Some of the most emotionally difficult conversations I have in my office on a weekly basis are those with patients who are diagnosed with cancer and come to me for fertility preservation. There is a psychological “double blow” hitting them all at once: not only is their cancer itself scary, but they are also worried that they will not be able to have children afterwards, because chemotherapy and radiation – while lifesaving – can damage their sperm and eggs.

In the 40+ years since in vitro fertilization (IVF) first helped bring a baby into the world, doctors and scientists have made many improvements to this amazing form of assisted reproductive technology. One of these cutting-edge procedures is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). But can PGT actually improve IVF success rates? Let's explore what PGT is used for, the risks and benefits, and whether you should consider it.

When you have PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, every choice counts. Every meal, every exercise, every anxiety… the way women choose to handle these everyday decisions plays into the overall management of our PCOS. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder that causes hormonal imbalances in up to 15% of women. These imbalances spark an array of symptoms such as weight gain, acne, hirsutism (growth of hair you DON’T want), hair loss (thinning of hair you DO want), and insulin resistance. Long-term effects can include infertility, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.

When it comes to conception, there has been a theory shift that might surprise you: losing a ton of weight in a short period of time may NOT be the key to solving your infertility. An emerging body of research shows that achieving an overall healthy lifestyle may be better than just losing the weight, particularly if the method of losing weight is not healthy or sustainable, such as a crash diet. First, though, it’s important to define what a “healthy lifestyle” means for you.

RMA of Connecticut hosted a Live Event for women just like you – women who want to be the boss of their body and feel completely in control. It featured RMA of Connecticut's unique PCOS Team, covering topics like nutrition, anxiety, and support! Watch the entire video below!

At Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, we have always held one priority above all others: respect the patient. Every desire, every need, and every unique point of view. We know each patient has a different story to tell, and we honor that. In fact, we celebrate it. Zero judgement. Immense compassion. At the end of the day, we just want to help you build your dream family and have you feel safe and heard throughout the entire journey.

You’re done. Fertility treatments, over. Finished. Adoption is not a choice for you. It just isn’t. Fostering a child, nope. No judgement on anyone who continues, it’s just that you know that you are done. Having a child was a lifelong dream and you’ve accepted, begrudgingly or not, that it’s not happening and that you know that it’s time for you to accept it. But come on, childfree by choice? It wasn’t a choice; it was inflicted on you. You didn’t weigh the options, balancing having a child with not having a child and choose the latter. You didn’t flip a coin and let that make your decision.

I learned a lot in college - a little about how to be a nurse and a lot about life.