Sickle cell disease is a relatively common genetic disorder affecting approximately 100,000 Americans. Luckily, with the help of IVF treatment and genetic testing, carriers of the trait can now prevent passing it on - leading to healthier babies.

Does infertility ever go away? That was the big question I asked myself at certain strategic points in my fertility journey. One such point? When I was ready to give up and go cry myself to sleep under the covers. Another? When I looked in the mirror and could not recognize myself. When it was all over, one way or another, would infertility ever really go away?

Today, RMA of Connecticut, a leading fertility clinic, announced their “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released on August 16th. A record 680 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at 1000 additional non-participating hospitals. Of those included in the HEI, 406 earned a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation. RMA of Connecticut is the only free-standing fertility center given the HEI designation in New England.

Trying to conceive can be like riding a roller coaster; slow climbs followed by quick drops with a mixture of fear and excitement thrown in at each curve. Sometimes the whole process can feel daunting, filled with confusing medical terms and tests we never knew existed. That’s when we often reach for an over-the-counter solution as opposed to a clinic. And that’s okay! Wanting to know more information on your personal fertility is a huge step in the right direction. Congratulations on taking charge of this important part of your life! You’ve done the hard part – deciding to take a test is a clear sign that you’re trying to plan and be being proactive about your fertility. But when it comes to choosing a fertility test, the options can seem overwhelming. Whether you’re hoping to freeze your eggs or use them now, you realize it’s important to test your fertility. Understanding your hormone levels can help you determine things like egg count and ovulation cycles. But what test should you choose? Do at-home fertility tests really work, or should you opt for an in-office, doctor-led test instead? We’re here to help.

Without question, fertility treatment isn’t cheap. Or to put it another way, quality treatment – which gives you access to all the available science and technology, along with guidance from a reproductive endocrinologist – isn’t cheap.

You have reached the point in your fertility journey when it is time to decide: Do I go forward with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or not? For most of us, this question raises even more questions. Does IVF hurt? Will it really work? What will I do if IVF fails? In this article, we dive into some of the common, questions people have about IVF.

Every spring, RESOLVE: The Infertility Association, in partnership with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, provides a platform, Advocacy Day, for infertility advocates from all over the country to gather in Washington, DC. The purpose? To speak to legislators about the 1 in 8 couples faced with reproductive disease, also known as infertility.

When you are ready to have a baby and you are 35 or younger, do this: Try for 12 months to have a baby on your own. Take your temperature, get the timing right, and don’t let anxiety override the fun. If you are 36 or older, try for six months. After that, you can talk to your ob/gyn, who might remind you that one out of eight adults experiences infertility, and suggest you visit a fertility clinic. As you prepare for this step, consider four important categories that will help you explore your options.