Dagenham-born Andy Ryan, 45, appeared on the Channel 4 show earlier this year and has now shared his journey to parenthood.
He and his partner Nickie, who now live in Romford, had their daughter Maisie after ten rounds of IVF.
Andy said: “I always wanted to be a dad to a dozen.
“To finally become a father after all the years of IVF was an incredible feeling.
“We feel extremely fortunate to have our amazing daughter Maisie.”
They met at a golf club party celebrating his 30th birthday in 2010, and after a year of trying to conceive naturally, they sought medical advice.
Mr Ryan said: “The doctors told us she probably wouldn’t carry due to high FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels.
“However, they overlooked her endometriosis, which was affecting those levels.
“If it had been treated first, things might have turned out differently.”
They started IVF in 2011, and underwent ten rounds before they had their daughter.
Andy said: “When the first five attempts failed, it really took a toll on us.
“We had to keep believing, even when it was hard.
“We made trips to Madrid for treatments, turning each visit into an adventure to keep our spirits up.
“We’d plan nice meals out and visit local markets.
“It made us excited to return, rather than just viewing them as medical visits.”
He said the process was emotionally challenging, especially as a man.
“One of the hardest parts for me was the requirement to produce a specimen in a clinical room.
“The discomfort of that situation is hard to articulate being surrounded by distracting materials, hearing others outside, and needing to perform under pressure truly tests your confidence.”
He said it was also difficult to see Nickie going through the physical repercussions of hormone injections.
He said: “As a man, finding the right way to support my partner during this time was challenging.
“I found myself questioning, ‘Am I doing enough?
“Am I being supportive?
“Is this process really going to work?’
“That self-doubt crept in often.”
The couple also went through several miscarriages, including one involving triplets.
Andy said: “When we learned we were expecting triplets, I was both thrilled and terrified.
“But when we miscarried at ten weeks, I felt devastated.
“It struck me how much I wanted to be a father.”
When Maisie was born, he said he felt a mix of joy and disbelief.
He said: “It was the most beautiful moment, and I was shocked – I was expecting her to be a boy.
“But even then, we faced challenges.
“Nickie had to undergo a C-section, which added to the emotional rollercoaster we were on.”
He also had a message for other men going through the same thing.
He said: “Don’t give up.
“Miracles do happen, even if it tests your relationship.
“Be prepared for ups and downs, but believe in the journey and the process.
“Be patient and understanding.
“The injection process can be tough for your partner, and while it’s important to maintain a positive outlook, acknowledging the physical toll is equally significant.
“Remember, it can be challenging for you too, whether it’s the clinical settings, the emotional pressure, or the role of support.
“It’s crucial to communicate openly about your fears and doubts.”
