S9E20: The Hidden Impact of Infertility on Sex, Desire and Connection

In this powerful episode of The Worst Girl Gang Ever, we sit down with Lucy Frank, a qualified psychosexual and relationship therapist, to dive into the emotional and intimate realities couples face when dealing with infertility, miscarriage, childlessness not by choice, and sexual dysfunction. We talk openly about the impact of fertility struggles on sex and intimacy, including how IVF, miscarriage trauma, and the pressure to conceive can erode desire, communication, and connection. Lucy shares both clinical insights and her own deeply personal experience of involuntary childlessness and relationship loss, bringing unmatched empathy and authenticity to this often-silenced topic. In this episode, you’ll learn: What a psychosexual therapist does and how they support couples struggling with intimacy issues and sexual dysfunction The complex emotional fallout of deciding to stop fertility treatment and how to process grief, identity loss, and shifting life plans The psychological and relational effects of miscarriage, IVF trauma, and childlessness on long-term relationships How to rebuild intimacy and trust after infertility – from communication tips to non-penetrative intimacy exercises Why men are increasingly seeking therapy for erectile dysfunction, performance anxiety, and emotional burnout in the fertility journey How to support your partner while also protecting your own emotional boundaries during a time of intense personal grief This is an unmissable conversation for anyone navigating the complex crossroads of grief, identity, intimacy, and fertility. About The Worst Girl Gang Ever The Worst Girl Gang Ever is a real, honest, and emotive podcast that covers the heartbreaking subject of miscarriage, infertility, and baby loss. Expect raw conversations about unspoken experiences, hosted by TWGGE founders Bex Gunn and Laura Buckingham. This show aims to break the silence and open dialogue around miscarriage and pregnancy loss. No more shame, no more taboo—let’s change the narrative for future generations. Support and Resources: Access The Warriorship The Warriorship is our free peer to peer membership platform, connecting you with others who ‘just get it’ through whats app groups, online drop in sessions, a book club, creative workshops and informative webinars. Join now and instantly connect with others who understand the challenges you face.⁠https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/membership/ ⁠ Our book We are here to tell you that you are entitled to grieve, and that your grief is not disproportionate to your loss. We are here to open up the dialogue around miscarriage, so we don’t perpetuate the shame, judgement and isolation so many of us feel following pregnancy loss. We are here to equip you with knowledge, tools and guidance to support and help you in whatever way you need. ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0008524998/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices