By Ashley & Brooks McMahon
Welcome to "Worth A Shot," the heartfelt podcast where the journey through infertility and IVF is explored through the honest and raw experiences of husband and wife duo, Ashley and Brooks. Join us
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The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.
In our Season 1 finale, we reveal our PGT results and share the excitement and nerves of preparing for the frozen embryo transfer. We answer questions from family and friends, offering a peek into our journey and the steps we're taking for the big day. Join us as we talk about our hopes, fears, and everything in between during this emotional and hopeful time. We will be back soon! For now...focusing on this next big step in our journey!
Stay connected:
@theworthashotpodcast
@itsashleymcmahon
In this week's episode of our IVF journey, we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of Ashley's recovery week following the fifth round. The tension builds as we await the life-changing phone call that reveals our embryo results, a moment that always has the power to redefine our path. With the call finally received, we discuss the results and the next steps in our journey, balancing hope and realism. As we move forward, we reflect on our mixed feelings—anticipation, resilience, and a cautious optimism guiding us through the uncertainties ahead.
In this week's episode, you can get to know us on a personal level as we dive into your random questions, sharing insights into our lives outside the fertility journey. We chat about things like our current favorite TV shows, reveal our top travel destinations, and discuss what we do for work. We also open up about our favorite parts of parenting and much more, giving you a closer look at who we are beyond the infertility narrative. Tune in for a fun, personal, and relaxed episode!
In this week's episode, we dive into our latest journey with IVF round #5, trying a different protocol this time around. We've faced unexpected plot twists and started from scratch, navigating through the emotional highs and lows of each piece of news. Now, we're in the waiting game, unsure of what's next but hopeful for a positive outcome. Join us as we share our experiences, reflections, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward.
Follow along:
@theworthashotpodcast
@itsashleymcmahon
**We apologize if this week's episode quality isn't the best. There were some unforeseen microphone issues**
In this week's episode, we delve into the importance of supporting friends and family through the challenging journey of IVF. We share personal experiences of what has been helpful and what hasn't over the past few years, offering insights into the do's and don'ts of providing support. We emphasize the need to give grace to loved ones who may not always know the best way to show their support. Finally, we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stood by us during this journey, acknowledging their unwavering support and love.
Amazon Gift List: CLICK HERE
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@theworthashotpodcast
In this week's episode, we're diving into our listener mailbag! You've sent in some thoughtful questions, and we're here to answer them! No topic is off-limits! We love hearing from you and are excited to explore the topics that matter most to you all! Tune in to hear insightful discussions, surprising facts, and even a few laughs as we tackle your questions head-on!
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We are back! In this week's episode we're diving into male factor infertility, a topic that unexpectedly became a significant part of our lives back in 2020 when Brooks was diagnosed with a condition where he was born without vas deferens. We want to shed light on this topic because it's often overshadowed by female infertility, despite it accounting for about a third of infertility cases. Male infertility can result from various factors like low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages. We'll discuss how lifestyle choices, health conditions, and even environmental factors can impact sperm quality, count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. Our aim is to foster awareness and encourage early testing, which can be straightforward and less invasive compared to female testing. Infertility isn't just a female issue; it's a shared challenge that requires attention to both partners' health. We'll also explore why MFI is less talked about, possibly due to the stigma men feel around their masculinity and societal focus on women as child-bearers. Through listener feedback and expert insights, we'll debunk myths, highlight the alarming decline in sperm rates, and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for maintaining male fertility. We discuss practical tips for improving sperm health and address your questions about MFI testing and getting your partner on board with making necessary changes.
At Home Sperm Test: CLICK HERE
Natalie Crawford (Fertility Specialist): CLICK HERE
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@theworthashotpodcast
@itsashleymcmahon
In this final full update of round four, we dive into the emotional aftermath of receiving our PGT results. The news wasn't just that our embryo was abnormal; it felt like a crushing halt to our dreams of expanding our family. The past four months of effort, anticipation, and sacrifice seemed wasted, leaving us back at square one and grappling with the disappointment. We discuss the struggle of navigating appointments, feeling invalidated, and the exhaustion of having our lives on hold. Addressing questions about our persistence for a second child and contemplating a potential round 5, we share our mixed feelings and the uncertain path ahead. Despite not wanting our podcast to focus solely on this journey, we hope sharing our experiences in real-time has been valuable to our listeners. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Follow along:
@theworthashotpodcast
@itsashleymcmahon
In this week's episode, we share part three of our "real time" IVF journey. Join us as we navigate the nerve-wracking wait for embryo results, discuss the significance of PGT testing, and unpack the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with each step. We discuss Mother's Day and the complexities of our own journey towards growing our family amidst a day filled with celebration and reflection. Tune in as we share our candid thoughts on overcoming hurdles and staying hopeful for what lies ahead on this unpredictable path.
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@theworthashotpodcast
@itsashleymcmahon
In this episode, we bring you a PART TWO of real-time updates from the roller coaster that is infertility treatment. This week, we delve into the aftermath of a significant glitch in our journey, navigating through mistakes and moments of miracles. Join us as we candidly share the ups and downs of our egg retrieval and sperm retrieval surgeries, along with the challenges of recovery and the agonizing wait that follows. Amidst it all, we open up about the impact of past traumas on our present experiences, exploring how we're coping and finding resilience in the face of adversity. Tune in for a raw and honest conversation!
Follow along:
@theworthashotpodcast
@itsashleymcmahon
The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.