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...

Periods often bring a mix of uncomfortable symptoms — cramps, bloating, mood swings — you name it. But one that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is leg pain. For many of us, it can range from a dull, nagging ache to sharp, shooting sensations that disrupt our daily routine. If this sounds familiar, understanding what causes it and how to manage it can make things a little easier.  Why does leg pain happen during menstruation? Leg pain during your period might seem unusual, but it’s actually more common than you’d think. It happens because...

Endometriosis can be a real pain — literally. And getting a diagnosis? That process can be even worse! On average, receiving an official diagnosis takes 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms. That’s way too long to live with pain and uncertainty about what’s going on with your body. The good news? The more you know about how endometriosis is diagnosed, the better you can advocate for yourself. So, we’re breaking it down — including what to expect during the process and even some surprising new testing options you need to know about. First, what...

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...

In 2024, it’s practically impossible to think about wellness culture without thinking of red light therapy. Obviously, red light therapy is buzzy for its use as a skincare tool (see: LED face masks), but the buzz is going far beyond that: People are also considering red light therapy to help with wound healing, pain management, hair loss, burn scars, and more.  This is one of those social media wellness trends that has real credibility, too: Research has indicated that red light therapy can be effective for treating photodamged skin, wound healing, and more. But there are...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts 1 in 10 women in the United States. Many of these women — maybe yourself included — would tell the world that PCOS is as unpredictable as it is stressful. It’s a condition with symptoms that can make managing day-to-day well-being difficult.  PCOS is known for its hormonal imbalance and the trickle-down effect it can have on the rest of your body. It’s not out of the norm for it to impact your self-confidence, fertility, and physical well-being.  For instance, some women may struggle with missing ovulation or periods, which can...

Like many people, I have a love-hate relationship with social media. On the one hand, it can be a breeding ground for trolls and low self-esteem (yay). But social media can also be a wonderful place to create community — specifically, for women experiencing not just perimenopause, but perimenopause rage (it’s me, hi!). A quick refresher for those who may not be familiar with the term: Perimenopause is when the ovaries begin slowing down the production of estrogen, approximately eight to 10 years before menstrual periods stop for good, aka menopause. Perimenopause usually starts in a person’s 40s,...

It happens to everyone at some point: You indulge in a hearty meal, maybe even eating past the point of satiety…and then you immediately feel like you need a nice long nap. That “food coma” feeling is real: It’s like you can barely think, let alone move or go about your routine when it hits. Feeling this way from time to time is natural (after Thanksgiving dinner, anyone?). But what if you find yourself feeling sluggish or even sleepy after meals on a regular basis? Could this indicate something more serious going on? Some people wonder...

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...

When it comes to fertility, the conversation has long focused on women’s health, and for good reason. Decades of research and impactful public health campaigns have emphasized how essential a woman’s well-being is throughout conception and pregnancy. A prime example is the folate campaign of the 1990s, which significantly reduced neural tube defects like spina bifida in babies and highlighted the profound impact of maternal nutrition on fertility and infant health. But here’s a crucial point: women are only half of the conception equation. Men’s health matters just as much, and it’s high time we bring...