Ep. 130 Fertility & Reproductive Health 101 with Dr Helen O'Neill (+ The Dire State Of Women's Health) [From The Archives]
Mar 17, 2025
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Dr. Helen O'Neill, a leading expert in reproductive science and CEO of Hertility Health, discusses the urgent need for open conversations about women's health. She highlights gaps in research on conditions like PCOS and endometriosis and introduces innovative at-home fertility tests. The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding egg health, individual fertility timelines, and the dual responsibility in reproductive issues. Listeners gain insights into empowerment through knowledge and innovative health solutions, encouraging proactive health choices.
Fertility education is crucial for women to make informed decisions, reducing fear associated with daunting statistics and misunderstandings.
Women's health research has historically neglected female perspectives, highlighting the urgent need for equitable funding and comprehensive studies in reproductive health.
Personalized fertility assessments that consider both partners' health can empower couples by providing clear insights and solutions for reproductive challenges.
Deep dives
The Need for Fertility Education
Fertility remains a sensitive and often under-discussed topic, leading to a significant knowledge gap in women's health. Many women feel terrified when presented with fertility statistics that can appear daunting and fear-inducing. The conversation surrounding fertility should not only focus on fear but rather on education and understanding individual experiences and choices. Expanding public conversations about fertility can empower women to make informed decisions about their health and reproductive futures.
The Dire State of Women's Health Research
Women's health, especially regarding reproductive health, has been historically under-researched and lacks adequate funding. Substantial data gaps persist because much medical research has prioritized male subjects, neglecting critical health issues affecting women. For example, women were largely excluded from clinical trials until relatively recently, resulting in a significant deficit of knowledge in how certain conditions uniquely affect women. This disparity emphasizes the urgent need for targeted research and funding to address women's health comprehensively.
Using Data to Improve Fertility Insights
Collecting and analyzing health data from women is essential for understanding and addressing reproductive health challenges. This approach would create a comprehensive database reflecting women's experiences, enabling personalized insights for better healthcare solutions. Rather than relying solely on general statistics, this data-driven understanding could improve diagnosis, treatment options, and overall patient outcomes. By collaborating and sharing personal health information, women can contribute to a greater awareness that can benefit future generations.
The Importance of Personalized Fertility Assessments
Recent innovations in fertility health have introduced personalized health assessments that consider individual medical history and symptoms. These assessments can lead to tailored testing that identifies specific reproductive health concerns, making the process less daunting. Women can receive results that explain what their symptoms mean in context, providing actionable insights that empower them to make informed health choices. This modern approach aims to remove barriers to understanding one's fertility and promotes proactive health management.
Challenging Myths and Misconceptions About Fertility
Common misconceptions persist about fertility, particularly the belief that it solely falls on women to understand and manage reproductive health. The reality is that fertility involves both partners, and both men and women should be informed about their unique health risks and contributions to conception. Awareness of how male fertility declines with age, and the impact of environmental factors on both genders, is vital. By challenging these myths, both men and women can better navigate their fertility journeys together.
I hope you’re having a great week so far. We’re currently on a little podcast break at Working Hard, Hardly Working whilst we work on something hugely exciting which is coming very soon and I focus on opening the first ever TALA store which I still cannot believe is happening! But you know I would never leave you without inspiring content on a monday morning! So I’ve picked my absolute favourite episodes from the nearly 130 we’ve released. Today's is with the geneticist & fertility researcher Dr Helen O'Neill.
Dr O’Neill is a leading expert in reproductive science, she’s a lecturer in reproductive and molecular genetics at University College London, she has a Masters in Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine and a PhD in Stem Cell Biology. She is also the founder and CEO of Hertility Health, an award-winning bio-tech business specialising in fertility testing that has raised over £5 million since launch.
Fertility is obviously a hugely sensitive topic, but it’s also one that we never talk about for exactly that reason. When I started this podcast, I wanted it to cover the important topics that we never get taught, and I learnt so so much from Helen that I really couldn’t believe I haven’t researched or known before. If you’re thinking about switching off right now because you find the idea of fertility testing terrifying like I do, I promise you it’s worth sticking it out and listening to this one. However, if you are someone who is currently struggling to conceive, or finds fertility conversations particularly hard, this is an episode to skip.
SHREDDY, TALA and THE PRODUCTIVITY METHOD are my own brands, therefore any mention of them - whilst not being a sponsorship - is monetarily endorsed. As usual, sponsorships do not change my opinions nor my honesty, but I will always disclaim to make sure motives are clear 😊
