This Is Infertility

As we close season 3 of This is Infertility, we are reflecting on a turbulent year marked by extreme loss with the COVID-19 pandemic, a recession, a controversial election, wildfires, and so much more that has tested our resiliency. Whether you're trying to start a family or not, we've all fought through some type of challenge during 2020. So, we've chosen to highlight a few stories of those struggling with infertility that we believe capture this true spirit of resiliency found in humanity this year. Here’s a quick recap of what we achieved during season 3 of This Is Infertility: Over the course of the unique and informative episodes that Progyny produced, we received  over 50,000 downloads, featured 61 guests, and added 6 bonus episodes covering Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients, Fertility and Maternal Health in the Black Community, Fertility Clinics adapting to COVID-19, Fertility Treatment pre and post COVID-19, Telehealth, and Fertility and Well-being during COVID. During this final episode of t

Dealing with infertility comes with an abundance of raw and painful emotions. It’s ok to cry after an especially difficult appointment and it’s not uncommon to feel discouraged. While infertility itself isn’t funny, one way that we take control of stress and sadness is through humor.   Karen Jeffries is the founder of Hilariously Infertile. This includes very honest, witty, and perfectly inappropriate accounts of her own infertility through her book and blog, and meme pages surrounding the subject.  At 29, Karen was diagnosed with PCOS after 6 months of inability to conceive naturally. Although the news inevitably sparked sadness, this is when she started to pick up on funny little details during her appointments. The way her doctor called her husband’s sperm sample a “donation” and explained how the lab “cleans and buffs” the sperm like it was at a spa, Karen couldn’t help but laugh.   She eventually conceived two beautiful girls through   IUI and IVF. While on maternity leave with her second child, h

Episode 87: Cofertility: Infertility Uncomplicated No one ever expects conception to be difficult, so when your pregnancy tests are frequently negative, you’re left with several questions. And what do you do when you have questions? You Google them. However, the internet is not always your best friend when it comes to medical advice. How is anyone supposed to find reliable information on a topic not discussed widely enough, like infertility? Arielle Spiegel found herself lost among unsuccessful doctor’s appointments and bogged down by research that didn’t provide clear solutions. So, she decided to change that. Over the course of three chemical pregnancies, a Uterine Septum removal, three Intrauterine Insemination cycles, two In Vitro Fertilization cycles, and a crushing miscarriage before Mother’s Day (among many other challenges), Arielle felt there must be some way in which she could use her knowledge and Type-A organization skills to help others who are looking for answers too. Thus, began Cofertility, w

Infertility and family building can be scary and isolating at times, especially when it seems like no one else around you are experiencing the same barriers to conception. Even as more people come forward to talk about their struggles, there is still a lack of race representation fueling these conversations.   Regina Townsend is the voice behind The Broken Brown Egg; a blog, resource, and community surrounding her experiences with infertility as a black woman.  Regina was frustrated with society’s outdated health education scaring kids about teen pregnancy and overshadowing important topics like fibroids, endometriosis, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which disproportionally affects black women. Beyond education, she struggled to find black representation for simple things like wedding planning, let alone infertility.   This episode covers Regina’s family building journey from the beginning. Whether it’s PCOS, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or foster care, Regina has been through it all. She refle

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which means today’s bonus episode is all about fertility preservation for cancer, otherwise known as oncofertility. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down but understanding your fertility options from day one can make all the difference. Thanks to earlier detection and improved treatments, survival rates among cancer patients have increased steadily, and as a result, focus has shifted from immediate treatment to life after cancer too, including your future fertility.  This episode comes from a recent webinar featuring Meghan Curci, Progyny Patient Care Advocate, Jaime Knopman, M.D., Director of Fertility Preservation at CCRM New York and part of Progyny’s Provider Network; Emily Rich, VP of Strategic Planning and Operations at UJA and Progyny member; Joyce Reinecke, J.D., Executive Director at Alliance for Fertility Preservation.   Host: Meghan Curci, Progyny Patient Care Advocate   Experts:  Jaime Knopman, M.D., CCRM New York,  Emily Ric

Miscarriage is something that, no matter how many times we discuss it on this podcast, never gets easier to talk about. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we think it’s important to share these stories, just as other podcasters and advocates in the space do.  You may know Ali Prato by her podcast name, “Infertile AF”, and by the open yet relatable way they address fertility and family building. But on today’s episode, Ali walks us through all she did to get there.  After an easy pregnancy, Ali and her husband were confused and devastated when they experienced multiple pregnancy losses trying to conceive their second child. As Ali approached her 40s, she and her husband finally made the expensive decision to pursue IVF. As a podcaster and infertility advocate, Ali is no stranger to talking about her experience with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), secondary infertility, and IVF, but the trauma and emotion from those dark days are still very much with her.  We also hear from Dr. Mon

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and when you hear the word cancer, your mind doesn’t automatically go to fertility preservation. But when 30-year-old Tricia Russo learned she would have to go through chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, reconstruction, and begin taking medications that could prompt menopause for her breast cancer diagnosis, her team quickly floated the idea of freezing embryos.  It’s been nine years since Tricia’s breast cancer diagnosis, and her world looks a lot different. Not only is she a breast cancer survivor, she has endured a brain cancer diagnosis and surgery, became a mother through a surrogate and using donor eggs, and detailed her experience through a documentary film.  In today’s episode, we hear from Tricia on her experience, and get further insight from her fertility doctor, Dr. Natalie Cekleniak of IRMS.  Guests: Tricia Russo, Filmmaker, Dr. Natalie Cekleniak, IRMS  Host: Dan Bulger  You can watch ‘Love Always, Mom’, on Amazon Prime here.  For more epi

In the wake of the recent Black Lives Matter movement, companies, individuals, and institutions are taking a long, reflective look at their biases, policies, and inequalities, in an effort to stand together against systematic racism. The fertility industry is no different.  Enter Chiquita Lockley who realized that none of her friends were ever talking about fertility, infertility, and fibroids, so she decided to make a documentary, Eggs Over Easy. Her upcoming film features interviews with black women and physicians who discuss the jarring racial disparity in healthcare, the stigma of infertility, and need for advocacy and change.   In today’s episode, Chiquita shares some of her findings, like how black women have a 243% maternal mortality rate, and how doctors are quicker to dismiss black women’s concerns, sometimes fatally.  Guests: Chiquita Lockley, filmmaker, Dr Alan Copperman, Medical Director at Progyny  Host: Dan Bulger  You can watch the trailer for Eggs Over Easy here, and keep an eye o

It’s PCOS Awareness Month and for those who have PCOS, you may know firsthand how difficult it can be to conceive naturally.     Kayleigh and Steven Hajny always wanted to have a baby. But when Kayleigh was 16 and diagnosed with PCOS, she was set to believe this was a pipe dream that wouldn’t happen for her unless she did IVF.    So, they decided to go to a fertility specialist for help. What they didn’t expect was the number of treatments and the amount of disappointment they faced. After nine medicated timed intercourse cycles, a failed IUI attempt, and a miscarriage, their fertility coverage was starting to run thin. They were told IVF was the next best option, but there was only $7,000 left of their coverage. How were they supposed to afford this?    With luck, Steven’s employer, VMWare, announced they enhanced their fertility coverage by partnering with Progyny. This meant the Hajnys could move forward with IVF and didn’t have to worry about the financial roadblock. So, they did just that

Today’s bonus episode comes from a recent Progyny webinar, “Fertility and Maternal Health in the Black Community”, which reflects on the inequalities and institutionalized racism within the fertility industry.   Moderated by Progyny’s Manager of Member Services, Selena Campbell, and experts Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry, Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey, and Dr. Renita White, this panel breaks down some of the issues that uniquely face Black women in their fertility journeys, weighed in on why they aren’t getting the care they need, and how they can advocate for it.    Panelists:  Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Chair, UNC School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology;  Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH, Reproductive Endocrinologist, RMA of New York and Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai; Renita White, MD, OBGYN at Georgia Obstetrics & Gynecology  Host: Selena Campbell, Manager, Member Services, Progyny  For more information visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Educati

We talk about this quite often, infertility impacts 1 in 8 with 1/3 of that reason being female factor, 1/3 male factor, and 1/3 combined or unexplained. What we don’t talk about often, is how when it comes to egg freezing, the financial burden typically falls entirely on the female.   In today’s episode, copywriter KelseyFormost discusses her decision to ask her boyfriend to contribute financially should she decide to preserve her fertility. But not only did Kelsey have that difficult conversation with her partner – she opened up to the world when she shared her story .   Kelsey’s story was met with both overwhelming gratitude and judgmental, hurtful comments. But she chose to look at the positive. By sharing her story, she’s able to show others they’re not alone and help people broach this topic with their partner.  Guests: Kelsey Formost, Copywriter, and Infertility Advocate   Host: Dan Bulger  You can find Kelsey’s story in Glamour, here.   For more information visit Progyny’s Podcast page an

A huge misconception in the world of fertility is that egg freezing is an elective procedure and should,  therefore, be treated like one. This is absolutely untrue.   Women are born with all the eggs they will produce during a lifetime, therefore, the quality and quantity of viable eggs diminish as time goes on. And doctors are finding the leading cause of female-factor infertility is diminished ovarian reserve starting around age 35.   Advanced technologies, however, allow women to freeze their eggs before this happens, opening up the possibility of having biological children at some point down the line. In today’s episode, we hear from two women who did exactly that.  Brandi Guthrie and Julie Hunt, both Progyny employees, went through the egg freezing process for different reasons, had different highs and lows, but came out feeling the same thing: empowered and in control of their futures. We also hear from Dr. Alan Copperman on the benefits of fertility preservation.   Guests: Julie Hunt, Director

Infertility is already hard and complex, even with the advanced medicine and technology we have today, but imagine trying over 20 years ago, when commonplace protocols were still being developed. The first baby born via IVF is only 42 years old, and a lot has happened since then.  In today’s episode, we dive into the evolution of IVF over the last 42 years and hear how the challenges of the ‘80s and ‘90s led to technological advancements and the carefully curated protocols we see in fertility clinics today.   We also hear from Sue Johnston, an infertility advocate, who walks us through her fertility journey. Her story spanned during the ‘80s and ‘90’s and a lot different than one may experience today. Sue’s story, one filled with perseverance and a passion to keep fighting, is highlighted alongside a medical history of IVF, discussed by Dr. Alan Copperman.  

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 ge

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 thisisinfertility@progyny.com. 

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 w

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 h

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 f

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 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 vis