For many people, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers a chance to conceive, but when cycles fail, it can be heartbreaking. IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster, and the financial burden adds another layer of stress to an already challenging journey. But what if there was a way to increase your chances of success while potentially reducing the number of IVF cycles needed? The innovative EMMA test is changing the game in fertility treatment by offering a personalized approach and renewed hope for those who have struggled to conceive through traditional IVF methods. What is EMMA? Just...

If you’ve ever experienced infertility (or even just a few months of trying to get pregnant), I can basically guarantee you’ve heard something along the lines of “Just relax and it’ll happen!” when you express what you’re going through. At some point, you’ll start to feel like if you had a dollar for every time you received that type of comment, you could probably pay for the fertility treatments, no insurance needed.  And guess what? Those fertility treatments will probably be far more effective than “just relaxing”.  When I was trying to conceive, I constantly heard some...

On Tuesday evening, my phone started buzzing nonstop, with texts, emails, and messages all asking the same thing: What does this new Executive Order on IVF actually mean? President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) on “Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)” directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to develop recommendations within 90 days on “protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.” That’s all we know for now. So, what does this IVF executive order actually mean? The order demonstrates that access to fertility treatment should be a bipartisan...

If you’ve just had a successful embryo transfer, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, "How far along am I?" After all the ups and downs of IVF, you already know that nothing about this journey has been straightforward. Since IVF has its own unique timeline, pregnancy dating works a little differently than the typical method, which is based on your last menstrual period. Understanding how your due date is calculated can reduce some of the uncertainty that comes with IVF, allowing you to focus on the exciting moments ahead. Why IVF pregnancy...

Pregnancy can be a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also bring worries and uncertainties. One of the most common concerns for expectant mothers is the possibility of miscarriage. While it's a topic that's often whispered about, it's important to have open, honest conversations about miscarriage to help women feel less alone and more informed. Let's explore the signs and symptoms of miscarriage, and what steps to take if you're concerned. What are the first signs of having a miscarriage? Recognizing the early signs of miscarriage can be crucial for seeking timely medical attention....

Infertility can be a tough road, and for many people, IVF has become a lifeline. This revolutionary technology has helped countless families achieve their dreams of parenthood. If you've ever wondered how this groundbreaking treatment came to be, you’re not alone. The history of IVF is full of trial, error, and moments of hope that have changed countless lives. Let's take a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of IVF and how it has evolved to become the widely used fertility treatment we know today. When did IVF first begin? The story of IVF...

Experiencing a missed miscarriage (also known as a “missed abortion”) can be a confusing and emotionally challenging time. One moment, you're planning for your future baby, and the next moment, you're faced with an unexpected loss. Dr. Caledonia Buckheit explains the definition of a missed miscarriage: “...where a pregnancy stops developing, but that the body doesn’t recognize it yet, so no bleeding or cramping.”. It's natural to have questions about what's happening to your body during this difficult period. Many women wonder if their belly will continue to grow or if they'll still experience pregnancy symptoms....

Pregnancy loss is a devastating time in anyone’s life, with about 15% to 20% of pregnancies resulting in miscarriage. Now imagine experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, which is the case for approximately 1% of reproductive-aged women. This is known as recurrent pregnancy loss, or RPL. “Recurrent pregnancy loss is having two or more consecutive first-trimester pregnancy losses,” explains Jessica Ryniec, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility in Boston. For women diagnosed with RPL, the effects on their health can be traumatic. Lillian Ostrach, 39, of Flagstaff, AZ, received her RPL diagnosis in March...

NGL, back when I was pregnant with my daughter, I was afraid to have sex with my husband. Questions like, “Will sexual intercourse harm my baby?” or worse, “Can sex cause miscarriage?” ran through my mind day in and day out. We had spent years trying to conceive, so the last thing I wanted was to jeopardize this precious pregnancy. But since delivering my healthy baby girl, I learned I wasn’t alone in my fears. It’s quite common to experience sex hesitancy while expecting.  The good news is that most of my anxieties were completely unfounded....

Many women are choosing egg freezing as a way to preserve their fertility options for the future. It's a big decision that, naturally, comes with a lot of questions about how it will impact your daily life, especially if you prioritize fitness.   The good news is that you don't have to abandon your exercise routine completely, but you do need to make some adjustments — we've got the scoop on making it work. Egg freezing 101 Before we get into the exercise specifics, let's break down the egg freezing process. Typically, it takes about two weeks...