Trying to conceive can feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with hope, anticipation, and sometimes frustration. For many women, tracking their luteinizing hormone (LH) surge has become a go-to method for finding their most fertile days. But once you've detected that surge, if you’re using OPKs (ovulation predictor kits), you might find yourself wondering, "Okay, now what?" Knowing when to have sex after your LH surge can increase your chances of conception and help you feel more in control of your reproductive health. What is an LH surge? The LH surge is a temporary...

Tassia O'Callaghan • Jan 7, 2025 • 4 minute read

Let's face it, talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) isn't exactly a fun topic. But when it comes to our reproductive health, it's crucial to have honest conversations. One question that often pops up is whether chlamydia can lead to infertility. It's time to dive into this topic and separate fact from fiction. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs out there, affecting millions of people worldwide. The tricky part about chlamydia is that it often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular testing is so important. Now, let's address the elephant in the...

Tassia O'Callaghan • Jan 3, 2025 • 5 minute read

Having a new baby often comes with a mixture of excitement, joy, and a whole lot of questions. After the initial whirlwind of sleepless nights and getting the hang of feeding, there may come a time when you start wondering about the natural rhythms of your body again. The truth is, every woman's experience is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are some telltale signs that your fertility might be making a comeback, even while you're still nursing your little one. Why does breastfeeding put a pause on fertility? If you choose to breastfeed,...

Tassia O'Callaghan • Jan 2, 2025 • 6 minute read

For many women, the journey to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide, often throwing a wrench in family planning. While PCOS can make conceiving more challenging, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the road for those dreaming of motherhood. Enter egg freezing — a beacon of hope for many, but how does PCOS affect this process? Let's dive into the world of PCOS and egg freezing, exploring the challenges, possibilities, and what women need to know to make informed decisions about their...

Tassia O'Callaghan • Dec 31, 2024 • 4 minute read

When you’re in the throes of a fertility journey, it can be easy to forget that around half of all infertility cases are due to the male, not female, partner. You may be the one undergoing ovarian stimulation, trigger shots, egg retrievals, embryo transfers – and ultimately carrying a pregnancy – for reasons that could have nothing to do with your body. One of the reasons why you and your male partner might have difficulty conceiving is a condition called low testosterone (also known as male hypogonadism or low T), where the testicles don’t produce enough...

Sarene Leeds • Dec 20, 2024 • 3 minute read

Understanding Depression During Infertility The thing about infertility is that unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t possibly imagine how devastating it truly is. It’s so heavy, many people may even experience depression while on their infertility journeys. Recognizing Depression Symptoms According to material from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, the psychological toll of infertility is very real, and it's important that we recognize that. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common among people who experience infertility — and if you feel like your sadness is impeding your ability to function, you’re not alone. Why the...

Zara Hanawalt • Dec 18, 2024 • 4 minute read

Ever thought about freezing your eggs? It's becoming a pretty popular option for women who want to hit pause on their biological clock. Egg freezing gives you more time to figure things out, whether it's focusing on your career, finding the perfect partner, or just feeling ready to become a parent.  But let's be real, it’s not cheap! So, while you’re planning for the new year, we’ll break down the costs to help you figure out how to make it work without breaking the bank.  How much does egg freezing cost? On average, a single cycle...

Blair Sharp • Dec 9, 2024 • 3 minute read

After three years of secondary infertility, countless blood draws and ultrasounds, several failed embryo transfers, two miscarriages, 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 be. ...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Nov 26, 2024 • 3 minute read

After three years of secondary infertility, countless blood draws and ultrasounds, several failed embryo transfers, two miscarriages, 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 be. ...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Nov 26, 2024 • 3 minute read

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...

Blair Sharp • Nov 25, 2024 • 4 minute read