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One in 10 women are diagnosed with PMOS (previously PCOS), and most are only getting half the picture. In this episode of the Her Fertility Podcast, fertility support specialist Jess Tims goes beyond hormones and cysts to explore the energetic root of PMOS: what your body is actually communicating, and what it might take to finally feel at home in yourself again.
You'll learn:
→ What PMOS actually is and why it makes getting pregnant so confusing
→ The energetic connection between your ovaries and your personal power center
→ How people pleasing, identity confusion, and self-abandonment may be showing up in your body
→ Why PMOS is not a verdict — it's a message
→ How to start saying yes to yourself and what that has to do with your fertility
This episode draws from traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Reiki healing, and somatic principles to offer a perspective on PMOS you won't find at your OB's office.
🌿 Ready to go deeper? The Fertility Frequency Collective is Jess's membership community for women navigating PMOS, infertility, and the journey to conception. For just $29, get access to a full collection of resources designed to support your body, mind, and energy.
👉 www.herfertility.support/collective
Resources mentioned:
• Anatomy of the Spirit — Caroline Myss
• The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk
Connect with Jess:
📲 Instagram & TikTok: @herfertility.support
🎙️ Free Masterclass: www.herfertility.support/free
NOTE: this episode was recorded prior to the official change from PCOS to PMOS.
One in four pregnancies ends in loss, and most women are navigating it completely alone.
In this episode of the Her Fertility Podcast, fertility support specialist Jess Tims explores what makes pregnancy loss categorically different from other grief, and why traditional therapy often isn't enough to fully heal it.
You'll learn:
→ Why pregnancy loss lives in the body, not just the mind
→ How the nervous system responds to loss (fight, flight, freeze & fawn)
→ What your subconscious mind is really doing when you blame yourself
→ A new, empowering story to give your mind so you can stop looping
→ The "spirit babies" framework, and why it brings so many women peace
Whether you've experienced a miscarriage yourself or you love someone who has, this episode will give you new language, new compassion, and a new way forward.
🌿 Ready to go deeper? The Fertility Frequency Collective is Jess's membership community for women who are ready to open up to the possibility of conception: supporting your mind, body, and heart through every step of the journey.
👉 www.herfertility.support/collective
Resources mentioned:
• The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk
• Spirit Babies — Walter Makichen
Connect with Jess:
📲 Instagram & TikTok: @herfertility.support
🎙️ Free masterclass: The Hidden Systems Keeping You From Getting Pregnant: www.herfertility.support/free
In this episode of the Her Fertility Podcast, host Jess Tims takes a deep dive into IVF (in vitro fertilization) — what it actually is, how the process works step by step, and most importantly, how to protect your nervous system and mindset so your body is as receptive as possible to treatment. Whether you're weighing your options, starting your first IVF cycle, or heading into another round, this episode gives you both the medical knowledge and the emotional tools you need.
The IVF Process, Step by Step
The Mind-Body Connection in IVF
Tools & Support Mentioned
🔗 Fertility Frequency Collective ($29): www.herfertility.support/collective
🔗 Free Masterclass: www.herfertility.support/free
🔗 Research: Emotional Support & IVF Success Study: www.herfertility.support/
🎙️ Previous Episode: IUI Explained: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7885086/
📸 Follow Jess on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@herfertility.support
Are you trying to get pregnant and it's just not happening? Your missing piece might be between the mind + the body. Learn more about this deep connection in my free masterclass: www.herfertility.support/free
If you've been wondering whether IUI (intrauterine insemination) is the right next step on your fertility journey — this episode was made for you. Host Jess Tims, certified fertility support practitioner and Reiki Master, walks through exactly how IUI works, who it's best suited for, what a typical monitored cycle looks like, and — crucially — the mindset reframe that can change everything about how you move through it.
"When you reframe IUI from something you failed into to a technology you are choosing to support your fertility — everything changes. That's not just a mindset shift. That's biology." — Jess Tims
What You'll Learn in This Episode
IUI Step by Step: What the Process Actually Looks Like
A typical monitored IUI cycle
Who IUI works best for
Jess's Personal Story
After more than two years of trying to conceive, Jess noticed irregularities in her basal body temperature charts — a pattern that suggested something was off with ovulation. Her OB-GYN prescribed Clomid for up to six cycles before any referral to a specialist. Jess shares what those cycles felt like — the physical side (manageable), the mental side (heavier), the break she had to take, and the sixth cycle where everything changed.
"It was on our sixth cycle of Clomid that we got pregnant — and it was also the cycle we gave up trying. There's a lot of energy behind all of that, and I go deep on the science of it in the free masterclass."
The Mindset Piece Nobody Talks About
When women begin using fertility technology, the subconscious mind often interprets it as failure: 'Something is wrong with me.' 'Everyone else gets pregnant naturally.' 'I needed help.' Jess addresses this directly — and offers a reframe that isn't just feel-good language. It's grounded in how the nervous system responds to perceived threat vs. perceived choice.
When your brain registers IUI as something happening to you, it responds with stress. When it registers IUI as something you are choosing for yourself, the physiological response is different — and that difference matters for how receptive your body is to treatment.
Resources Mentioned
🎓 Free Masterclass — The Hidden Systems Keeping You From Getting Pregnant: www.herfertility.support/free
💜 Fertility Frequency Collective: www.herfertility.support/collective
🎙️ Next Episode: IVF Explained: www.herfertility.support/podcast
📸 Follow Jess on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@herfertility.support
Disclaimer: The Her Fertility podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
Click here to join the Fertility Frequency Collective
Infertility can make you feel completely disconnected from yourself. And this isn't just in your mind - this is tied to biology as well. This masterclass dives deep into the exhaustion of infertility despite 'doing everything right'. Here you'll learn about the biological shift that happens during infertility: chronic stress keeps the nervous system in survival mode, deprioritizing reproduction, and “giving up” created a signal of safety that let the reproductive system come back online.
Listen to see how the subconscious mind (95% of brain activity) reinforces threat loops that can’t be solved by information, affirmations, or talk therapy alone, and that regulation practices can interrupt the cycle quickly.
This is the part that modern medicine doesn't have time to explain, but the part that matters the most.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve Explained: What a DOR Diagnosis Really Means — and What You Can Still Control
Her Fertility Podcast | Fertility Journey Series
A diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) diagnosis can feel like the ground disappearing beneath you — sudden, shocking, and like you've lost control of your own fertility story. In this episode of the Her Fertility Podcast, Jess Tims walks you through exactly what DOR means, what it doesn't mean, and what you can actually do next. You'll leave this episode with clarity on your five real options, the tools to regulate your nervous system while making high-stakes decisions, and honest answers to the most common questions women ask after receiving this diagnosis.
"A low AMH is not a countdown clock that just hit zero. It is data. And data gives you something to work with." — Jess Tims
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Understanding Your Diagnosis
What AMH measures — and what it doesn't
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) is secreted by the follicles in your ovaries. A higher AMH generally indicates more eggs remaining; a lower AMH indicates fewer. But AMH is a snapshot, not a sentence. It cannot measure egg quality, and it cannot give an exact egg count — that technology doesn't exist yet.
Diminished ovarian reserve means your egg count is lower than expected for your age. It does not automatically mean you cannot get pregnant. Age is one factor — not the only factor.
"AMH does not measure your egg quality. It only measures egg quantity. And there is currently no test that can tell you the quality of your eggs."
Your 5 Options After a DOR Diagnosis
What You Can Control
How you make decisions
You do not have to decide in the appointment room. If you feel pressured, advocate for yourself: 'Thank you for the information. I'm not ready to decide today — when do I need to get back to you by?' That question alone can change the dynamic entirely.
How you experience the journey
The shift from 'this is happening to me' to 'I have data and I am making informed choices' is not a bypass of grief. It's a different place to live from — and it's accessible. But it requires support. Your nervous system is the starting point.
Your nervous system
A dysregulated nervous system — one locked in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — affects your hormones, your sleep, your inflammation levels, and your decision-making clarity. You cannot think your way out of a dysregulated body. You need to come back into it.
Daily practices that help: walking in nature without headphones, warm baths, breathwork, somatic meditation. The goal isn't to feel nothing — it's to feel grounded enough to hear yourself.
TikTok Q&A: Your Real Questions Answered
Q: Did I wait too long?
You will never know the answer to that — and focusing on it keeps you living in the past, where fear has the most room to operate. What matters now is what you do next. Pull yourself into the present moment: what do I know today, and how can I best support myself moving forward?
Q: What if I'm not ready to do IVF yet?
Listen to that. If your body is saying 'not yet,' your nervous system will fight the process the entire time. Egg freezing, an assisted cycle, or simply taking time to feel ready are all legitimate paths. Your readiness is part of the equation.
Q: How do I choose the right clinic or protocol?
Consult at least three clinics. You won't know what's most important to you — the data, the staff, the environment, the success rates — until you can compare. Many areas face fertility care deserts, so traveling for treatment may be a real consideration. Meet with clinics before committing.
Q: How do I talk to my partner about this?
Just start the conversation. You might frame it: 'I'm not looking to solve this right now — I just want to share what I know.' Set the expectation before you begin. Then let the conversation lead where it needs to go.
Q: How do I make decisions without fear running the show?
Fear lives in the past and in an imagined future. When you are grounded in the present — when you can feel the fear, acknowledge it, and return to your body — it loses its grip on your decisions. This is exactly the kind of work the Fertility Frequency Collective was built to support.
Resources Mentioned
🎓 Free Masterclass — Hidden Systems Keeping You from Getting Pregnant: www.herfertility.support/free
💜 Fertility Frequency Collective: www.herfertility.support/collective
📺 Free YouTube Course — Aligned Cycles (understand your ovulation): https://youtu.be/vxbj77DFJpM
🎙️ Next Episode: IUI Explained: www.herfertility.support/podcast
📸 Follow Jess on TikTok & Instagram: @herfertilitysupport
Disclaimer: The Her Fertility podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
Advanced Fertility Testing Before IUI or IVF: Everything You Need to Know About Male and Female Fertility Tests
Episode 52 | Her Fertility Podcast | Fertility Journey Series
Episode Overview
Before your doctor can recommend IUI or IVF, there's a set of advanced fertility tests that build the picture of what's actually happening in your body. In this episode of the Fertility Journey Series, Jess Tims walks through every test you're likely to encounter — for both the male and female partner — explaining what each one measures, how it's done, and what to make of the results. Jess also shares her own emotional experience with the HSG exam, and why preparing yourself emotionally for these appointments matters just as much as preparing physically.
"You don't want to waste any more time just because you don't know something. Ask. Ask your practitioner, ask about your insurance coverage, ask what comes next. Knowledge is how you advocate for yourself." — Jess Tims
What You'll Learn in This Episode
The Tests at a Glance
Test
What it measures
Who it applies to
Semen analysis
Sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape)
Male partner
DNA fragmentation
DNA abnormalities in sperm that could affect embryo development
Male partner (optional add-on)
Hormone panel
Reproductive hormone levels; progesterone tested separately in the luteal phase (around day 20)
Female partner
AMH test
Estimated ovarian reserve (egg count) via anti-Mullerian hormone level
Female partner
HSG exam
Whether fallopian tubes are open or blocked (using dye and imaging)
Female partner (typically required before IUI/IVF)
Male Fertility Testing
Semen analysis
A semen analysis is painless, non-invasive, and yields a significant amount of data. It can be ordered through your primary care physician, via a specialist referral, or done at home through services like Legacy (discount link in the show notes). The analysis measures:
DNA fragmentation analysis
An optional but valuable add-on to the standard semen analysis. This test examines the DNA makeup of the sperm for abnormalities that could affect embryo development — issues that wouldn't show up in a standard analysis. Jess recommends requesting this if it's accessible to you.
Female Fertility Testing
Advanced hormone panel (blood test)
This blood test measures your reproductive hormone levels. Many practitioners split it across two points in your cycle:
Coverage and protocols vary by practitioner and insurance provider. Ask your provider exactly which hormones they're testing and when, so you're not missing key data.
AMH test (anti-Müllerian hormone)
AMH is secreted by the follicles inside your ovaries. Your practitioner measures it via blood test to estimate your ovarian reserve — how many follicles you have remaining. Key things to understand about your AMH result:
If your AMH comes back low, the next episode of the Fertility Journey Series is a full deep-dive on diminished ovarian reserve — what it means, your options, and how to move forward.
HSG exam (hysterosalpingogram)
The HSG exam checks whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked. It is typically a mandatory test before IUI or IVF. During the procedure:
Experiences with the HSG vary widely. For Jess, it was physically painful and emotionally significant — it was the first time she fully faced the reality of her infertility diagnosis. She went alone and wasn't prepared for the physical sensations or the emotional weight of the day.
"I didn't set myself up with the support I needed for that day. Everybody's experience is different — but I would encourage you to bring support with you if you can, because you never know what will come up."
A Note on Emotional Preparation
Advanced fertility tests are medical procedures, but they're also emotionally loaded moments on your journey. Going in informed — knowing what to expect physically, having someone with you, and giving yourself permission to feel what comes up — makes a meaningful difference. At Her Fertility, support options include a full resource library, one-on-one sessions, and a monthly online support circle.
Resources Mentioned
🧬 Legacy at-home semen analysis (use code 'HERFERTILITY'): https://www.givelegacy.com/sperm-testing-kit?_clarm_vid=v_mo1v8s5xf03dqd
🎓 Free Masterclass — Come Back to Yourself: www.herfertility.support/free
💜 Fertility Frequency Collective: www.herfertility.support/collective
🎙️ Next Episode: Diminished Ovarian Reserve Explained: www.herfertility.support/podcast
📸 Follow Jess on social media: @herfertilitysupport
DISCLAIMER
The Her Fertility podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
Infertility & Unexplained Infertility: What It Really Means, Why You're Not Getting Answers, and What to Do Next
Her Fertility Podcast | Fertility Journey Series — Episode 1
Episode Overview
This is the first episode of the Fertility Journey Series — a step-by-step guide through everything that can happen on the path to pregnancy, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. In this opening episode, Jess Tims walks through what an infertility diagnosis actually means, why unexplained infertility is one of the most frustrating places to find yourself, and what to do when Western medicine doesn't have an answer. She shares the HER Fertility Framework, three real client stories that show how unexplained infertility can show up differently in every body, and a grounded list of complementary modalities worth exploring — from acupuncture and Reiki to nervous system support and naturopathic medicine.
"Unexplained infertility just means it's unexplained in Western medicine. If you are not getting pregnant, there is something going on. And that something is worth finding." — Jess Tims
What You'll Learn in This Episode
The HER Fertility Framework
When faced with unexplained infertility, it helps to have a structure. Jess created the HER Fertility Framework as a way to look at fertility from a whole-self perspective — not just the clinical picture.
Letter
Pillar
What it means
H
Hormones
Western medicine and clinical testing — get as much data on your body as possible. Advocate for the tests you need.
E
Energy
Your inner guidance and your body's energy systems. Learn what a yes and a no feel like for you. Your body is already communicating — this is about learning its language.
R
Research
Ground your choices in what the evidence supports, while acknowledging that women's health is under-researched. Use research as one input, not the only one.
"Our hormones play like a symphony. When one instrument is off, the whole song sounds off. You can't separate fertility from the rest of your systems."
Three Client Stories: How Unexplained Infertility Actually Shows Up
Unexplained infertility rarely has a single, obvious cause. These three anonymized client stories illustrate how different the root can be — and why a whole-self approach matters.
Client Story 1: The hidden cyst that regular testing missed
A business owner in her late thirties with regular cycles came to Jess specifically to manage the stress of her fertility journey. When Jess encouraged her to track her basal body temperature and cervical fluid, they noticed she was ovulating very late and experiencing unusually heavy periods. Armed with specific questions, she returned to her doctor and pushed for additional testing. The results revealed a large cyst at her cervix — something that wouldn't have shown up in her standard protocol. After removal, she conceived quickly. Today she is a mother to a baby girl.
Client Story 2: Normal semen analysis, but DNA fragmentation told a different story
A couple who had been trying for over a year had normal results across every standard test. Jess had a sense that sperm quality might be the missing piece, and recommended a DNA fragmentation analysis — an additional sperm test not included in a standard semen analysis. While sperm count, motility, and morphology were all within range, the DNA fragmentation test revealed abnormalities in the sperm's genetic makeup. Once he made changes to support sperm quality, they were able to conceive.
Client Story 3: A nervous system that never got to rest
A high-achieving woman who had been trying for just under a year came to Jess with a feeling that something was off — even though all her numbers were perfect. She exercised every morning, ate a clean diet, and worked a demanding job. When they mapped her daily life, there was no space in it for her nervous system to shift out of sympathetic activation (fight and flight) into parasympathetic rest (rest and digest). Even her sleep was disrupted. Once she created a consistent daily container for nervous system downregulation, her body felt safe enough to conceive. She is now pregnant.
Complementary Modalities Worth Exploring
A note of caution: not every complementary approach will be right for every body. Jess shares her own experience of trying fasting, which led to a cycle disappearing for over 100 days. Listening to your inner guidance — and learning what a yes and a no feel like in your body — is essential before trying anything new.
The Subconscious Mind and Unexplained Infertility
After enough negative pregnancy tests, the subconscious mind begins to interpret hope as a threat. Its job is to protect you from pain — so it starts feeding you thoughts like 'this will never work' or 'why do you think you can get pregnant?' This is not the truth. It is a survival mechanism.
When you can recognize that thought for what it is — your subconscious trying to keep you safe — you can respond with compassion rather than belief. That shift changes everything about how you move through the journey.
"You can hear the thought 'this will never work,' understand where it's coming from, give it compassion — and still want the baby. Both things can be true at once."
Resources Mentioned
💜 Fertility Frequency Collective: www.herfertility.support/collective
🎓 Free Masterclass: www.herfertility.support/free
📸 Follow Jess on social media: @herfertilitysupport
DISCLAIMER
The Her Fertility podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
Find fertility support at www.herfertility.support/free
Disclaimer: The Her Fertility podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
If you've ever asked:
What do I need to know to get pregnant quickly?
How do I get pregnant quickly?
How do I get pregnant naturally?
Or, you're at the start of your fertility journey - then this episode is for you.
Download the free audio to support your fertility journey: CLICK HERE
YouTube Cycle Tracking series: coming soon
Thorne Prenatal Supplement: https://www.thorne.com/u/herfertility
Legacy Semen Analysis (use code 'HERFERTILITY' FOR 15% OFF): https://www.givelegacy.com/sperm-testing-kit
I’m kicking off a new Her Fertility podcast series to walk you through the fertility journey step by step, starting with the moment you decide you want to get pregnant. I cover the science + soul side of fertility (and infertility anxiety around the unknown) and share what both partners need to know: for women
for male fertility
I explain that you need egg, sperm, and cervical fluid as the conduit, why OPKs aren’t required, and why nervous system regulation (rest-and-digest) matters for fertility. I also talk prenatal supplements, Mediterranean-style nutrition, reducing processed foods/sugar/caffeine/alcohol, and safely addressing weight with your provider.
Let's begin:
02:04 Deciding to Try
02:29 Female Prep Basics
04:02 Male Fertility 101
07:51 Nervous System Matters
11:54 Reset and Resources
Find fertility support at www.herfertility.support/free
Disclaimer: The Her Fertility podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.
Secondary Infertility - part 2
Join me in the hot seat as I answer questions about secondary infertility. In this second part of the conversation we discuss:
00:52 Cycle Tracking Basics
06:35 Defeat and Subconscious Mind
10:43 Acceptance and Soul Triangle
14:17 Stress Birth Trauma Depletion
22:49 Cycle Red Flags and Hormones
25:37 Gentle Fertility Support
28:27 Emotional Honesty Over Fixing
30:06 You Are Not Broken
Connect with Sami and the GEM group at https://www.instagram.com/goodenoughmatrescence/
Connect with Jess at www.tiktok.com/@herfertility.support
From the publisher's feed