Fertility Forward

Knowledge is power, and you are your best advocate. Sharing her story on the podcast today is former patient Caitlin Zikoyanis, who underwent genetic IVF to eliminate the BRCA 2 gene. Tune in today to hear her story of successfully removing risk from her children’s lives through fertility treatment with RMA’s Dr. Matthew Letterman. Learn from what she would do differently and where she found her best support, and hear us bust a myth about recessive genes. Find out how genetic IVF can completely eliminate BRCA, and what Caitlin would like anyone dealing with the same issues as her to know. At the same time, they navigate the minefield of fertility treatment and cancer. As always, we finish with a moment of gratitude from each of us. Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode of Fertility Forward, we are joined by our newest member of RMA New York, reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Rachel Danis. Listening in, you will hear all about Rachel’s professional journey from her passion for how REI hits home for her as a woman, to why she chose reproductive endocrinology. Next, we delve into the new drug Elagolix, how it is helpful for women with endometriosis, why Rachel wanted to do research and studies on it, and what she discovered through her research process. Rachel also shares the side effects of the drug before talking about her goals to expand much-needed fertility care to Brooklyn during her time at RMA. As usual, to end off, Dr. Danis tells us what she is grateful for today. So tune in now to welcome Dr. Rachel Danis and hear more from her! 

Knowledge is power, so listen to your body. Ovarian cancer, one of the many cancers plaguing our society, is often hard to diagnose because of its range of different signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Our guest today on the Fertility Forward podcast is Pamela Esposito-Amery, the co-founder, CEO, and board member of Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation also known as T.E.A.L.®. As you tune into the podcast today, you’ll hear from Pamela about how T.E.A.L.® came to be, why resources for ovarian cancer were limited, her sister’s journey, and much more. Make sure you don’t miss out. Tune in today! 

Welcome back to another episode of Fertility Forward. Today we are joined by a very special guest who is both a reproductive specialist and someone who has struggled with infertility, Dr. Jenna Friedenthal. Tuning in you’ll hear about Jenna’s experience with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), her biochemical pregnancy experience, and how the treatment affected her partner. She also shares how she was able to navigate her own struggles while supporting her patients going through similar journeys. Jenna tells us what it was like to work with women whose biggest dream is to be pregnant as a visibly pregnant woman and why she shared her own experiences with them. And lastly, we express gratitude for our beautiful miracle daughters. To hear all about the light at the end of the infertility tunnel, press play now! 

Gender identity is a biological phenomenon! Here to discuss transgender care today is the executive director of the Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, Dr. Joshua Safer. Tuning in you’ll hear about Dr. Safer’s illustrious career in health care, how he ended up in transgender care, and how the CTMS program started. We also discuss why gender identity falls under the diagnostic category of sexual health and why it is still classified under the mental health code. Next, we talk about how the CTMS program has evolved, what Dr. Safer has learned from his patients, how treatment is customized, and where Dr. Safer sees this field going in the future. Finally, we look at how fertility affects transgender care before we all share what we are grateful for today. To hear all of this and be inspired to get educated on gender identity, join us now! 

Believe it or not, the new legislation surrounding abortion laws will have an impact on fertility care and IVF. Today on Fertility Forward, we are joined by hope counselor, Kimberly Thornton, and lawyer and owner of Reproductive Possibilities, Melissa Brisman, to discuss exactly how Wade vs. Roe will affect fertility care. Tuning in, you’ll hear how the reduction of multiples may be problematic under the new legislation, the differences in different states, how ectopic pregnancies will fit into abortion trigger laws, and the balancing act of deciphering laws when we aren’t able to determine when life begins, and how fertility companies and resources will be affected. We also discuss why we still have a voice and can advocate for change. To find out why hope is not lost, press play now! 

Today, on Fertility Forward, we are joined by a true hero in the world of fertility rights. Risa Levine is an attorney, a volunteer advocate for expanding fertility rights, and a Fierce Women’s Health and infertility advisor. We discuss what the overturn of Roe v. Wade means for fertility and IVF, with Risa offering us a definition of trigger laws, the differences between safe or blue states and red states, and how these trigger laws could potentially impact fertility care. She enlightens as to on why there aren’t immediate concerns about fertility and IVF while warning us about the long-term concerns that could potentially plague fertility care in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned. We also discuss the importance of advocacy, getting involved in any way you can, and calling out those who are ‘hurting’ women and thanking those who are ‘helping’, as well as why everybody is impacted by this new legislature. To find out how you can advocate for women’s reproductive rights, plus so much more, tune in today! 

Everyone’s IVF journey is different. Here with us today to discuss the ups and downs of their experience are Rokia and Tina. We discuss why they chose RMA to assist them in creating a family and why they felt it was important that they both felt they were a part of the process. Next, we look at the research that goes into IVF planning and why it can only help you to a certain extent before discussing the dangers of ‘Dr. Google.’ We talk about the most difficult part of the process for them so far, the genetic testing their one viable embryo had to have, the hormones that affected their relationship, and how they have been each other’s support system and are closer as a result. Finally, we discuss the importance of selecting a doctor that is right for you, especially in the virtual world we live in today and we take a look at Rokia and Tina’s future as parents. Tune into Fertility Forward to hear more! 

Everyone’s fertility journey is different, and this is particularly true for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Joining us today for Pride Month are two very special guests, Finn Brigham and Dr. Juliet Widoff from Callen-Lorde. Dr. Juliet Widoff is an internist with a specialization in HIV care. She has been a primary care provider in a myriad of settings, and, for the bulk of her career, she has been providing services primarily to the LGBTQ+ communities. Finn Brigham is the Director of Project Management at Callen-Lorde and has extensive experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, HIV-positive individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals affected by mental illness and substance use. In this episode, we discuss the various barriers to care that LGBTQ+ people face in reproductive health, as well as the lack of support around fertility and parental rights for LGBTQ+ families. Our guests explain why it’s important to start the family planning conversation with people of transgender experience early on in their transition process, how LGBTQ+ families differ from the nuclear heteronormative family, and the challenges faced by ‘queer spawn’. Tune in to stay informed and find out where to find support, if you feel misunderstood by the medical field and the world at large. 

Struggling with infertility and trying to conceive can often feel lonely and isolating. If only there was a simple and practical guide for those on this journey. Well, now there is! Join us today for an intimate conversation about Rena Gower’s new book, Infertility 101: A Quick & Concise Guide to the Club You Never Wanted to Join, which touches on a diverse range of topics and materials that those struggling with infertility may be grappling with. In this episode, Rena shares how she channeled her personal experience into writing the book, how she hopes to destigmatize the topic of infertility by empowering those going through it to share, and why she is so wary of toxic positivity, as well as who the book was written for. She also offers some journaling prompts, practical mindfulness exercises, and resources to help you stay grounded and ease anxiety along the way. A useful tool for individuals, partners, friends, and family, Infertility 101 provides an inside look at what those on their infertility journey may be facing, so make sure to tune in today to learn more!