Fertility Blog

When Sarah and her husband began trying to conceive six years ago, they never imagined they'd end up needing the help of fertility treatment. After a long, winding road through multiple pregnancy losses, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and countless tests and appointments, Sarah shares how this journey has shifted her perspective and turned her into a courageous fertility advocate - as well as what's next for their family.

Father’s Day can be an exceptionally tough day for men who are still trying to conceive or experiencing infertility. Similar to how Mother’s Day affects women, hopeful fathers may find this holiday very difficult to navigate. As a partner, how can you show your love and support around Father's Day? Keep reading for some helpful ideas.

June is Men’s Health Month, and according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, male factor infertility issues account for 40% of all infertility problems. For those looking to conceive, the information may seem overwhelming, but it's often the most simple lifestyle changes that can improve sperm counts. With that in mind, and in the spirit of Men's Health Month, here are the top seven lifestyle tips for men that can help improve their overall well-being, including their fertility potential.

Infertility does not discriminate and is not sexist. It can strike men and women in almost exactly the same ratio. Male factor issues account for 40% of all infertility problems, exactly the same percentage for a woman having a fertility challenge. The other 20% of the time? It's either a combination of problems or idiopathic (unexplained) infertility. Testing both partners is imperative to understanding the whole fertility picture, adding crucial information for the most effective fertility treatment. Even great results can be improved, as changes in lifestyle can improve sperm counts. 

February 27, 2019 was a historic day in Albany, the New York state capital, with 100 plus advocates coming together for a common cause- the right to have the most appropriate medical treatment, when needed, in vitro fertilization (IVF) for the 1 in 8 couples who struggle with infertility. Advocates spent the day educating and urging lawmakers to #PassFAFTA (Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act) because of the support and dedication of  RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and the Alliance for Fertility Preservation.

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Kyle Tzanetis and I’m here to represent and support you; all the men involved in the fertility treatment journey. I feel honored to have 2 very special roles at RMA of Connecticut, I am both the Team Lead of Andrology and the Andrology Patient Liaison. Andrology is a field of medicine that is specific to male fertility and reproduction; a field in which I have been in for over 4 years now. As a firm believer that no person should be alone in infertility and family building process, these roles are a very good fit for me. Here’s what you should know...

In honor of Veterans Day, we asked Tyler and Crystal Wilson, who have worked tirelessly for necessary medical coverage for “wounded warriors” (military personnel injured in active service who have been denied fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization), to use their voice as a shining example of how advocacy works. The Wilsons know, from their own personal experience, the pain and frustration of having injuries that make it impossible to have children without medical treatment due to active military service. Thank you, Tyler, both for your service to our country and to your fellow service people, regarding building a family after a debilitating injury.

Grief is all too familiar to patients going through fertility treatment. Whether it is grief over not getting pregnant naturally, not getting pregnant through treatment or the loss of a pregnancy, the loss felt by people going through assisted technology to conceive is very real. Unfortunately, this is not widely understood by many for whom getting pregnant naturally is simple. As a result, infertility feels isolating and patients often internalize other’s comments about needing to feel grateful for the good things they have in their lives, leaving them even more upset. To compound matters further, infertility is unique in that it can create sadness and effect a woman’s self-esteem. Many women feel that their bodies are not doing what they always expected they would do and these women can feel broken and lost.