspective on what it’s really like to go through a family building journey. Each episode dives into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens carried by those who experience infertility on their path to parenthood. Be it IVF, IUI, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption, etc., the path is never the same and it can be long, painful, and lonely. It’s our mission to give those struggling a platform to be heard, a community connection, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the 1 in 8 who, for many reasons, struggle with infertility.
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This is Infertility

Episode 43: A Formal Diagnosis of Male Infertility Didn’t Take Away the Stress

Nearly one-third of infertility cases are caused by some sort of issue with the female, one-third are caused by some sort of issue with the male, and the rest is caused by either a combination of issues from both partners or entirely unknown. The fact is, male infertility is just as common as female infertility, we just don’t usually talk about it that way.  

That’s likely because regardless of the cause of the infertility, the treatments tend to have one thing in common — the brunt of the work falls on the female. We believe it’s important for men and women alike to talk about infertility. It’s an issue that affects everyone, not just those who were born with a uterus.  

Today, we hear from Josh and Stephanie Shirkey, a couple who struggled with male infertility along their family building journey. Although they were given a formal diagnosis of Josh’s infertility, which helped answer some of their questions, it didn’t take away from any of their stress.  

In this episode, Josh and Stephanie discuss some of the emotional frustrations they experienced throughout their infertility journey, the challenges of undergoing IVF, and the ways in which they supported each other along the way. 

Guests: Josh and Stephanie Shirkey 

Host: Justin Alvis, Director of Provider and Member Services at Progyny 

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources on dealing with male infertility. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. 

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com. 

Podcast-Headshot-1024-Justin-Alvis

Host

Justin Alvis
Director of Member and Provider Services

Justin helps our talented team of provider relations specialists and dedicated Patient Care Advocates provide Progyny members with the best possible experience through their fertility journey. Justin is passionate about professional development for the Patient Care Advocates and the provider relations specialists—he delights in leading seminars and group trainings on effective and compassionate communication with our members and providers.

Podcast-Headshot-Stephanie-Shikey

Guest

Stephanie and Josh Shirkey

Stephanie and Josh have been happily married for almost four years and live in Michigan with their two dogs, Tonka and Daizy. They’re a very strong family-oriented couple and enjoy spending as much time as they can with their family and friends. Stephanie enjoys quilting, baking, and making crafts as gifts. Josh enjoys hunting and fishing. In their free time they enjoy kayaking, camping with family and friends, hiking, visit waterfalls, and snowmobiling/side by side riding. They’re also NASCAR fans which gives them the opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Music From This Episode:

Artist: Lee Rosevere
Track: Places Unseen
URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/Music_For_Podcasts_2/Lee_Rosevere_-_Music_for_Podcasts_2_-_01_Places_Unseen

Track: What have you done?
URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_03_What_Have_You_Done

Track: Quizitive
URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/Music_For_Podcasts/Lee_Rosevere_-_Music_For_Podcasts_-_06_Quizitive

Track: Making a Change
URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/Music_For_Podcasts_3/07_Making_A_Change

Artist: Jahzzar
Track: Sleepin’
URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Newborn/03_-_Sleepin

Artist: Loyalty Freak Music
Track: Hope and Love
URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Loyalty_Freak_Music/INSTRUMENTAL_RB_BEATS_TO_SING_OR_RAP_ON/Loyalty_Freak_Music_-_INSTRUMENTAL_RB_BEATS_TO_SING_OR_RAP_ON_-_16_Hope_and_Love