This is Fertility

Growing up with a rare blood disorder can flip your world upside down. It can also make you question what to do when it comes to building a family and what options are even available. Luckily, science has progressed to a point where genetic testing before IVF can help increase the odds of a healthy singleton baby.

In this episode, Rachel Russell tells us her story on balancing Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) while still wanting to have a child. DBA is a dominant disorder that primarily affects the bone marrow, which can cause anemia. There's a 50% chance the disorder can be passed on, which meant Rachel and her husband were stuck on what to do. After extensive research, the Russells decided to move forward with PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic, formerly known as PGD), so the doctor could transfer an embryo without the rare disorder.

We also hear from Dr. Beth Plante, a reproductive endocrinologist at Fertility Centers of New England, who breaks down how PGT-M works.

For other episodes on genetic testing, check out:

• Episode 46: Genetic Testing: Can it be Non-Invasive?
• Episode 45: Genetic Testing: Is it Cost Effective?
• Episode 44: Genetic Testing: IVF and Fruitful Fertility

Guest: Rachel Russell, Infertility Advocate and Dr. Beth Plante, Fertility Centers of New England

Host: Shannon Zuber

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

In this bonus episode, we hear from Dr. Alan Copperman, Medical Director at Progyny, with insights on how fertility clinics have become safer and more efficient than ever before, the impact of telehealth when it comes to the patient and doctor relationship, how the field of reproductive medicine has faced the challenges of the pandemic, and ways in which the current practices can inform the future.

Expert: Dr. Alan Copperman, Progyny and RMA of NY

Host: Dan Bulger

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

Infertility is a long and stressful process, and while you may feel alone on your journey, 1 in 8 couples are going through the same exact thing. It can take a toll on you emotionally, financially and physically, but a support system and positive mindset can help along the way.

In this episode, we hear from Chrissy Hogie on her fertility story that the highs and lows, the feelings of isolation, and the amazing support system she had around her. Three years and many doctor visits later, Chrissy is now pregnant with her first child, and shedding light on the importance of talking about infertility to raise awareness, fight stigmas, and prove to those going through this – you're never alone.

Guest: Chrissy Hogie, Infertility Advocate

Host: Dan Bulger, Producer at Progyny

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

Infertility can be draining for many reasons – the financial burden, the emotional toll, the relationship friction, and so much more. Then add the extra layer of having a job that puts you in the spotlight where fans depend on your presence, despite what's happening at home, and you have a recipe for severe emotional distress.

Then add the pressure of having a job that puts you in the spotlight where you're having to show up for fans and followers, regardless of what's going on at home. It can b

In today's episode, co-founder of The Ainsworth and founder of HPLT: High Performance Lifestyle Training, Brian Mazza and his wife, CNN Entertainment Reporter, Chloe Melas share how they managed just that. With both male and female factor infertility, multiple rounds of failed IUI, a clinic change, and IVF, Brian and Chloe had to navigate their relationship and careers with thousands of eyes watching from behind the TV and smartphone screens.

Brian has spent the past few Father's Days celebrating with his sons, but the road to fatherhood was a long one, paved with hardship and tension. Like all dads who celebrate after an infertility struggle (and those who are still on their journey!), this day is an emotional one.

Guests: Brian Mazza, entrepreneur, and Chloe Melas, CNN Entertainment Reporter

Host: Lissa Kline

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

As cities across the US begin lifting restrictions for public facilities, fertility clinics are reopening their doors and seeing patients. But what can a patient expect from their clinics in this COVID and the post-COVID environment?

In this bonus episode, we are sharing a panel conversation that dives into what to expect regarding fertility treatment in the present and near future, how clinics are prioritizing safety measures, and how patients can prepare for their visits. Learn from three fertility specialists about the trends they're seeing, questions they're getting and commitments they're making to ensure safe and healthy access to fertility care.

Host: Dan Bulger

Experts:

Lissa Kline, LCSW, Vice President, Member and Provider Services at Progyny, Dr. Debra Minjarez, Spring Fertility, Dr. Brooke Hodes-Wertz of NYU Langone Fertility Center and Dr. Allison Rodgers from Fertility Centers of Illinois.

For additional resources, check out Progyny's COVID-19 Resources, and to listen to other family building stories visit Progyny's Podcast page.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

It's Pride Month and we're highlighting what it's like to build a family as a same-sex couple. For some, the ideal scenario is you meet, fall in love, get married, pick a sperm donor, and have a baby. Ok, not every couple is out there picking a sperm donor, but if you're a same-sex female couple, it's a necessary step in the family-building process.

In today's episode, we hear from Samantha and Jessica Pace, who's journey had its own set of challenges. After 10 failed IUIs, they decided to move forward with IVF but weren't sure how they'd be able to afford it. Fortunately, Jessica realized her employer offered the Progyny benefit and as soon as they were able to, they put their next plan into motion. But as they moved forward with IVF, COVID-19 came into the picture and complicated things even further. The Paces discuss the ups and downs of pre-motherhood, why they documented their journey on YouTube, and where they are today.

Guests: Samantha and Jessica Pace, Progyny Members

Host: Dan Bulger

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources on LGBTQ+ family building.

You can follow along with Samantha and Jessica's pregnancy journey via their YouTube channel, "Call Us The Paces".

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

For some the road to parenthood may include things such as IUI, IVF, PGS, ICSI, and COVID-19. Those all sound familiar except for the last one. These past few months, COVID-19 has upended many aspects of daily life, bringing grief and uncertainty for people all around the globe. And the fertility industry, one that is often shrouded in uncertainty, is no exception.

In this episode, we hear from Kim Tranell and Josh Roth, about their family building journey. After years of trying to conceive naturally, Kim and Josh found themselves in the world of infertility. One that was filled with different fertility treatments, a diagnosis of poor quality, and mixed emotions. They soon realized the only thing they could control was their next step to parenthood. But what happens when pandemic hits? Josh and Kim share the impact of COVID-19 and where they are today.

Guests: Josh Roth and Kim Tranell, Infertility Advocates

Host: Lissa Kline, VP of Member and Provider Services at Progyny

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

Check out these articles detailing the couples' story in Women's Health and People Magazine.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

Just because most in-person fertility treatments are paused due to COVID-19, doesn't mean you can't chat with your doctor, discuss a protocol and get the ball moving forward while in quarantine.

In this bonus episode we are sharing a panel conversation that explains how telehealth can help you get started or continue moving along on your fertility journey during COVID-19. Learn what to expect, how telehealth differs from an in-person visit, and how treatment in the clinic will look with new social distancing and safety precautions in place.

We understand how difficult infertility is—and how frustrating interruptions to treatment can be—which is why we have put together this webinar with a panel of fertility experts to answer any questions you have.

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

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

Guests:

Featuring fertility experts from Progyny's provider network:

Lissa Kline, LCSW, Vice President, Member and Provider Services, Progyny

Alan Copperman, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, RMA New York, Medical Director, Progyny

Jonathan Kort, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, RMA Northern California

Philip Chenette, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Pacific Fertility Center

Gerard Letterie, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Seattle Reproductive Medicine

Host: Dan Bulger, Multimedia Producer at Progyny

Mother's Day can be hard for so many – children who have lost mothers, mothers who have lost children, and women in pre-motherhood who are struggling with infertility or a pregnancy loss. These women are dedicated to a child they have not yet met.

This was the case for Shara Hutchinson who, after years of Clomid treatments, surgeries, failed IVF cycles, an ectopic pregnancy and a late-term pregnancy loss, still wanted to be a mom.

In today's episode, Shara takes us through all she went through in order to make her dreams of motherhood come to fruition. She worked two jobs (while in school), created a side gig to make extra cash, borrowed from friends and family but above all, she had hope that if she continued to try, she would get pregnant.

Shara chronicled her experience in her book, "I Still Want to be a Mom: An Inspirational guide to Help Women Struggling with Infertility" and through a recent TEDx Talk. She became an inspiration to many as they navigate their own paths to parenthood.

Guest: Shara Hutchinson, Author and Speaker

Host: Dan Bulger, Producer at Progyny

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

Check out Shara's Tedx Talk and her book, "I Still Want to be a Mom: An Inspirational guide to Help Women Struggling with Infertility".

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].

In honor of this year's National Infertility Awareness Week (4/19 – 4/25), we're doing a five-part series that highlights Resolve's theme of 'Changing the Conversation'. Over the past two years we've had conversations with people still experiencing infertility, people who have reached their end goals, people who've dedicated their lives to helping others, and people who are just entering this ever-expanding world of infertility.

We're focusing these episodes on change, how our guests have changed since we last visited them, how their priorities have changed, and how their situation has changed. We hope by doing so we can do our small part to help change the conversation and enhance public understanding that infertility needs attention and to ensure others they aren't alone in this journey.

In today's episode, we hear from two previous guests who took very different journeys but ultimately, made it to the same destination: motherhood.

Jenna Marinelli was diagnosed with premature menopause and told it would be unable to conceive using her eggs. After accepting this difficult news, Jenna and her husband moved forward with an anonymous donor, who made it possible for Jenna to give birth to three children.

Laura Perez unsure of her relationship but aware that she was getting older, used her Progyny benefit to freeze her eggs at 35. Since then, she's gotten married and started to think about having a baby. So she decided to use her frozen eggs and was left with one healthy embryo.

Guests: Laura Perez, Senior Director, Claims and Provider Service at Progyny and Jenna Marinelli, Infertility Advocate

Host: Dan Bulger, Producer at Progyny

Be sure to check out Jenna's previous episode here, and Laura's previous episode here.

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

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].