Fertility 101: Common Fertility Tests This Is Infertility podcast

21:33

For Alex Kornswiet, the path to parenthood started with unexpected ease, having her first son after one round of IVF, following a blocked fallopian tube diagnosis. Trying to have their second child wasn’t as smooth sailing. Alex and her husband experienced secondary infertility and a frustrating path including canceled cycles, recurrent pregnancy loss, and emotional isolation. As challenges continued to mount and her doctor recommended the couple pursue surrogacy. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, Alex and her husband welcomed their second son with the help of a selfless surrogate that they could not be more thankful for. And just when they thought their long path to parenthood had finally come to a close... they encountered one more beautiful yet unexpected surprise! Listen to the episode and see more about Alex’s story on her viral Instagram . Guest: Alex Kornswiet, Progyny Member and Infertility Advocate Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com . Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/47ZVW2abFb0…

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AMH, IVF, OMG: How an At-Home Fertility Test Fast-Tracked Erin’s Path to Motherhood 19:46

27 days ago19:46

19:46

Newly engaged and nearing her thirties, today’s guest knew she wanted children in the future, so she opted for an at-home fertility test. The results shocked her, revealing something that changed everything - her biological clock was ticking faster than she had expected. What started as curiosity quickly became a call to action. In this episode, Erin Antoniak takes us along her journey of preserving her fertility as a back-up plan, which then evolved into a complex path to parenthood. She explains how Progyny’s family building coverage through her husband’s employer, Salesforce, gave her the freedom to pursue treatment without financial barriers. She also shares how documenting the journey, from the hardest days to the happiest moments, connected her with a growing Instagram audience and impacted her community. Watch Erin’s story through her own eyes on Instagram . Guest: Erin Antoniak, Salesforce Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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Single Parent by Choice: Choosing Solo Motherhood and Overcoming Loss 17:24

6 weeks ago17:24

17:24

For today’s guest, becoming a mother wasn’t just a dream—it was a promise she made to herself. In her mid-30s, Erica Ward knew she wanted to be a parent more than she wanted to be a wife. By 40, she made the decision to pursue single motherhood , despite the challenges ahead. Her path wasn’t easy, from choosing a sperm donor , failed IUIs to IVF, and devastating loss. While Erica grieved for her pregnancies and felt the financial toll, she never gave up. Tune in to hear how support from Progyny’s fertility benefits and donor eggs led to her happy ending of becoming a mom. Guest: Erica Ward, Progyny Member at Sleep Number Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y6Ln16ecXGM…

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How Laura Overcame Infertility and Postpartum Depression 20:53

8 weeks ago20:53

20:53

What happens when the path to parenthood takes unexpected turns? For Laura, it meant navigating the heartbreak of unexplained infertility, the frustrations of multiple failed IUIs, and the surprising joy of a positive pregnancy test during the unlikeliest of cycles. But as her story unfolds, it becomes clear that getting pregnant was just the beginning. For our 200th episode, Laura shares the honest reality of facing postpartum depression after her first pregnancy—an experience she never thought she would have after fighting to conceive. With fertility benefits through Progyny she welcomed a second child into her family a few years later. This time, Laura went into her second postpartum journey with the expectations, knowledge, and tools to manage her PPD symptoms effectively. This episode is a powerful reminder that family-building journeys are rarely straightforward. They’re filled with highs, lows, and the moments that teach us the true meaning of resilience. Guest: Laura, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.…

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Food and Lifestyle to Fertility: Ashley’s Egg Freezing Journey 16:59

10 weeks ago16:59

16:59

Ashley Chukwu is a 30-year-old food and wine blogger in Atlanta, living her life without the prospect of building a family soon. So, when her mom suggested she consider freezing her eggs, Ashley decided to do some research. At the time, she knew little about the process or whether her insurance would cover it. That’s when she discovered her employer offered fertility preservation through Progyny. In this episode, Ashley shares her journey—from researching the process and navigating her benefits to handling injections and undergoing the procedure. She discusses challenges along the way, the importance of representation, and reflects on the peace of mind she’s gained from taking control of her fertility. Tune in to hear Ashley’s experience and learn how support from her company helped her make a decision that aligns with her goals and lifestyle. Guest: Ashley Chukwu, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.…

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Season 7 Spotlight: How the Right Support Created Families and Advocates 17:37

14 weeks ago17:37

17:37

Season 7 of This is Infertility continued to venture into education, advocacy, personal stories, and notably, some new areas of women’s health! As we wrap up, we're shining a spotlight on two recurring themes that have defined this season: the power of support and the ripple effect of advocacy. From their doctor’s care or employer’s benefits package to the unwavering encouragement of a partner or patient care advocate, we brought back a few episodes from this season that prove — no one’s journey has to be a solo one. This episode isn’t just a look back—it’s a reminder of the strength that comes from being supported and what it takes to advocate for yourself and others. Guests: Progyny members: Hanna Peters, Danielle Faith, Jennifer Osmond, and Lakia Holmes Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Listen to the episodes featured: Episode 174: Becoming a Single Parent by Choice: IVF + a Sperm Donor Episode 181: #NIAW: A Path to Parenthood Turned into a Path to Purpose Episode 183: Overcoming the Emotional Toll of Infertility Episode 189: Teamwork Makes a Dream Work: How Jennifer’s Village Made Parenthood Possible For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.…

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Dr. Witkin in Your Corner: Mental Health and the Holidays 12:42

16 weeks ago12:42

12:42

This time of year can be magical, but it can also come with stress, especially when family gatherings include tough conversations or well-meaning but intrusive questions like, "When are you starting a family?" In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Georgia Witkin, Clinical Psychologist and infertility expert. She shares practical advice on handling the holidays so you can enjoy the season. She’ll walk us through her empowering pre-holiday checklist with strategies to navigate the season; from preparing thoughtful responses for tough questions, to leaning into moments that bring you peace and joy. Whether it’s finding ways to stay present or exploring new traditions that work for you, this episode is about helping you reclaim the holidays on your terms. And stick around for Dr. Witkin’s answers to your personal questions. Guest: Dr. Georgia Witkin, Clinical Psychologist and Infertility Expert Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more resources on Mental Health and the Holidays, watch our latest webinar: Supporting emotional wellness: Navigating boundaries and stress while on a family building journey For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.…

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Redefining Belonging – Jessica’s Journey from Adoptee to Advocacy 23:45

18 weeks ago23:45

23:45

This National Adoption Month, we hear from Jessica Luciere, a transracial, transnational adoptee, who shares her journey of self-discovery. Growing up with the love and support of her parents, Jessica also yearned for a sense of community to help her navigate her identity. She ultimately realized the importance of representation and the power of connecting to others with similar backgrounds. Today, Jessica works alongside adoptees, families, and professionals, as a program facilitator and adoptee advocate, creating spaces that celebrate and honor diverse backgrounds and foster deeper connections. Join us as Jessica dives into the importance of community, mentorship, and how she’s using her experience to support others. Guest: Jessica Luciere Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny A note from our host: My parents were foster parents throughout my life. Over time, they helped over 100 kids before they retired. In fact, my younger brother was adopted through that program. Being a kid, I had a different family life than my friends and neighbors. For me, it was a source of pride, and I still believe my parents are heroes. For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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Surrogacy: Finding the Perfect Match – Insights for Intended Parents and Surrogates 33:20

20 weeks ago33:20

33:20

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Sammi Itatani and Carly Vollero from Nodal , a surrogacy matching platform devoted to fostering strong, authentic matches between surrogates and intended parents. They tell the stories of their own surrogacy journeys, with Sammi’s experience as a two-time surrogate and Carly’s journey as a parent through surrogacy. They bring personal and professional insights into what makes these partnerships successful. They also dive into the importance of compatibility, navigating legal and financial hurdles, and understanding the different relationship dynamics surrogates and intended parents may seek. Tune in to hear Sammi’s and Carly’s experiences and how to be thoughtful in the surrogacy journey to create happy, healthy babies. Guests: Carly Vollero, General Counsel at Nodal and Sammi Itatani, Program and Community Manager at Nodal Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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Facing Menopause: A Candid Conversation with a Doctor and a Therapist 39:35

22 weeks ago39:35

39:35

This Menopause Awareness Month, we bring together two experts who are specialists in their fields and personally navigating their own menopause journeys. Dr. Janet Choi, an OBGYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and Dr. Juliana Hauser, a therapist with a focus on sexuality and menopause, share their personal experiences with menopause. Alongside their professional expertise, they offer a rare dual perspective on the physical and emotional changes that come with this life stage. Through this candid conversation, they discuss the often-overlooked aspects of menopause, from hair loss to mental health, shedding light on the profound impact it has on a woman's identity and quality of life. Together, they emphasize the importance of normalizing these conversations and encouraging women to seek support and treatment during this pivotal time. Guest: Dr. Juliana Hauser, Therapist and Menopause Expert Host: Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer at Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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Protecting Her Fertility Future in the Face of Breast Cancer 19:33

24 weeks ago19:33

19:33

In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Joyelle Fleming’s story with breast cancer, which began at the young age of 31. During her journey, Joyelle was faced with a difficult decision – what to do about her future fertility given the impact of cancer treatment. With the support of her doctors and access to fertility benefits through Progyny, Joyelle was able to freeze her eggs and focus on fighting cancer. In this episode, Joyelle reflects on her experience, from navigating fertility preservation to finding strength and support from loved ones and breast cancer advocacy groups. Her story highlights the power of proactive choices and the peace of mind they can provide in the face of life’s toughest moments. To learn more about oncofertiltiy, check out resources here Breast cancer resources mentioned in this episode: · Imerman Angles · The Breasties · Touch BBCA · Hair & Hope Guest: Joyelle Flemming, Progyny Member at Genentech Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins: Mandy’s IVF Journey 28:11

26 weeks ago28:11

28:11

Today’s guest discusses her unexpected struggles with infertility. After a year of trying to conceive, Mandy Menaker trusted her instincts and decided to seek advice from others. She turned to Julie Campbell, at Progyny, who helped guide her on how to find the right fertility clinic, navigate insurance, and understand the ins and outs when it comes to fertility treatment. After the rollercoaster of emotions and multiple rounds of fertility treatment, Mandy and her husband Eric finally achieved their dream of becoming parents. But the journey didn’t stop there, Mandy later conceived her second child naturally, a surprise that reaffirmed the unpredictable nature of fertility. Along the way, Mandy learned how to advocate for herself and celebrate small wins to help cope with the ups and downs of IVF. Inspired to help others facing similar challenges, Mandy wrote an article for PR Daily, offering practical tips and emotional support to those navigating a family building journey You can read her article here: What a difficult fertility journey taught me about being a better communicator Guest: Mandy Menaker, Fertility Advocate Host: Julie Campbell, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.…

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Two Journeys, One Friendship: Egg Donation, Surrogacy, and Secondary Infertility 21:27

28 weeks ago21:27

21:27

In this episode, we dive into a powerful story of two lifelong friends, Nicole Gomez Fisher and Mary Lamattina, who supported each other through some of the most challenging moments of their lives; navigating infertility. They both faced their own unique struggles, Mary with secondary infertility , experiencing multiple miscarriages after her first child, and Nicole facing the heartbreak of failed attempts and what seemed like the never-ending emotional hurdles of egg donation and surrogacy . With time, friendship, and medical intervention, both women found ways to grow their families and meaningful ways to incorporate their experiences into their careers. Guests: Mary Lamattina, benefits consultant and Nicole Gomez Fisher, award-winning writer, director, and producer of the film, Good Egg Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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How Lauren Turned Her Infertility Story into an Infertility Non-profit 16:35

30 weeks ago16:35

16:35

Today's guest is a testament to resilience, turning personal pain into a powerful purpose. Lauren Clements faced a long, difficult journey in her efforts to build a family, battling through a diagnosis of PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, and undergoing numerous treatments. Yet, despite these significant setbacks, Lauren never lost hope. In this episode, she opens up about how these challenges inspired her to create Chosen Infertility Group , a nonprofit dedicated to providing local resources, advocacy, and financial grants to those struggling with infertility in Detroit. Lauren's story is one of courage, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others find hope amidst their own. Guest: Lauren Clements, Founder and President of Chosen Infertility Group Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com .…

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Teamwork makes a dream work: How Jennifer’s village made parenthood possible 12:43

32 weeks ago12:43