No one's journey to becoming a parent is the same. For some people, it may involve IVF, and part of that might mean using an egg donor in order to conceive and then either carrying the pregnancy or working with a gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy. But how do you even begin this process?  It can be daunting to choose the right egg donor. You’re making a pivotal decision in your future child’s life, and it’s nothing to take lightly. If you need a little bit of guidance in the process, we’ve got you. Read...

In the past few months, a few social media users have taken to social media to share some unexpected news: That they got pregnant while taking a GLP-1 agonist. Which, for the record, refers to drugs like Ozempic, which control blood sugar in patients with conditions like diabetes, but has become synonymous with the phrase “weight loss solution”).  For example: One TikTok user shared that she got pregnant while on Ozempic — and several commenters weighed in to say that they too became pregnant unexpectedly while on Ozempic or another drug in this class (such as...

For patients undergoing “traditional” fertility treatments, the protocol for, say, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), is relatively straightforward: A routine egg retrieval cycle consists of ovarian stimulation — where the ovaries are injected with hormones to increase the number of mature eggs available for fertilization — on the second or third day of the patient’s menstrual cycle (soon after the period begins). This process continues for about 12-14 days. After the egg retrieval, a fresh embryo transfer can take place within two to five days, or the embryos can be frozen. There is another option, however. It’s called a “back-to-back” egg retrieval,...

In the pursuit of productivity and happiness, many of us find ourselves juggling school pickup with an impromptu "Can we chat?" Slack message from our boss and a last-minute grocery order. We are feeling completely overwhelmed, overstimulated, and out of control simultaneously. And as much as this behavior is a constant in our every day, it can also be detrimental to our mental health.  So, after spending a small fortune on planners, timer apps, and productivity books, we feel defeated when we don't accomplish our daily to-do list.  First, there is absolutely no shame in that!...

If you have a family member with endometriosis, you know it’s more than just a bad period.  You’ve seen firsthand how chronic pain affects someone’s quality of life — and the toll it takes on their mental health. It’s natural to wonder if you’ll experience something similar too. Here’s what we know: Your risk increases if you have a close family member with endometriosis. More research is needed to fully understand the link between genetics and the condition, but if you have a family history, there are steps you can take to stay ahead of it....

I always swore growing up that I would never have a minivan. I hated them. Despite having grown up with them to be able to travel with my siblings and parents in my large family, I always imagined a much cooler way to get around.  Ironically, I always envisioned having a large family myself — three, maybe four children and a partner to raise them with. I just always envisioned driving something, anything else. Of all the things I knew for certain about my future, being a mother was and is the most important to me. I have...

When an athlete returns after a serious injury, sports broadcasters share emotional stories about their resilience and determination. Fans celebrate the return of an athlete who represents the deeply human experience of overcoming adversity.  Sure, an athletic comeback story is something to be celebrated, but you know who deserves even more recognition? Women who embark on the journey to conceive again after experiencing pregnancy loss.  It takes tremendous courage to try again after a loss — and “getting back in the game” isn’t always as simple as it sounds. In this guide, we help you navigate...

It’s crazy to think that ten years ago, infertility and pregnancy loss were rarely discussed. Today, social media and IRL conversations about these topics feel fairly mainstream. I’d argue that many people (at least people who are in the age group where their friends are beginning to think about growing their own families) have at least some awareness of the many hurdles families face in this regard. People are finally grasping the reality that fertility issues and pregnancy loss are common…and with that awareness comes greater sensitivity. Today, we’re finally seeing some of that sensitivity play...

While often viewed as a physical issue, infertility can have a massive impact on a person’s mental health. In one study of 200 heterosexual couples struggling with infertility, half of the women described infertility as “the most upsetting experience of their lives.” If you’re finding it hard to cope with infertility, you’re not alone. This article will break down the emotional difficulties common in infertility, the importance of finding a therapist to support you, and other ways you can cope. Understanding the emotional impact of infertility While everyone’s experiences are unique, there are several emotional struggles...

Okay, so, in theory, this seems like it would be an easy answer. The more you ejaculate, the less sperm you have, right? If you’re a woman navigating infertility, you might even be looking for a reason to blame your male partner for your struggles. Maybe not “blame” per se, but searching for a reason why you might be struggling to get pregnant.  The truth is, the answer isn't that simple, but generally, no, masturbation does not affect sperm count — at least not permanently.  There have been numerous studies done on this exact topic, as well...