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...

Alexa Davidson, RN • Apr 25, 2024

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...

Zara Hanawalt • Apr 25, 2024

You’ve just given birth, and let’s be real: sex with your partner is probably the last thing on your mind. While you have a pass for the first 8 weeks following a Cesarean delivery, once you are given the all-clear by your doctor at your first post-natal appointment, you may begin wondering how to go about having safe (and enjoyable) intercourse post-C-section. Thankfully, there are plenty of empowering positions to explore to help you reconnect with your spouse during this time. Let’s dive in!  How soon can you have sex after a C-section? A C-section is...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Apr 25, 2024

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...

Dr. Kiki Fehling • Apr 24, 2024

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...

Brighid Flynn • Apr 23, 2024

There are two, well maybe three things, that are certain in this life — death, taxes, and periods… at least for women. For many individuals, not only do they experience heavy bleeding during this time, but also intense period cramps.  “Period cramps are caused by chemicals called prostaglandins that are released by the uterus,” says Dr. Jessica Ryniec, double board-certified OB/GYN and fertility specialist. “Prostaglandins are released when the lining is shed during menses and they make the uterus contract, reducing blood flow to the uterus, causing pain." Tips and tricks for relieving period cramps at...

Casey Clark • Apr 23, 2024

Everyone’s path to parenthood looks different, and for many women, that journey includes fertility treatments like IVF and egg freezing. With a single round of IVF costing as much as $20,000, many families are accepting side hustles and part-time jobs to access fertility benefits.  As conversations around infertility become less stigmatized, more women are speaking up about their experience working multiple jobs to have the family that they want. If you are looking into a part-time job for fertility benefits, you aren’t alone!  Why do companies offer fertility benefits?  To paraphrase — it’s the economy, duh. In a...

Erin Pettis • Apr 21, 2024

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re addressing the elephant in the room head-on: Many Americans who need in-vitro fertilization (IVF) still can’t afford it. With the average cost of a single IVF cycle ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, IVF insurance coverage has become a necessary health benefit. Unfortunately, despite the increase in employer-offered infertility coverage, these benefits remain out of reach for a significant number of Americans. This is for several reasons: Not all employers offer IVF coverage, and only a fraction of states offer fertility insurance coverage mandates. Plus, the definition of fertility...

Sarene Leeds • Apr 18, 2024

If you’re a woman, you’ve almost certainly felt unheard or invalidated when expressing a medical concern. Chances are, you’ve left a medical appointment with more questions than answers. You’ve felt rushed and dismissed and just so incredibly confused when attempting to seek clarity on what’s happening in your own body. And you’ve done that thing that every single one of us has done: You’ve taken those questions to the internet. As a health journalist, I’m really not a fan of medical misinformation. I find myself bristling when someone mentions “doing their own research” about health matters,...

Zara Hanawalt • Apr 18, 2024

The more you understand during your family-planning journey, the easier it is to decide between two seemingly similar processes. Enter: egg freezing and embryo freezing.  They sound the same and share very similar processes, but the small differences can help someone understand which path is better for them.  Dr. Jessica Rubin, a reproductive endocrinology & infertility specialist at Reproductive Biology Associates, emphasized this exact point while in conversation with Rescripted.  What's the difference between egg freezing and embryo freezing? “Freezing eggs and freezing embryos are often confused as the same process, but they are in fact...

The Rescripted Team • Apr 17, 2024