Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Do you hear that? It’s that pesky biological clock ticking in your head. I’ve been there and have heard it many times. I didn’t get married until my mid-30s, and by then, the clock ticking in my head sounded like Big Ben. But imagine if you could hit snooze on your biological clock. Thanks to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), you can accomplish that! The question is, which path is right for you? Egg freezing is nothing new — people have been freezing their eggs for decades. However, the biggest game-changer in egg-freezing...

Recently, there’s been a lot of criticism of terms like “advanced maternal age” (and its far more offensive, outdated cousin “geriatric pregnancy”). The term feels almost shame-y — and in today’s world, where more and more people are delaying family-building well into their thirties, it also feels incongruous. But at the same time, the relationship between age and fertility — and age and pregnancy outcomes — is real. So how do we reconcile our need for language that better serves prospective parents alongside our need to inform people of reproductive realities? It’s a complicated issue, to...

Cortisol — also known as “The Stress Hormone” — is important to be aware of, even if you’re not dealing with fertility issues. It mediates the stress response, regulates metabolism and inflammatory processes, and stabilizes immune function. Too much or too little cortisol can impact the body, and when it comes to fertility, can negatively affect ovulation and menstruation.  Some of the things that contribute to imbalanced cortisol levels are depression, anxiety, and stress-inducing factors, making it no surprise that fertility challenges could cause a spike. So, how does cortisol work in the body? How and...

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant – or actively trying to avoid it – timing is everything. And, when it comes to when you can get pregnant, the answer might not be as cut-and-dry as you would like. The truth is, some people can conceive when they’re on their period, but it’s a very low percentage for a few reasons, which we’ll dive into.  In a nutshell, while most people with ovaries only have a 5-7 day window of opportunity around ovulation to get pregnant, there are certainly some exceptions to the rule. Additionally, most ovulate...

When it comes to fertility, we know that age matters. But that doesn’t mean that some of us won’t try our best to reverse the signs of aging with hair dye and Botox. Whether you’re trying to conceive at home or in the thick of fertility treatments, you may be wondering what’s safe – and what’s not – when it comes to beauty treatments, and it’s a valid concern.  So, what does the research say about Botox, hair dye, and other self-care indulgences when you’re trying to get pregnant? Let’s find out.  Is Botox safe when trying...

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for any amount of time, chances are good that you know the importance of taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid during the preconception period. But when you’re struggling to conceive, additional fertility supplements – like CoQ10 and DHEA – may begin taking up space on your nightstand. With endless information out there about the benefits of various ingredients, you may be wondering “How much is too much?” or “Which supplements should I avoid taking together?”   Supplement Combinations to Avoid When TTC It’s important to understand how supplements might...

Sponsored by Organon.  Photo not of a real patient. Angeline N. Beltsos, MD, is the CEO, Clinical at Kindbody and is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Beltsos has received numerous awards and is a popular speaker nationally and internationally, as well as a frequent media resource on the topic of infertility. This article is written from the point of view of Dr. Beltsos based on her more than two decades of extensive experience working with patients facing infertility. If you and your partner are struggling to have a child,...

Vaginal infections are no stranger to most women. That’s because the vagina is an ecosystem of both good bacteria and fungi that require a healthy environment to thrive. When the balance is thrown off by outside elements, or even from taking certain antibiotics, this can lead to uncomfortable conditions such as Bacterial Vaginosis, UTIs, or Yeast Infections.  If you are a chronic sufferer of vaginal infections, the good news is that most vaginal infections can be quickly and effectively treated with prescription and, in some cases, over-the-counter medications. Treating early is key because leaving these infections...

Picture this: your period is late. You take a pregnancy test, hoping this could (finally) be the month, and it comes up negative. You’re disappointed but also confused as to what could be going on with your body. Does this sound familiar?If you’ve experienced this exact scenario, you are far from alone. Menstrual cycle irregularities occur in 14-25% of women of childbearing age. While a “normal” menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, it’s not unusual for small variations to occur each month. However, if your period is consistently irregular, you should speak with your...

2022 was a unique year to be a woman. TikTok trends left you asking questions like, “are my hormones imbalanced? What is hormone imbalance? Are my birth control pills causing infertility?” While the birth control pill and the IUD (Intrauterine Device) can be incredibly helpful for some women, many others have started turning towards the Fertility Awareness Method, or FAM, as a form of birth control, family-planning, or to simply feel better within their bodies.   “Fertility awareness based methods use the biological signs of ovulation to help users understand when ovulation is approaching and thus pregnancy...