This is Fertility

Latest Episodes:

#NIAW: Pregnantish to Mom: Andrea Syrtash Apr 22, 2020

Show notes

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 get an update from Andrea Syrtash, founder of Pregnantish and guest from season one, to hear about what has changed in her life since she started to explore surrogacy. We'll also hear about how she's using her platform to build an infertility community, how she handled (spoiler alert) her pregnancy announcement, and what's next for Pregnantish.

Guest: Andrea Syrtash, Founder & Editor-in-chief of Pregnantish

Host: Dan Bulger, Producer at Progyny

Be sure to check out Andrea's previous episode – Season 1, Episode 10 and to read the story in People mentioned in this episode, see here.

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page, Pregnantish, 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 thisisinfertility@progyny.com.

#NIAW: An Eggcellent Adventure to Parenthood: Matt and Doree Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Today, we catch up with Matt Mira and Doree Shafrir, hosts of the hit podcast "Matt and Doree's Eggcellent Adventure", and guests of ours from season one. When we last spoke, Matt and Doree were in the midst of their family building journey, one that included multiple rounds of IVF and a chemical pregnancy. A lot has changed since then (including the birth of a baby boy!), so we're checking in to see what's next for the couple.

Guest: Matt Mira and Doree Shafrir, hosts of Matt and Doree's Eggcellent Adventure

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

Be sure to check out Matt and Doree's previous episode – Season 1, Episode 11.

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page, Matt and Doree's Eggcellent Adventure, 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 thisisinfertility@progyny.com.

#NIAW: A Surprise on the Today Show Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

In today's episode, we hear from Jessica Bell -- you may remember her and her husband, Robbie, as the grant recipients from Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund that were surprised on The TODAY show! Faced with an infertility diagnosis and multiple failed rounds of IUI, Jessica and Robbie applied for the financial assistance needed to pursue IVF. After being surprised by Samantha and Kyle Busch, the grant money, and a Progyny Patient Care Advocate – all on live television – Jessica began her IVF journey and is here to update us on where they are today.

Guest: Jessica Bell, Bundle of Joy Recipient

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

To watch the surprise on the TODAY show, see here.

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page , Bundle of Joy Fund, 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 thisisinfertility@progyny.com.

Bonus Episode 2: COVID-19 – Your Fertility and Well-being Apr 15, 2020

Show notes

In a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has infiltrated all aspects of life from our ability to see friends and loved ones, to our planned medical procedures and treatments. With American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) pausing fertility treatments, patients are left wondering what they should do next.

In today's bonus episode, we're airing a panel discussion, curated by Progyny, on fertility and wellbeing during this time. We'll hear from three fertility specialists, Dr. Janet Choi of CCRM NY, and Dr. Lorna Marshall of Pacific NW Fertility, and Michele Carroll a clinical social worker and Provider Account Manager at Progyny. They'll dive into ASRM's guidelines for COVID-19, how you can take care of your mental health during this pause and what you can do now to help optimize your fertility.

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

Experts: Dr. Janet Choi, Medical Director at CCRM NY, Dr. Lorna Marshall, Pacific NW Fertility, and Michele Carroll, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker and Provider Account Manager at Progyny

For additional resources during this time visit Progyny's COVID-19 Resources and to listen to other family building stories visit Progyny's Podcast page.

If you would like to share your story or how you're finding purpose in the pause, please reach out to us at thisisinfertility@Progyny.com.

IVF, bariatric surgery, and finding the strength to move forward Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

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.

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.

Becoming Mrs. Nevada and an Infertility Advocate Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

There's nothing that sounds more glamorous and extravagant than being in a beauty pageant, and while it can certainly be rewarding, it can also be a very vulnerable experience. Opening yourself up to the world and sharing intimate details of your life can be incredibly daunting.

In today's episode, we hear from Amanda Klein, a 2019 Mrs. Nevada contestant and winner, who while preparing and planning for pageants, was simultaneously fighting her own battle with infertility. After experiencing three devastating pregnancy losses, Amanda discovered she had a bicornuate uterus, a condition involving a "heart-shaped" uterus and an increased risk of miscarriage. We'll hear her story of trying to find the right doctor, coming to terms with the idea of using a gestational surrogate, and finding the courage to share her story.

After winning Mrs. Nevada, Amanda not only won a title, but also a powerful platform. From traveling to Washington, DC with RESOLVE to meet with senators and congress members to hosting a community health fair with over 200 attendees to documenting her infertility journey on her blog — Amanda has become an infertility advocate that is vocal about her own experience and dedicated to creating change for others.

We also hear from Dr. Whitten, a Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist at the Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, who educates us on the normal functioning of a uterus, the impact of a bicornuate uterus on fertility, and the various uses for gestational surrogacy.

Guest: Amanda Klein, USOA Mrs. Nevada 2019

Expert: Dr. Scott Whitten, Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine

Host: Shannon Zuber, Communications Associate at Progyny

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page, RESOLVE, and Progyny's Education page for more resources on how to best handle a miscarriage.

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.

Endometriosis and Fertility: The Intersection Between Endometriosis and Sex Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a common condition that is often extremely painful, hard to diagnose, and can affect a woman's fertility. This year, we're back with a special series to bring awareness to this disease.

In the last episode, we heard from Dr. Tamer Seckin, co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America, who broke down the painful and often problematic symptoms of the condition. In this episode, we hear from Carli Blau, who has experienced those symptoms firsthand.

Carli, a sex and relationship therapist in New York City, was diagnosed with endometriosis at 14 and is very vocal about her journey with endometriosis and infertility. She shares her story of being sexually active at a young age, reaching a diagnosis after months of painful symptoms, getting surgery to remove the infected tissue, and ultimately utilizing IVF to start her family.

We'll also learn how Carli uses her career to support individuals who struggle with infertility, endometriosis, and sex-related issues. She continues to be an endometriosis advocate through her work with the Endometriosis Foundation of America, where she speaks about the intersection between endometriosis and sexual functioning.

Guest: Carli Blau, Sex and Relationship Therapist

Host: Dr. Georgia Witkin, Head of Patient Services Development at Progyny

In case you've missed it, here are past episodes we've released on endometriosis:

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Endometriosis Foundation of America.

To learn more about endometriosis, check out Progyny's What is Endometriosis Infographic.

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.

Endometriosis and Fertility: The Purpose of the Endometriosis Foundation of America Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

In the first episode, we hear from Dr. Tamer Seckin, a world-renowned endometriosis specialist and surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. He's also the co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound), a powerful non-profit that strives to increase awareness, advocacy, surgical training, and research for the disease.

Dr. Seckin sheds light on the causes, symptoms and treatment for endometriosis and what his team at EndoFound are doing to improve the lives of women that suffer from endometriosis, both current and future.

Expert: Dr. Tamer Seckin, co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America

Host: Dr. Georgia Witkin, Head of Patient Services Development at Progyny

In case you've missed it, here are past episodes we've released on endometriosis:

For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page and Endometriosis Foundation of America.

To learn more about endometriosis, check out Progyny's What is Endometriosis Infographic.

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.

The Frustrations and Hopes of an Unfinished Fertility Journey Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

When experiencing something as challenging as infertility, it can be helpful to hear stories, advice, and guidance from those who have been through it. However, we usually hear from people who were successful in growing their families. But what about those who are still going through treatment, and are uncertain of where their fertility journey will lead them? How can you make it through without setting expectations of having a picture-perfect ending? In today's episode, we hear from Kelly Partner, who wanted to share her story while the ending was still unknown. Kelly and her husband have been trying to have a baby for over a year, which has been filled with rounds of IUI, a male infertility diagnosis for her husband, and multiple pregnancy losses. Kelly shares the emotions, frustrations, hopes, and fears that occur during the process of trying to conceive while not knowing what the future holds. We also hear from Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry, a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist at UW Medicine, who gives us an overview of miscarriages, chemical pregnancies, and breaks down the benefits of ICSI and PGT-A testing for IVF. She also discusses how long a couple should wait before trying to conceive again after having a miscarriage. Guest: Kelly Partner, Progyny member Expert: Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist at UW Medicine Host: Brandi Guthrie, National Account Manager at Progyny 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 thisisinfertility@progyny.com. You can find key notes from this episode here.

How Uterine Fibroids Can Impact Fertility Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

February is Black History Month, and unfortunately, uterine fibroids have a disproportionate impact on African American women. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or around the uterus, and while they usually cause no harm, they can have an impact on fertility. In today's episode, we hear from Amelia "Mimi" Brown, who shares her complex infertility journey. After a year of failing to conceive naturally, Mimi decided it was time to visit a doctor, which is when she was diagnosed with both PCOS and uterine fibroids, and her husband was diagnosed with male factor infertility. Over the past seven years the couple has experienced five failed rounds of IUI, multiple surgeries to remove fibroids, unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers, and devastating pregnancy losses. Although Mimi is still on her journey, she continues to use her career as a motivational speaker and her online presence to uplift others experiencing infertility. She is also in the process of writing her upcoming book Laugh Out Loud Infertility: Stories to Crack You Up While Trying to Get Knocked Up: https://www.lolinfertility.com/ We also hear from Dr. Enrique Soto, a fertility specialist from IVFMD, who explains everything we need to know about uterine fibroids, including the various types, treatment and removal options, and their impact on fertility. Guest: Amelia "Mimi" Brown Expert: Dr. Enrique Soto, IVFMD Host: Selena Campbell, Manager of Member Services at Progyny For more information visit Progyny's Podcast page: progyny.com/podcast and Progyny's Education page: progyny.com/education 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.

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