From age 11 to 22, I played competitive sports after recovering from a rare autoimmune condition called Dermatomyositis. Distance running, swimming, basketball, softball, rowing, volleyball, and more — I couldn’t seem to get enough. I was so ingrained in sports following my illness, that I didn’t realize how much of a toll being an athlete was taking on my body, specifically my iron levels.  It wasn’t until high school when I started experiencing strange symptoms like fatigue, headaches, thinning hair and nails, and shaky legs that I finally began to take note.   When I initially described these symptoms to...

Experiencing a miscarriage can be a highly traumatic event that stirs up strong emotions, and it's only natural to wonder how it might affect the intimate moments with your partner. But remember that you're not alone in this; many couples encounter similar challenges. When it comes to the question of when it's okay to have sex again after a miscarriage, there are some important considerations we'll help you navigate. Although the actual time frame you should wait varies by person, the general recommendation is to wait two weeks to have sex after a miscarriage, according to...

We’ve heard a lot about Ozempic recently. But while most conversations about the drug surround its popularity among celebrities as a weight loss secret, the reality is, Ozempic and Wegovy are prescribed to treat diabetes — they were not created to be the vanity potion they’re being viewed as thanks to the celebrity hype. Because of the way we’ve begun to think about Ozempic and its affiliated drugs on a cultural level, it seems as though people have stopped viewing it as a medication, thereby failing to consider the risks that come with it. That can be...

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while, or if you’re a single parent or same-sex couple who wishes to conceive, you may be starting to think about alternative options to help you grow your family. While IUI and IVF are both very promising avenues, fertility treatments can be time-consuming and expensive. Before going down that path, you may want to try a more affordable, less-invasive option at home, such as intravaginal insemination (IVI).  What is intravaginal insemination, exactly?  Intravaginal Insemination (IVI) is the process of transferring semen or ejaculate directly into the female...

The physical and emotional toll on someone experiencing pregnancy loss should never be underestimated because miscarriage can be one of the most traumatic moments in a person’s life. In some cases, a person can even have a miscarriage without knowing it, or before they know they’re pregnant. While this occurrence is colloquially known as a “missed” miscarriage, those in the medical field prefer to use terms like asymptomatic early pregnancy loss, blighted ovum, or anembryonic pregnancy instead.  “An anembryonic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg successfully attaches itself to the uterus, yet the subsequent embryo fails...

Embarking on the journey to parenthood can be an emotional rollercoaster, and for some, the road to conception may require a little extra help. CLOMID® (clomiPHENE citrate), a commonly prescribed fertility medication, can aid in stimulating ovulation and increasing the chances of getting pregnant. It can be especially helpful for women with irregular periods or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as it offers a safe, effective, and low-cost option prior to considering fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.  Still, while you may have heard of Clomid, in this article we'll explore what exactly Clomid is, why it’s...

Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is full of acknowledging that our mental health is an important part of our overall health. The world is having more candid conversations around mental health, but it’s also true that we could always use more open takes — especially in the fertility community where the focus is so heavily placed on physical well-being.   Below are a handful of quotes that speak openly about mental and emotional well-being.  20 World Mental Health Day quotes to inspire you On managing a new diagnosis…  “There is no standard normal....

You finally got that BFP (big fat positive) on a pregnancy test, and you’re so excited about the changes ahead — but your body is telling you something’s not right. Based on your symptoms, your OB/GYN wants you to be seen for a possible ectopic pregnancy. Thoughts are swirling in your mind, like “How soon can I be seen for an ectopic pregnancy ultrasound?” In this article, we share what to expect if you’re experiencing this type of pregnancy. Read about how it’s diagnosed, including when you can get seen for an ultrasound, and how to...

So you’ve just had an egg retrieval and the results are in! You got 10 mature eggs, and 6 immature eggs. Good news on the 10 mature eggs, but what about the 6 immature eggs? Can't they be used for anything? Some research is showing that they can be used, after applying a technique known as "rescue in vitro maturation," or "rescue IVM."  Essentially, rescue IVM involves culturing the immature eggs a bit longer until they mature, and then inseminating them. But before we discuss this, let’s back up and talk about what it means to...

“Endless hunger” is an experience most of us ladies can probably relate to, especially when your period is right around the corner.  We’ve all been there — eating everything in sight and hovering over the pantry like it’s a newfound obsession, yet still unable to satisfy your growling stomach.  It turns out, you're not crazy. These are all appropriate signs from your body to make up for what’s going on internally as it prepares for your period.  So, why are you so hungry before your period? Right before your period, you’re in the latter half of...