A fertility journey is full of unknowns, but there are certain things that you can have contingency plans for. For instance, traveling. While going on vacation or jet-setting around the world may be the last thing on your mind during IVF, sometimes last-minute travel plans can't be avoided. Planning ahead will help you feel more equipped to handle last-minute trips, unexpected events, or maybe even a spur-of-the-moment getaway with your partner.     Can You Travel During IVF? Unfortunately, the answer to whether or not it's okay to travel during fertility treatments is not a simple...

In the past few years, there’s been a whole new level of awareness where the possibility of egg freezing is concerned. That’s thanks in part to influential people who have opened up about their own experiences: Celebrities and influencers have discussed the freedom egg freezing has given them — some have even taken the public behind the scenes by documenting the process of freezing eggs and what it really entails. The choice to preserve fertility has been normalized thanks to the people who have shared their own journeys, and that’s a wonderful thing. Some may...

Before diving in, it will probably be helpful to define endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body. According to EndoWhat?, this tissue creates lesions that may cause pain, inflammation, and organ dysfunction and may lead to infertility. Endometriosis is most often found in the pelvis but has also been found in the bladder, bowels, diaphragm, lungs, and kidneys. Each month, endometrial tissue grows inside the uterus to prepare for the fertilization and implantation of an egg. If the egg does...

It’s no secret that major, or sometimes even minor, life transitions and challenges can put a lot of stress on relationships. Infertility is one such stressor that can take its toll on both partners, wearing away at their patience, intimacy, and healthy habits.  So, Can Marriage Survive Infertility? Couples counseling can help that. It can help you both feel seen, heard, and understood, so that it doesn’t feel as though you are on opposite teams but representing the same jersey and fighting for your future together. Keep reading for some ways you and your partner...

If you know you want to have children in the future — or if you simply want to keep your reproductive options open —  egg freezing can be an empowering way to preserve your fertility health. When considering egg freezing, it’s normal for individuals to ask questions like: “What does the egg freezing process entail?", "How do I assess my fertility health?" and "How much do fertility treatments cost?"  Dr. Katherine L. Palmerola, MD, FACOG, is a double board-certified OBGYN and REI Physician at IVFMD. Every day, she helps individuals tackle fertility-related questions, particularly around egg freezing. ...

26% of the global population menstruates; and yet, women's period symptoms are often played down, ignored, or dismissed as 'normal.' You know your body better than anyone else, so what are some menstrual cycle red flags to look out for? From absent or irregular periods to severe pain and everything in between, we’ve come up with a list of 5 period symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore.   Period Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore 1. Skipped or Absent Periods While the most obvious possibility for a missed period may be pregnancy, there are other causes that could...

Age is often brought up in conversations around female fertility. The number “35” will get thrown around, and while it is a crucial age, it’s also important to understand why 35 has become the benchmark for discussions around fertility (and infertility).   According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there is a sharp decline in fertility throughout a woman's 30s.  “For healthy couples in their 20s and early 30s, around 1 in 4 women will get pregnant in any single menstrual cycle,” explains the ACOG. “By age 40, around 1 in 10 will get...

Bacterial Vaginosis, or "BV", is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. While it is usually not a serious condition, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, and discharge. BV can also have an impact on fertility. Recent research has shown that BV can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the reproductive tract, leading to a range of complications that can make it more difficult to become pregnant. But don't panic just yet — in this article, we'll explore the link between Bacterial Vaginosis and fertility...

If you're considering surrogacy as a way to grow your family, then you know you have a lot of big decisions ahead. One of the toughest decisions you'll face is whether to work with a surrogacy agency or embark on an independent journey. Both options — using an agency or exploring an independent journey — have their pros and cons; ultimately, the choice comes down to what's best for you and your situation. Knowing the differences between using a surrogacy agency and pursuing surrogacy on your own will help you make a choice that best...

If you’re at all familiar with the world of fertility treatments, chances are good that you’ve heard of IUI and IVF. While they are both treatment options to help increase a patient’s chance of getting pregnant, they are quite different in the procedures involved to costs and success rates.  So, what are the differences between IUI and IVF? To help us break it all down, we spoke with reproductive endocrinologist and geneticist Dr. Jonah Bardos, medical director and founding physician at CCRM Fertility in Miami. Keep reading to learn more about IUI and IVF and which option...