Fertility in Focus by Fertility Matters Canada

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2083955/open_sms] In the final episode of Fertility in Focus, season 2, we sat down with Jessica Coates, a registered nurse specializing in primary care from Ontario, who opens up about her personal and professional experiences with fertility. At 28, Jessica faced the daunting news of having an extremely low ovarian reserve, leading to a seven-month journey of trying to conceive, which culminated in undergoing IVF. Jessica delves into the crucial tests and fertility treatments she considered, sharing detailed insights into the emotional, financial, and social hurdles she encountered. She discusses the impact of her journey on her relationship, especially following her partner’s diagnosis of male factor infertility, and how they navigated self-blame and made concerted efforts to support each other equally. Moreover, Jessica highlights the broader implications of fertility issues on relationships, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, open communication, and the need for greater awareness and support for both partners. This episode sheds light on the emotional and practical aspects of fertility challenges and advocates for more inclusive support networks that address the needs of all individuals affected. More about our guest speaker:  Jessica is a mother, Registered Nurse and fertility advocate, who loves her family, travel, the outdoors and adventure! After conceiving her first child via IVF, Jessica and her spouse are tackling their biggest adventure yet as they raise their family. As Jessica & Nathan have been together since elementary school they have experienced many different versions of one another, going through many changes and growth over the last two decades. Infertility was the most difficult obstacle to overcome so far, and after so long together, remaining best friends through it all helped to strengthen their relationship. After her fertility journey, Jessica developed a special interest in directing her career as a Registered Nurse to support and educate other couples navigating the world of infertility. You can check out her social media page and website here.  Follow her journey at her website www.jcrneducation.com and on Instagram @jes_coates. If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at podcast@fertilitymatters.ca. Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2083955/open_sms] This week on Fertility in Focus, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Zadek, a remarkable Naturopathic Doctor specializing in women's health and fertility, who sheds light on the complexities of reproductive aging.  Together, we discuss the hidden intricacies of how cellular aging impacts egg and sperm health. As we navigate the often-overlooked consequences of aging on fertility, Dr. Zadek shares strategies to help maintain reproductive health. Bringing attention to the shared responsibility of both partners in conception, we challenge the outdated notion that fertility issues primarily arise from the woman's side.  Our discussion highlights the essential roles both egg and sperm quality play, especially as they age. We explore how hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, influence egg quality, uterine health and the overall viability of pregnancy. Listeners’ concerns about preserving or even reversing the effects of aging on reproductive health are thoughtfully addressed, offering potential strategies for improving outcomes. More about our guest speaker: Dr. Sarah Zadek is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario with a clinical focus on women’s health, endocrinology and fertility. Sarah graduated from Nipissing University with an honours degree in biology after completing her thesis on genetics, oxidative stress and immune function. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto in 2014. With her own health issues unsolved by medical doctors and specialists, Sarah turned to naturopathic medicine to help solve many of the ailments she had carried for years, including endometriosis and other autoimmune conditions. Dr. Zadek uses the latest evidence-based medicine, orthomolecular medicine, botanicals and antioxidant therapies to help patients correct hormonal imbalances and immune disorders including: endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, painful and/or irregular menstruation, and challenges with fertility. As well, she has a passion for empowering women and their partners to take charge of their health, assisting them on their journey to reproductive success. This includes educating women to better understand their cycles, and improve health outcomes with diet and lifestyle factors, whether they’re looking to conceive now or in the future. Her working background includes 14 years in pharmacy and experience as a birth doula in the Greater Toronto Area. Sarah is an author and has written for multiple publications across North America including NaturalPath, Naturopathic News and Review (NDNR), Naturopathic Currents, and Eco Parent Magazine online. If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at podcast@fertilitymatters.ca. Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2083955/open_sms] This week on Fertility in Focus, we warmly welcome Weronika Gallant, the Clinical Operations Manager at TRIO Fertility, who brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to our conversation on mental health support in fertility care. As a former fertility nurse, Weronika provides a unique perspective on the emotional hurdles and mental toll faced by individuals navigating fertility treatments. We talk about the often-overlooked emotional fatigue and stress patients experience, the unmet expectations, and the profound isolation that can accompany a fertility journey. Weronika underscores the critical importance of seeking support, such as reproductive counsellors, to maintain mental well-being throughout this demanding journey. Tune in for insights, resources, and encouragement as we aim to support those navigating the emotional landscape of fertility treatments. More about our guest speaker: Weronika Gallant, RPN (She/Her), Clinical Operations Manager at TRIO fertility.  With over 15 years of experience in the service industry, Weronika made the decision to pursue nursing, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on patient care. After graduating from Centennial College in 2016, she quickly developed a passion for fertility medicine. Since joining TRIO in 2017, Weronika has had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional nurses and doctors, supporting patients across primary care settings in TRIO’s downtown, Burlington, North York, and Thornhill locations to provide patient-centered care; this opportunity has allowed her to progress from Primary Care Nurse to Satellite Clinic Manager and now Clinical Operations Manager. Weronika is a proud member of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN), and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS). She is committed to upholding the highest standards of care and service, ensuring that patient needs remain at the forefront of every decision. If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at podcast@fertilitymatters.ca. Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2083955/open_sms] Allie and Sam Conway, two prominent voices in the online community, embarked on a journey to parenthood that was far more complex than they ever imagined. From the frustration of long wait times at fertility clinics to the unexpected challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Allie and Sam's story is one of grit and perseverance.  Their new book, "How to Make a Baby: Everything LGBTQ Families Need to Know About IVF," serves as a beacon for those navigating similar paths, especially within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We delve into the unique considerations that queer families face when choosing donors in Canada. Allie and Sam discuss the legal restrictions that necessitate looking beyond borders for donor options, and the intricate process of fostering connections among donor siblings.  Their advocacy work alongside Fertility Matters Canada underscores the importance of community support and access to resources. As we reflect on their inspiring journey, we invite listeners to consider supporting this invaluable charity and the mission to make family-building accessible to all. More about our guest speakers: Allie and Sam Conway, are a same-sex couple who have been together for nearly a decade. Their beautiful journey starts on a dating app, like any modern love story. They are wives, moms to twins, and pet parents to five animals in Nova Scotia, Canada! They started sharing their life together online as a way to keep their families updated on their adventures around the globe together, but it quickly became a way to share much-needed queer representation; to showcase that a happy, full life is possible as an out and proud LGBTQ+ person. They have shared their journey with reciprocal IVF, and parenthood as a two mom family! Now they share the ups, downs, and everything from parenthood, to love, travel, life and everything in between!  They have amassed an amazing, engaged online community over their 6+ years of sharing their lives on the internet with over 400k followers on social media! They have also done public speaking engagements about various LGBTQ+ issues in schools, for non-profits, and for major brands. They recently published their first book: How to Make a Baby: Everything LGBTQ+ Families Need to Know About IVF and Fertility Treatments.  You can find them on: Instagram: @allieandsam Youtube: @AllieandSam TikTok: @allieandsam If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at podcast@fertilitymatters.ca. Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2083955/open_sms] This week on Fertility in Focus we are joined by Dr. Stéphanie Dufour to learn about the impact of cancer and its treatments on fertility, a topic that is often overlooked but incredibly important for patients and their families. We discuss how chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can affect reproductive health, as well as the fertility preservation options available before treatment begins. This conversation is especially relevant for the Fertility Matters community, as many patients are unaware of the urgency and importance of discussing fertility preservation at the time of diagnosis. By providing clear, practical information, this episode aims to empower individuals to advocate for their reproductive health, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about their future family-building options. More about our guest: Dr. Stéphanie Dufour is a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and infertility specialist with a passion for fertility preservation, particularly for individuals facing cancer. As an expert in oncofertility, she is dedicated to providing cutting-edge reproductive options to help patients navigate fertility challenges before and after cancer treatment. She is committed to advancing reproductive health through clinical care, research, and education  Social Media: IG @drstephaniedufour If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at podcast@fertilitymatters.ca. Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.