Becoming a parent can be a mentally and emotionally challenging process long before parenthood begins, from trying to conceive, throughout pregnancy, and even months into the postpartum period.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, in this episode of DocTalk, we wanted to shed light on the hormonal changes, life stressors, and shifting circumstances that can impact mental health along the way.

Today, we’ll break down what’s happening in the body and brain during TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum, how these changes can affect mental health, and how to recognize when common experiences like the baby blues may signal something more serious, such as postpartum depression or anxiety, and when it may be time to seek support.

Hosts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Provider and Member Services

Resources:

• Progyny Blog: Why mental health is the missing piece in family building benefits
• Progyny: Mental Health Report
• Pospartumdepression.org: Statistics on postpartum depression
• Survey: The female quotient
• American Pregnancy: Baby Blues

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW. This show does not constitute medical advice.

The post Mental health from fertility to postpartum appeared first on Progyny.

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re diving into IVF and what you can do to better understand and optimize your chances of building a family!

We’re honored to be joined by Dr. James Grifo, Director of the NYU Langone Fertility Center to discuss the role of age, how to get ahead of fertility planning, and the key factors that can influence outcomes. We also dive into egg freezing and preimplantation genetic testing, unpacking how these tools work to support the development of a healthy embryo, along with common misconceptions that can shape how people approach treatment.

Dr. Grifo is a true leader in the field. As a pioneer of both egg freezing and preimplantation genetic testing, his work has helped transform IVF outcomes.

Guest: Dr. James Grifo, Director of the NYU Langone Fertility Center

Hosts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Provider and Member Services

Progyny Resources:

• Progyny: Talk to HR: Bring benefits to your workplace
• Resolve: Get help
• NYU Langone: Fertility center
• ASRM: National Infertility Awareness Week

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW. This show does not constitute medical advice.

The post IVF & optimizing your chances at family appeared first on Progyny.

You may think about your menstrual cycle at least once a month, or maybe much more if you’re hoping to become pregnant. But how well do you know what’s really happening in your body? If it’s a little unclear, you’re not alone.

Let’s break down what happens during your cycle and how it relates to pregnancy. If you’re considering fertility treatment, this may also help you understand treatment steps and medicine used.

Your menstrual cycle

We have menstrual cycles to release an egg and prepare the body for pregnancy.

There are 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. We’ll start with a quick overview, then look at each phase in more detail.

1. Menstrual phase (period): you shed the lining of your uterus (endometrium).
2. Follicular phase: your body gets ready for ovulation.
3. Ovulation phase: an egg is released, about halfway through your cycle.
4. Luteal phase: the uterus prepares for a possible embryo to implant, or the arrival of your next period.

*The number of days in each phase may vary from person to person and even month to month.

1. Menstrual phase

Your cycle begins with the first full day of your period. The bleeding is your body shedding the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Most people bleed for 3 to 7 days.

Hormones in action:

• Progesterone and estrogen drop, causing your period to start

2. Follicular phase

In the follicular phase, your body releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which causes the ovary to grow follicles. A follicle is a small fluid-filled sac in the ovary that may release and nourish an egg. Only one follicle will be “chosen” to mature.

The growing follicle produces estrogen, which causes the endometrium to thicken. This will make a cozy home for a possible embryo.

Hormones in action:

• FSH rises, causing a follicle to develop
• Estrogen rises, causing the endometrium to thicken

3. Ovulation

When the follicle gets big enough and your body has been exposed to estrogen long enough, there’s a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). This surge causes ovulation, the release of a mature egg. The egg travels into one of the fallopian tubes.

If an egg meets sperm in the fallopian tube, you may become pregnant. We’ll talk about that timing more in a moment.

Hormones in action:

• LH surges (a sudden rise), causing ovulation

4. Luteal phase

After ovulation, the now-empty follicle (the sac that released the egg) still has an important role. It becomes a temporary structure called a corpus luteum, which is why we call this the luteal phase. The corpus luteum produces the hormone progesterone. Progesterone’s job is to prepare the uterine lining for a possible embryo.

If you become pregnant, your body produces the hormone that’s detected in pregnancy tests: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG helps keep the uterine lining thick.

If there is not a pregnancy, progesterone will drop at the end of the cycle. This brings on your period and the cycle begins again.

Hormones in action:

• Progesterone rises, preparing the uterine lining
  • If pregnant: hCG rises, keeping the uterine lining thick
  • If not pregnant: progesterone drops, starting the cycle again

When should I have sex to get pregnant?

As you know, pregnancy happens when sperm meets the egg. The egg is released at ovulation, around day 14 for most people.

But sperm can live in your body for up to 5 days. So the window to have intercourse begins 5 days before ovulation. Plus, the egg lives for about 1 day, so you have roughly a 6-day window. To learn more about signs of ovulation and how to time intercourse, be sure to read When should I have sex to get pregnant?

Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here to talk through family planning and provide education on topics like this.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Menstrual cycle: how your body prepares for pregnancy appeared first on Progyny.

Endometriosis is one of the most common and most misunderstood conditions affecting people with a uterus. Despite impacting millions, it often goes undiagnosed for years, leaving many to navigate chronic pain, confusing symptoms, or fertility challenges without clear answers. In today’s episode, we’re going to walk you through what endometriosis is, why it’s so difficult to identify, and the different ways it can influence reproductive health.

Hosts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Experience

This show does not constitute medical advice.

Progyny Resources:

• Progyny: What is endometriosis?
• WHO: Endometriosis
• PubMed: Global, regional, and national burdens of endometriosis from 1990 to 2021: a trend analysis

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW.

The post What to know about endometriosis appeared first on Progyny.

You may have heard more people talking about GLP-1 medicines lately. Here’s what they are and what to know.

What is a GLP-1?

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone your body naturally makes to help lower blood sugar. GLP-1 medicines mimic this hormone and have been used to help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Some have been approved to treat obesity as well.

Below is a list of commonly prescribed GLP-1s and their FDA-approved uses:

*Tirzepatide acts on more than one hormone receptor, including the GLP-1 hormone.

When GLP-1s may be considered

GLP-1s were originally developed to help treat type 2 diabetes. Some are also approved to treat obesity in people who meet certain medical criteria:

• Obesity (having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher)
  OR
• Overweight (having a BMI of 27 or higher) with a weight-related health issue such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes

Research has found some GLP-1s may help reduce the risk of:

• Heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease

In addition, some GLP-1s have been approved to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

How do GLP-1s work?

GLP-1s help manage blood sugar in a few ways. For example, they:

• Help the body make more insulin in response to high blood sugar. (Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar.)
• Help the body regulate how much sugar is made and released.
• Slow digestion, which steadies the amount of sugar released from food into the body after eating.

GLP-1s also work on parts of the brain that process hunger and how full you feel. As a result, GLP-1s have been shown to lower hunger, appetite, and food intake.

What results can I expect?

While GLP-1s can help, they are meant to be used with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise. Together, you and your healthcare provider will determine a treatment plan that works best for you.

Studies show that many people taking a GLP-1 lose about 10% to 15% of their body weight over several months. (For a 200-pound person, that means losing about 20 to 30 pounds.) Some people may lose up to 20%, but results vary based on a number of factors.

GLP-1s are not a magic bullet for weight loss and blood sugar management, and some people may regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1s. Building healthy habits around eating, physical activity, and stress management can help keep your progress going.

Nutrition

Because GLP-1s can change appetite and eating patterns, working with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider can help ensure you are getting enough nutrients, maintaining stable energy levels, and building habits that support long-term health.

These habits become especially important when the medicine is paused, tapered, or stopped, since hunger cues and appetite may change.

How long do people take GLP-1s?

People use GLP-1s for different lengths of time.

• Some people with type 2 diabetes may use them long-term to help manage blood sugar.
• For others, the length of treatment can depend on factors like how well the medicine works, side effects, cost, and personal health goals.

The dose may need to be adjusted during treatment, and some may pause or slowly taper off the medicine at different points. Your healthcare provider will guide you through any dose changes or help you taper off the medicine.

Side effects and considerations

Some of the commonly reported side effects of GLP-1s may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

If symptoms are severe or don’t go away, talk to your healthcare provider.

GLP-1 medications may not be right for everyone. As with any medicine, GLP-1s come with potential risks. A healthcare provider can help assess whether these medicines are right for you based on your health history, current conditions, and overall treatment goals.

It is important to note: GLP-1s are not recommended during pregnancy. If you’re planning to conceive, discuss timing with your healthcare provider.

GLP-1s and insurance coverage

Coverage for GLP-1s varies widely across health plans. These medicines can be expensive (sometimes over $1,000 a month). Often, they’re only covered if they are prescribed for an FDA-approved use, such as type 2 diabetes or obesity that meets certain criteria.

To understand what your plan includes, you can:

• Review your insurance formulary (the list of covered medicines)
• Call your health plan to ask about coverage requirements, prior authorizations, or eligibility criteria

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist any questions you have. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also available to help you prepare for conversations with your healthcare team.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post GLP-1s: What they are and how they work appeared first on Progyny.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a type of medicine first developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, although they have become well-known for helping people lose weight. To learn more, see: GLP-1s: What they are and how they work

Recently, there have been reports of pregnancies among people who lost weight while taking these medicines, even when pregnancy wasn’t expected. You might have heard the media report on this using the term “Ozempic babies.” These stories have raised questions, but research in this area is still developing.

Let’s walk through how weight may affect fertility, what’s known about GLP-1s, and some important considerations if you’re taking GLP-1s or discussing them with your healthcare provider.

How is weight linked to fertility?

Weight can affect reproductive health in several ways.

• Having a higher body weight (BMI of 30 or above) has been linked with changes in hormones, irregular periods, and lower egg quality.
• Low body weight can influence fertility by affecting ovulation.

Extra weight can also raise the risk of certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Both of these conditions have been shown to affect the ability to get pregnant.

During pregnancy, being overweight can also raise the risk of pregnancy complications, problems with delivery, and pregnancy loss.

In people producing sperm, some studies suggest that higher BMI or diabetes may lower sperm count and movement, which can affect the ability to fertilize an egg.

GLP-1s and fertility: What does the research say?

It’s important to point out that GLP-1s are not approved for fertility treatment.

There has been research suggesting GLP-1s may support fertility by helping address factors that affect reproductive health. These may include:

• Help with weight management
• Help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes

Some doctors are also using GLP-1s off-label to help manage symptoms of PCOS. There is growing interest in whether GLP-1s may play a role in ovulation, but more research is needed.

It’s good to know that some data has shown that GLP-1s can affect how birth control pills work. This research is still developing. If you take birth control pills and have questions, your doctor can help you review the information and choose what’s right for you.

Caution: Do not take when pregnant

More research is needed on the safety of GLP-1s during pregnancy, but at this time GLP-1s are not recommended during pregnancy. 

Talk with your healthcare team about your pregnancy goals. Your doctor may suggest that it’s helpful to delay pregnancy while you try to lose weight and achieve the health benefits of weight loss. You may do this using a healthy eating plan, physical activity, and possibly GLP-1s.

It’s often recommended to stop GLP-1s in the months before pregnancy, but your doctor will tell you what’s recommended for you. If you become pregnant while taking GLP-1s, your doctor will likely stop the medicine and you can talk about steps you can take to have your healthiest pregnancy.

Will I gain the weight back?

Some people may regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1s. Having healthy habits in place can help during the transition off medicine.

Next steps

GLP-1 medications may not be right for everyone. As with any medicine, GLP-1s come with potential risks. A healthcare provider can help assess whether these medicines are right for you based on your health history, current conditions, and overall treatment goals.

Talk with your doctor to understand what’s best for your health and fertility goals. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also available to provide resources and guidance tailored to your needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Can GLP-1s help fertility? appeared first on Progyny.

Black History Month is a time to recognize the achievements of Black communities and reflect on areas where disparities still exist. Health and wellness, particularly in fertility, pregnancy, and maternal care, are areas where outcomes and experiences can differ across populations.

Research shows that gaps in access, diagnosis, and treatment for Black patients persist today and can influence care experiences and outcomes. Understanding these differences can help you make informed choices and prepare for conversations with your care team.

Access, representation, and outcomes 

In fertility and reproductive health, clear communication and careful follow-up are important for safe, effective care. Research has shown that many Black patients experience delays in diagnosis, differences in treatment, and higher rates of pregnancy-related complications. 

Black doctors remain underrepresented in obstetrics, reproductive medicine, and related specialties. While representation alone does not change outcomes, many patients feel more comfortable and supported with providers who communicate clearly and understand how bias can affect care.  

Earlier studies suggested that having a doctor of the same race might improve certain outcomes. More recent research, including a 2024 review, found that these results were largely explained by medical and clinical factors — not by the doctor’s race alone. This means that outcomes may depend more on how symptoms are checked, how treatment is explained, and how follow-up care is managed. 

Navigating care and treatment decisions 

Bias, both implicit and structural, can affect how symptoms are interpreted and how treatment decisions are made. This is particularly relevant in fertility and pregnancy care, where treatment plans often evolve over time. 

Understanding your diagnosis, preparing questions, and knowing what to expect from appointments can help support clear communication and ensure your care team has the information they need to provide appropriate treatment. 

Practicing comprehensive health 

Overall health supports every step of your fertility and maternal care journey. Physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management can influence hormone balance, energy, and emotional well-being — all of which may affect fertility, pregnancy, and recovery. 

Focusing on consistent habits over time can help you feel more prepared for appointments, treatment cycles, and the changes your body experiences. For example: 

• Nutrition: Balanced meals can support reproductive health and energy during treatment. 

• Movement: Regular activity can improve circulation, mood, and overall stamina. 

• Sleep: Rest is linked to hormone regulation and emotional resilience. 

• Stress management: Mindfulness, therapy, or support groups can help you cope with uncertainty and decision-making. 

Paying attention to these factors doesn’t replace medical care, but it can complement your treatments and help you stay well physically and emotionally throughout your care journey. 

Resources for reproductive and overall health 

Nutrition and exercise 

• Nutrition, exercise, self-care: when does it matter for your fertility 

• Black women’s health imperative 

• How to improve your sperm health 

Pregnancy and fertility  

• Top 10 tips for a healthy pregnancy 

• Eggs over easy film: advocacy and change for fertility in the Black community

• Infertility in the black community: understanding your health conditions and finding the right doctor

• Fertility 101: stress and fertility

• 3 ways to support your fertility wellness

• Understanding uterine fibroids and polyps

Relationships and emotional wellbeing  

• Top tips for finding a therapist

• Caring for your relationships and yourself during fertility treatment

• Supporting your partner during a fertility journey

These resources are designed to help you stay informed and supported as you manage both the physical and emotional aspects of your care. Using them alongside guidance from your medical team can help you feel more prepared, confident, and balanced throughout your journey.

Additional resources

Support needs vary. Some people prefer peer groups, counseling, or educational organizations, while others use self-guided resources. The following organizations provide information and support on family building, maternal health, and mental health:

• Every Mother Counts

• The Broken Brown Egg

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Identity & Cultural Dimensions

This information is intended to help you understand how care experiences can vary in fertility and maternal health. Decisions about treatment should always be guided by your medical history, clinical guidance, and personal preferences.

Progyny is here for you, too. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Fertility and maternal health in the Black community appeared first on Progyny.

During a typical menstrual cycle, your ovaries release hormones — primarily estrogen and progesterone — that cause the endometrium (uterine lining) to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels fall and the endometrium sheds during your period. 

With endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus. These tissues are mostly found in the pelvis, including on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, ligaments that support the uterus, bladder, bowel, and the lining of the pelvic cavity.  

Healthcare providers may refer to these areas as lesions, implants, or nodules. When similar tissue grows within the muscular wall of the uterus, it is called adenomyosis. These growths are almost always benign, meaning they are not cancer. 

Like the uterine lining, endometriosis tissue responds to monthly hormone changes. It can thicken and break down, but unlike menstrual blood, the resulting bleeding has no way to leave the body. This can trigger inflammation, pain, and scar tissue, which may affect nearby organs and fertility over time. 

Symptoms you may notice 

Symptoms of endometriosis can range from mild to severe, and some people have no symptoms at all. Pain is the most common symptom and may occur at any time. 

You may experience: 

• Pain during periods, including severe cramping 

• Pain during or after sex 

• Chronic pelvic or lower back pain 

• Abdominal or intestinal pain 

• Digestive symptoms, especially during periods, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea 

• Heavy menstrual periods 

• Spotting or bleeding between periods 

• Fatigue 

• Brain fog 

• Urinary symptoms 

• Difficulty getting pregnant 

Where endometriosis can be found 

Endometriosis most often affects pelvic organs, including: 

• Ovaries 

• Fallopian tubes 

• Outer surface of the uterus 

• Ligaments that support the uterus 

• Bladder 

• Bowel and intestines 

In some cases, endometriosis may also be found outside the pelvis. 

Why endometriosis can be painful 

Just as the uterine lining sheds and bleeds each month during your period, endometriosis tissue can also bleed. Because this blood cannot exit the body, it can cause swelling and inflammation. 

Over time, repeated inflammation may lead to ovarian cysts (endometriomas), adhesions, and scar tissue. Scar tissue can change pelvic anatomy, restrict organ movement, and block fallopian tubes, contributing to ongoing pain and fertility challenges. 

Diagnoses 

Endometriosis affects about 10% of people with uteruses worldwide who are of reproductive age. If someone in your family has it, you’re 7 to 10 times more likely to develop it yourself. 

Your healthcare provider may use a combination of pelvic exams and imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI. 

Currently, laparoscopy is the only way to definitively confirm endometriosis and determine its severity. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to look inside the pelvis and identify endometriosis tissue, which is often confirmed with a biopsy. 

Stages 

Endometriosis is sometimes grouped into stages based on what a surgeon sees during a minimally invasive procedure. These stages describe the location and extent of endometriosis tissue, not how severe symptoms feel. People with a low stage can have significant pain, while others with a high stage may have few symptoms. Because of this, staging is only one piece of information and does not determine treatment or fertility outcomes on its own. 

Treatment options 

Endometriosis can be managed medically, surgically, or with a combination of approaches. Treatment depends on your symptoms, goals, and whether you are trying to conceive. 

Common treatment options include: 

• Pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for mild symptoms 

• Hormonal birth control, which can suppress ovulation and slow the growth of endometriosis tissue 

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which reduce estrogen production and temporarily stop endometriosis growth 

• Laparoscopic surgery to remove or reduce endometriosis lesions and cysts 

How it affects fertility 

Many people with endometriosis are still able to conceive, especially those with mild to moderate disease. Fertility challenges are more common with more severe endometriosis, though the exact reasons are not fully understood. 

Endometriosis may affect fertility by: 

• Causing scar tissue that interferes with egg pickup or transport through the fallopian tubes 

• Triggering inflammation that may affect egg quality or embryo implantation 

• Leading to ovarian cysts that can impact ovarian reserve 

Some treatments used to manage endometriosis symptoms, such as hormonal therapies, also prevent pregnancy while you are using them. 

Successful pregnancy is possible 

Although endometriosis can complicate becoming pregnant, many people with endometriosis go on to have successful pregnancies. If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis and want to build your family, a reproductive endocrinologist can help you understand your options and create a plan that supports your goals. 

Progyny is here for you, too. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

The post What is endometriosis? appeared first on Progyny.

Treatment for tubal factor infertility typically involves surgery and/or in vitro fertilization (IVF), which bypasses the fallopian tubes. The choice depends on the location and severity of tubal damage, as well as individual factors such as age, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and other infertility diagnoses. 

IVF

IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely and is often preferred when tubal disease is severe or unlikely to be successfully repaired. IVF success rates are generally reported per cycle, and many people achieve pregnancy without undergoing surgery. However, for patients with a dilated fallopian tube, called a hydrosalpinx, surgery may be recommended to improve success with IVF. IVF involves medication injections, monitoring, and a minor outpatient procedure to remove eggs from the ovary, which are then fertilized in a laboratory.  

Though rare, there are rare risks that can occur with IVF. These include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, bleeding, infection, ovarian torsion, and damage to nearby structures. The risk of complication is less than 1%. 

Surgical options

Surgery may be appropriate for select patients, particularly younger women without other infertility factors. Common surgical approaches include: 

• Selective tubal cannulation: Can open a blockage near the uterus (proximal obstruction). 
• Laparoscopic fimbrioplasty or neosalpingostomy: Can treat mild distal tubal disease or mild hydrosalpinx. 
• Laparoscopic salpingectomy: Recommended for severe or irreparable hydrosalpinx before IVF, as removing the damaged tube improves implantation and pregnancy rates. 
• Tubal reversal (after prior sterilization): Microsurgical procedures may restore fertility in carefully selected patients. 

Surgery vs. IVF

Direct comparisons of pregnancy rates between tubal surgery and IVF are limited. Surgery may restore natural fertility over time, while IVF typically offers higher per-cycle success rates and avoids some surgical risks. Your fertility team can help evaluate which approach makes sense based on your unique situation. 

Deciding on treatment 

When choosing between surgery and IVF, consider: 

• Your age and ovarian reserve 
• Sperm count and quality 
• Desired family size 
• Location and severity of tubal disease 
• Other infertility factors 
• Risk of ectopic pregnancy or complications 
• Your doctor’s experience 
• IVF program success rates and cost 
• Personal preferences 

Your care team can help weigh these factors and guide you toward the treatment path most aligned with your goals. 

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

The post Treating tubal factor infertility appeared first on Progyny.

Balancing fertility treatment with work can feel overwhelming. Medical appointments, hormone side effects, and the emotional ups and downs of infertility don’t stop for the workday. But you can take steps to protect your well-being and stay focused on your job while navigating this journey. 

Decide what to share 

You don’t have to disclose your fertility journey at work. Some people choose to share limited details with a manager or HR to explain schedule flexibility, while others keep work and personal life completely separate. Either choice is valid. If you do share, focus on what you need, like time for appointments, without going into personal details. 

Know your benefits 

Check your sick leave, flexible scheduling, remote work options, and mental health resources. While infertility isn’t always covered specifically, existing policies can help you manage appointments and recovery time. Knowing your options ahead of time can reduce stress and make planning easier. 

Plan your workload 

Treatment and emotional stress can affect energy and focus. Schedule demanding tasks during your peak energy times when possible. If you need temporary adjustments, frame requests around productivity and workflow rather than personal circumstances. 

Manage emotional triggers 

Workplace celebrations, pregnancy announcements, or casual questions about family plans can be difficult. It’s okay to step away for a short break if you need to. Simple grounding techniques — like deep breathing, walking, or jotting down thoughts — can help you reset and stay focused. 

Seek support 

Support outside work is essential. Therapy, support groups, or trusted friends can provide space to process feelings and reduce isolation. Having this outlet can make it easier to maintain focus and boundaries at work. 

Be kind to yourself 

Infertility can affect performance, focus, and confidence. If you’re not operating at your usual level, that’s normal. Recognizing that this is a challenging season and treating yourself with compassion can help you manage both work and treatment more effectively. 

You don’t have to handle infertility perfectly or alone. Small adjustments, clear boundaries, and self-care can make work more manageable during this difficult time. 

Progyny is here for you, too. If you have any questions, please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support. 

The post How to deal with infertility while at work  appeared first on Progyny.