Male factor infertility, IVF, and becoming a mom of two with lauren hart clancy
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Summary
In this conversation, Lauren Hart Clancy shares her personal journey through fertility challenges, discussing her desire for motherhood, the societal pressures surrounding it, and the emotional toll of trying to conceive. She highlights the importance of understanding fertility, the need for proactive testing, and the significance of finding the right medical support. Lauren's story emphasizes the complexities of infertility, the impact of male factor infertility, and the heartache of miscarriage, while also advocating for patient empowerment and self-advocacy in healthcare. In this conversation, Lauren Hart Clancy shares her personal journey through infertility and IVF, detailing the challenges she faced, including navigating medical support, understanding male factor infertility, and the impact of COVID-19 on her treatment. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right medical team, optimizing health during the process, and the emotional toll of setbacks. Lauren also discusses her advocacy work in the fertility community, aiming to support others through their journeys and raise awareness about the complexities of reproductive health.
Takeaways
The journey to motherhood can be complicated and challenging.
Many women are not educated about their fertility and cycles.
It's important to seek help sooner rather than later when trying to conceive.
Male factor infertility can be a surprising diagnosis.
IVF is not a guaranteed solution for infertility.
Genetic testing of embryos can provide insights but does not guarantee success.
Miscarriage is a common experience in the fertility journey.
Finding the right doctor is crucial for emotional support and success.
Advocating for oneself in healthcare is essential. You have to advocate for your own health and well-being.
Finding the right doctor can significantly impact your experience.
IVF is not a guaranteed path to pregnancy; understanding the statistics is crucial.
Male factor infertility is often overlooked but is a significant issue.
Lifestyle changes can positively affect male fertility.
The IVF process can be unpredictable and emotionally taxing.
COVID-19 introduced new challenges for those undergoing fertility treatments.
Community support is vital for those experiencing infertility.
Advocacy in the fertility space is essential for raising awareness.
Sharing your story can help others feel less alone in their journey
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Lauren's Journey
03:37Desire for Motherhood and Societal Expectations
06:02The Reality of Trying to Conceive
10:43Understanding Fertility and the Fertile Window
13:09Seeking Help After a Year of Trying
16:07Receiving Shocking News: Male Factor Infertility
20:25The IVF Journey Begins
24:47Genetic Testing and Its Implications
28:36Navigating Loss and Miscarriage
30:26Finding the Right Doctor and Advocacy
35:00Finding the Right Medical Support
36:03Navigating IVF Challenges
39:34Optimizing Male Fertility
42:30The IVF Funnel: Understanding Success Rates
45:46Facing Setbacks in the IVF Journey
47:58The Impact of COVID on Fertility Treatments
52:50Deciding to Expand the Family
56:14New Challenges in the Second IVF Journey
01:01:24The Journey to a Second Child
01:03:07Advocacy and Community Support
Lauren Hart Clancy is a public health professional who is passionate about public health education and advocacy. She holds a Master of Public Health from Northeastern University and has spent her career in the hospital and health care industry. Her work experience ranges from many years in the child psychiatry department of a major Boston hospital to several years as an operations and client management leader for a Boston area healthcare technology company. Infertility and eventual motherhood (IVF mom x2) emboldened her stance as a fierce advocate for women's rights and women's healthcare. She is now the founder of The Village Advocate, which provides education, advocacy, and support for maternal & child health and fertility & family building from a public health perspective. Lauren is co-leader of the Boston Chapter of Chamber of Mothers, a non-profit uniting mothers as advocates to create a better America. She is also a peer support group leader for AllPaths Family Building, co-leading the Expecting After & Parenting After Infertility and/or Loss groups. Lauren grew up in Maine but now lives with her husband, sons, and dogs in Massachusetts.
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Special mentions from the episode:
All Paths Family Building:
Chamber of Mothers:
If you want to share your story on the podcast, send an email to becca@sproutfertility.co
