Infertility is often described as a journey, but it’s important to note that this is a journey people don’t have to take alone. Those in a relationship can rely on each other throughout the experience, reproductive endocrinologists can leverage transformative medical technology along with their expertise to change the narrative, and friends and family can step in at crucial moments to provide emotional and financial support. But there is another mechanism of support that some are fortunate enough to rely on as they embark on this journey: coverage for fertility treatments.  

 In today’s episode, we hear from Hillary Filstrup, who along with her husband Scott is in the midst of an extended journey to parenthood. Hillary’s journey includes bariatric surgery to reduce weight, a lifestyle overhaul to stay healthy, and two IVF cycles. Hillary and Scott have been fortunate to have support through this journey from Scott’s employer, Palo Alto Networks, who has provided the couple with coverage for their fertility treatments through Progyny.  

We also hear from Dr. Laurence Jacobs, a Reproductive Endocrinologist from Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI), who gives us an overview of the connection between obesity and infertility, and the efficacy of bariatric surgery for certain patients. He also discusses the benefits of PGT-A testing for IVF.  

Guest: Hillary Filstrup, Progyny member

Expert: Dr. Laurence Jacobs, Fertility Centers of Illinois 

Host: Sam Correll, Vice President, Provider Account Management 

For more information visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources on emotional support and awareness.   

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