Does Low Testosterone Cause Low Sperm Count?
When you’re in the throes of a fertility journey, it can be easy to forget that around half of all infertility cases are due to the male, not female, partner. You may be the one undergoing ovarian stimulation, trigger shots, egg retrievals, embryo transfers – and ultimately carrying a pregnancy – for reasons that could have nothing to do with your body. One of the reasons why you and your male partner might have difficulty conceiving is a condition called low testosterone (also known as male hypogonadism or low T), where the testicles don’t produce enough...
Overcoming Depression on Your Fertility Journey: Holiday Edition
The thing about infertility is that unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t possibly imagine how devastating it truly is. It’s so heavy, many people may even experience depression while on their infertility journeys. According to material from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, we psychological toll of infertiltiy is very real, and it's important that we regocnize that. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common among people who experience infertility — and if you feel like your sadness is impeding your ability to function, you’re definitely not alone. The holidays with infertility can be especially challenging...
Ever thought about freezing your eggs? It's becoming a pretty popular option for women who want to hit pause on their biological clock. Egg freezing gives you more time to figure things out, whether it's focusing on your career, finding the perfect partner, or just feeling ready to become a parent. But let's be real, it’s not cheap! So, while you’re planning for the new year, we’ll break down the costs to help you figure out how to make it work without breaking the bank. How much does egg freezing cost? On average, a single cycle...
What Nobody Tells You About Pregnancy After Infertility and Loss
After three years of secondary infertility, countless blood draws and ultrasounds, several failed embryo transfers, two pregnancy losses, and a fresh round of IVF, I’m finally pregnant with my third IVF baby. But that still feels weird to say out loud, when it’s been hard enough to believe for myself. I should say that this experience has been nothing like my previous attempts at getting pregnant. Following years of heartbreak and (unexpected) IVF failure after the birth of my twins in 2018, I took an indefinite break from treatment, unsure of what our next steps would...
What Nobody Tells You About Pregnancy After Infertility and Loss
After three years of secondary infertility, countless blood draws and ultrasounds, several failed embryo transfers, two pregnancy losses, and a fresh round of IVF, I’m finally pregnant with my third IVF baby. But that still feels weird to say out loud, when it’s been hard enough to believe for myself. I should say that this experience has been nothing like my previous attempts at getting pregnant. Following years of heartbreak and (unexpected) IVF failure after the birth of my twins in 2018, I took an indefinite break from treatment, unsure of what our next steps would...
Can You Freeze Sperm? Here’s the Lowdown
Freezing sperm: it’s probably not something you chat about with your friends every day, right? But it's way more common than you might think. And actually, lots of guys are doing it. Whether you're thinking about having kids someday, dealing with medical issues, or just curious about your options, it's totally worth knowing more about how sperm freezing works. Basically, they take your sperm, test it, and freeze it. Like, really freeze it. Think of it as hitting the pause button on your ability to have kids. Want to increase your chances of success? It all...
Egg Donation Risks: What To Consider
Egg donation can be a beautiful and life-changing way to help others add to their families. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s important to understand the potential risks (and many benefits!) before donating. We’ll give you the lowdown on what to expect, from the emotional aspects to what to be aware of during the donation process. Plus, you’ll want to consider the potential impact egg donation can have on your own fertility and how to prioritize your health throughout the whole journey. The egg donation process Donating your eggs, while incredibly rewarding, is a commitment...
How To Talk to Family About Your Egg Freezing Choice
Just as you’re about to take that first bite of your aunt’s famous pecan pie, your well-meaning grandmother says, "So, when are you having kids?” Holiday family time is great and all, but knowing how to deal with those awkward personal questions can get tricky. The thing is — you decided to freeze your eggs, and while you want to be honest, sometimes it's hard to know if you're about to launch into a bigger conversation than everyone's prepared to have. Tips for talking about egg freezing with family Discussing your choice with family members isn’t...
Female Hormone Test List: A Helpful Cheat-Sheet
Let’s be honest, Googling “hormones” can send you down a rabbit hole of confusing and conflicting information. And sometimes, it feels nearly impossible to understand anything you read online. These tiny chemical messengers are powerful, influencing everything from your mood and energy levels to your fertility and menstrual cycle. But it's easy to overlook how much they impact your daily life…until your body starts feeling a little off. The good news? You can take charge of your hormone health and get answers to your questions. Consider this your comprehensive guide to your hormones, what they do,...
What Does Endometriosis Mean for IVF Success Rates?
If you have endometriosis (or suspected endometriosis), it’s completely normal to have concerns about your fertility and what options are available. For those exploring in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may even be wondering if an endometriosis diagnosis will impact your chances of getting pregnant with fertility treatment. Unfortunately, the relationship between endometriosis and IVF success rates isn't always straightforward, and that can be incredibly frustrating. We’re here to break it down in a way that makes sense — including how endometriosis might affect your fertility journey and how to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy...