My Fertility Podcast

EP92: Reproductive immunology Part 4, Cytokines Part 2: Treatment options for elevated cytokines (Intralipids, Steroids, TNF Alpha Inhibitors, IVIG, Tacrolimus & Hydroxychloroquine)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Today we get into the nitty gritty of treatments for elevated cytokines. This is Part 2 in our series on the topic of cytokines. This episode covers: Intralipids, Steroids, TNF Alpha Inhibitors, IVIG, Tacrolimus and Hydroxychloroquine. We include data and studies as well as our approach when speaking to patients about treatment options.

You may also be interested in:
EP78: Reproductive immunology Part 1: Testing and treatments
EP83: Reproductive immunology Part 2: LAD & LIT (Leukocyte Antibody Detection & Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy)
EP87: Reproductive immunology Part 3, Cytokines Part 1: What are cytokines? And who should be testing?

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP91: Teri's story: Childfree not by choice - I'm living a full and intentional life!

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Teri Hart to our show! Teri openly shares with us her fertility journey, reflections and what it is like at present day to be childfree not by choice - living a full and intentional life.

About Teri:
With over 30 years of broadcasting experience, Teri is one of Canada's most recognized and sought after media personalities, a multi-talented host, interviewer, critic, and producer, and now podcaster. Terry is the host, creator and executive producer of The Heart of it All, a podcast about the realities of caregiving, which launch in 2025.

Connect with Teri Hart:
Instagram @terihart
The Hart of it All Podcast @thehartofitallpod

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP90: Mother's Day: Partner support, SMBC, and the fertility journey with Brittany Marshall, Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Today we talk about Mother's Day and all the emotions this day brings. We welcome Brittany Marshall, Social Worker & Psychotherapist, to discuss coping mechanisms to you help navigate this day as someone going through a fertility journey, how partners can provide support and what it may be like for SMBC.

Brittany Marshall is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and families across Ontario. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 2016 and has worked in a range of settings including hospitals, family health teams, post-secondary institutions, and private practice.
Brittany brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work. Having personally navigated infertility and becoming a parent through IVF, she is deeply passionate about supporting people throughout their fertility journeys. She is also committed to supporting healthcare professionals working in this field, with a focus on emotional wellbeing, communication, and burnout prevention.

Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in helping individuals build resilience and meaningful coping strategies.

Connect with Brittany Marshall for psychotherapy, supervision or public speaking opportunities:
Instagram: @brittanymarshallcounselling
Website: https://brittanymarshallcounselling.ca/
Book a Free Consult: https://brittanymarshallcounselling.janeapp.com/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP89: Holding space for loss: Navigating miscarriage with Dara Roth Edney, Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome back to our show, Dara Roth Edney (MSW, RSW), who is the Founder and Clinical Director Informed Fertility, Reproductive Counsellor, Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist. We speak about various forms of grief and navigating miscarriage and what may be referred to as "invisible loss". Dara joined us previously for EP57: Navigating Mother's Day.

Dara is a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, and the founder and Clinical Director of Informed Fertility, a group counselling practice specializing in family building. Dara supports people navigating infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, 2SLGBTQ+ and solo parent family building, identity-based fertility planning, and complex medical or psychosocial histories. She provides grief and relationship counselling, third-party reproduction counselling, and practical tools for coping, communication, and boundary setting. Dara developed and teaches Canada’s first university-level professional development course in fertility counselling, is Past Chair of the Counselling Special Interest Group of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, a board member of Donor Conception Canada, and a recognized leader in the field of reproductive mental health. Her work is grounded in inclusive, trauma-informed and evidence-based care - shaped by her clinical expertise and her personal lived experience with infertility, loss, and surrogacy.

You can connect with Dara on Instagram @dara.informedfertility
Website: https://informedfertility.ca/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP88: CFAW Special: Recent breakthroughs in the world of fertility

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

This week is Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW), and we are going talk about recent breakthroughs that have come about in the world of fertility. If you're trying to conceive, thinking about fertility treatment or already going through treatment, chances are that in the last year you may have seen many of these headlines such as: Neo IVF breakthrough increases success rates or AI chooses the best embryo, or scientists reverse egg aging, and more..

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP87: Reproductive immunology Part 3, Cytokines Part 1: What are cytokines? And who should be testing?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Today we are continuing our reproductive immunology series, with a deep dive into cytokines — a topic that generates so many questions, confusion and honestly mixed emotions for patients. We cover cytokines in the context of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

This Part 3 of our series on the immune system. You may also be interested in:

EP78: Reproductive immunology Part 1: Testing and treatments
EP83: Reproductive immunology Part 2: LAD & LIT (Leukocyte Antibody Detection & Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy)
EP51: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 1: Risk factors & the 5 categories of causes
EP56: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 2: Testing & management options
EP72: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 1: What causes RIF? And why all the controversy?
EP76: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 2: Diagnosis and treatment options

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP86: Supporting the whole woman: Mental health care through fertility, loss & postpartum with Dr. Bev Young

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Dr. Bev Young to our show! Dr. Young is the Co-Founder of BRIA, a one-stop shop for women's mental health care. She is a psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in women’s mental health issues across the reproductive life cycle. Her career has focused specifically on mood and anxiety disorders relating to pregnancy, infertility, perinatal loss, and postpartum adjustment.

Before co-founding BRIA, Dr. Young developed and led two of the largest perinatal psychiatry programs in Ontario and trained many perinatal psychiatrists across the province. As a leader in her field, she is relentlessly dedicated to improving access to high quality reproductive psychiatric care. With her new virtual clinic, BRIA, she hopes to provide access to mental health services to women across Canada.

Connect with BRIA on Instagram @bria.health
Visit the website https://betterbria.com/
Book a free call https://betterbria.com/book-a-call/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP85: You asked, we answered: Fertility Q&A - 2 years of My Fertility Podcast!

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Superhumans! Welcome to My Fertility Podcast for the 85th time! If you are new here, we are so happy you found us and if you are a loyal listener, we are so so grateful for you! Today is special as the podcast turns 2 this week! We have turned to our listeners to guide the content for this episode - we answer your questions. THANK YOU all so much for your comments, reviews and engagement on social, and THANK YOU to our circle of supporters, we couldn't do this without you. Stay tuned - we can't wait to share what we have in store for the upcoming year!

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP84: Exploring endometriosis and endo ultrasounds with Dr. Leonardi

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we wanted to bring an expert onto our show to spread knowledge and insight on this topic. Today we welcome Dr. Mathew Leonardi, a specialist in complex gynecology and ultrasound with a focus on endometriosis. He is an Assistant Professor at McMaster University, an Honorary Adjunct Lecturer at Adelaide University and an Honorary Associate Professor at Western Sydney University.

Dr. Leonardi is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in his field. He has published over 120 peer reviewed scientific articles, several textbook chapters, and presented globally on complex gynecologic conditions and ultrasound. He is also on the World Endometriosis Society Board and a founding member of the Next Generation Committee at the International Society of Ultrasound and Obstetrics and Gynecology. He's an associate editor for reproduction and fertility, and he's also on several editorial boards for other leading journals.

Connect with Dr. Leonardi:
Instagram @drmathewleonardi
Youtube @MathewLeonardiMDPhD

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP83: Reproductive immunology Part 2: LAD & LIT (Leukocyte Antibody Detection & Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Today we are continuing to explore the fascinating, mysterious and complicated topic: the immune system and fertility, with a focus specifically on LAD and LIT.

You may also be interested in:
EP78: Reproductive immunology Part 1: Testing and treatments
EP51: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 1: Risk factors & the 5 categories of causes
EP56: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 2: Testing & management options
EP72: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 1: What causes RIF? And why all the controversy?
EP76: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 2: Diagnosis and treatment options

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP82: Finding clarity and confidence to make difficult decisions with Rebecca Greenberg, Bioethicist

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Today we welcome Rebecca Greenberg to our show! Dr. Greenberg is a Nurse and Bioethicist. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Greenberg Consulting. She specializes in helping individuals and organizations to navigate difficult decisions pertaining to healthcare. Dr Greenberg is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. She has a PhD and Post-doctorate Fellowship in Biomedical Ethics from the University of Toronto and has worked at The Hospital for Sick Children and Mount Sinai Hospital as a Bioethicist. Regarded as a leader in the field, Rebecca sits on the Bioethics Committees of the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Rebecca is committed to education and sharing her research through speaking internationally, publishing research papers and being featured in the media.

Connect with Rebecca:
Instagram @greenbergconsulting
Website www.greenbergconsulting.ca

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP81: Frozen embryo transfer (FET) Part 2: The procedure & FAQ

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

We are back with another episode in our series on frozen embryo transfers (FETs). We are going to walk you through the actual procedure and answer some frequently asked questions.

You may also be interested in:
EP68: Frozen embryo transfer (FET) Part 1: Natural cycle FET, medicated FET & stimulated FET explained
EP67: Fresh embryo transfer (ET) Part 1: The procedure, timelines & pros and cons
EP80: Fresh embryo transfer (ET) Part 2: Choosing fresh vs frozen, fresh transfer success rates & FAQ
EP14: IVF Part 1: Let's talk about IVF
EP20: IVF Part 2: Risks related to the egg producer, procedure, pregnancy & baby
EP54: IVF Part 3: IVF add-ons/adjuvant therapies to improve egg quality and embryo quality
EP58: IVF Part 4: Low dose IVF or mini IVF, is it right for you?

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP80: Fresh embryo transfer (ET) Part 2: Choosing fresh vs frozen, fresh transfer success rates & FAQ

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year! We're excited to be back. Today we continue the series for fresh embryo transfer (ET) and discuss choosing fresh versus frozen, fresh transfer success rates and answer some common questions that come up during this journey.

You may also be interested in:
EP67: Fresh embryo transfer (ET) Part 1: The procedure, timelines & pros and cons
EP68: Frozen embryo transfer (FET) Part 1: Natural cycle FET, medicated FET & stimulated FET explained
EP14: IVF Part 1: Let's talk about IVF
EP20: IVF Part 2: Risks related to the egg producer, procedure, pregnancy & baby
EP54: IVF Part 3: IVF add-ons/adjuvant therapies to improve egg quality and embryo quality
EP58: IVF Part 4: Low dose IVF or mini IVF, is it right for you?

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

A 2025 holiday message from Dr. Garcia & Dr. Wais

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Happy holidays from us! Thank you for listening superhumans and we'll be back on January 6th!

Includes episodes recap for 2025.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP79: Molly's story: A 8 year IVF journey and fertility access in Northern Ontario

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we welcome Molly to our show! Molly describes her 8 year fertility journey as long, full of surprises and a crazy rollercoaster. Molly and her husband started trying to conceive in their mid to late twenties. Fast forward to a few years ago when they found themselves under the care of Dr. Garcia here at Markham Fertility Centre. At MFC, they did one retrieval, multiple transfers, and unfortunately had multiple losses, immune testing and treatments, that resulted in their beautiful rainbow baby Nia born in 2022.

In this particular episode, we refer a lot to fertility care and resources in Northern Ontario. We are very happy to announce that as of August 2025, which is the time of this recording, Markham Fertility Centre is officially offering satellite monitoring in partnership with NEO Women's Health Network in Sudbury. To learn more about the services we offer, please visit https://markhamfertility.com/locations.

Connect with Molly on Instagram @__molly.edwards__

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP78: Reproductive immunology Part 1: Testing and treatments

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome back! Today we dive into the highly requested topic of reproductive immunology. We cover: What is the immune system? What exactly is immune testing and treatments?, associated costs, why this topic is so controversial and what to expect in future episodes in this series.

You may also be interested in:
EP51: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 1: Risk factors & the 5 categories of causes
EP56: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 2: Testing & management options
EP72: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 1: What causes RIF? And why all the controversy?
EP76: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 2: Diagnosis and treatment options

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP77: Marisa’s story: From intended parent to advocate and founder of Defining Journeys

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we welcome to the show Marisa Bernardo. Marisa is an intended mother (IP), cancer survivor and surrogacy educator and advocate. Following a battle with cancer that took away her ability to become pregnant, she took on a surrogacy journey in the pursuit of motherhood. Along the way, she became an absolute pillar of the community, sharing her journey online with millions of people. Marisa is the founder of Defining Journeys: one space to go to for support from early surrogacy questions to matching all the way through to the postpartum phase.

Connect with Marisa and Defining Journeys: Psychotherapy, Counselling, Fertility and Surrogacy Support
Instagram @definingjourneys
Website https://www.definingjourneys.ca/

You may also be interested in:
EP13: Infertility support groups made possible with OasisFSN

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP76: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 2: Diagnosis and treatment options

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we continue demystifying infertility by talking about the second part of RIF, which is looking into the diagnostic workup and the treatment options. We will start with the diagnostic workup and what do we actually do when we see a patient where we suspect they may have recurrent implantation failure? Our approach is really stepwise. We think about, what was the quality of the embryos? What was the genetics of the embryos like? Were these genetically tested embryos? Were they not? Were they euploid, were they not? We're also going to think about the types of transfer protocols that were used; were these fresh transfers, were they frozen transfers? And so on..

You may also be interested in:
EP72: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 1: What causes RIF? And why all the controversy?
EP11: The endometrium explained with Dr. Chan
EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP75: WTF Appt. Scenario 2: Fertilization failure – Now what?!

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome back superhumans and thank you for joining us. Today we're diving into a topic that is often overlooked, but really important: fertilization failure during an IVF cycle. The WTF appointment is an informal, for very appropriate term, for a follow-up consultation that happens after an unsuccessful IVF cycle. We're going to explore why sometimes even with egg and sperm in the lab, fertilization doesn't happen or doesn't happen as expected. We're also going to talk in detail about egg maturity and how it can affect the IVF outcomes, and in particular, fertilization outcomes.

You may also be interested in:
EP62: WTF Appt. Scenario 1: You get less eggs than expected at retrieval
EP14: IVF Part 1: Let's talk about IVF
EP16: PCOS Part 1: Symptoms, diagnosis & related risks
EP20: IVF Part 2: Risks related to the egg producer, procedure, pregnancy & baby
EP21: PCOS Part 2: Understanding treatment options
EP33: The impact of decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) on fertility and IVF treatments
EP44: Male factor infertility Part 1: Semen analysis & sperm DNA fragmentation explained with Dr. Jarvi
EP52: Male factor infertility Part 2: Ways to improve sperm health for fertility with Dr. Jarvi
EP54: IVF Part 3: IVF add-ons/adjuvant therapies to improve egg quality and embryo quality

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP74: The legal side of family building with Sara Cohen, Fertility Lawyer

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we welcome Sara Cohen to our show. Sara is a leading fertility lawyer based in Toronto, working with clients across Canada and internationally. She advises intended parents, surrogates, donors, clinics, hospitals, and cryobanks on a wide range of fertility law matters.

Named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine and recognized by Lexpert as a Leading Lawyer to Watch, Sara combines deep expertise with a compassionate, collaborative approach. She serves on the ethics committee of a major fertility clinic, is past president of Fertility Matters Canada, and a fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.

An internationally sought-after speaker and published author, taught reproductive law at Osgoode Hall Law School and has been invited by international and domestic governments to consult on legal reform in fertility and parentage law. She’s committed to helping families grow with compassion, legal security, and integrity.

Connect with Sara Cohen;
Instagram @fertilitylaw
Book a complimentary consultation https://calendly.com/fertilitylawcanada/one-hour-meeting
Email: sara@fertilitylawcanada.com
Website contact page http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com/contact.html

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP73: From advocacy to action: The mission of Black Fertility Agency with Patricia and Ekene

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Black Fertility Agency or BFA. BFA was born from a deeply personal space, when Patricia, a black woman, navigating her own fertility journey in Canada, experienced firsthand the gaps and lack of representation in fertility care. She began documenting her journey and what started as a personal journal has since grown into a large movement!

Today, Black Fertility Agency is co-led by Patricia, it's Founder and Ekene, a fellow black woman and a strategist dedicated to health equity and systemic change. Together, they're working to build a future where black individuals in Canada and beyond have access to culturally safe, trustworthy fertility care, and where their stories, struggles and successes are fully seen and fully supported.

Connect with BFA;
Website https://www.blackfertilityagency.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blackfertilityagency/
YouTube https://youtube.com/@blackfertilityagency
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blackfertilityagency/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP72: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) Part 1: What causes RIF? And why all the controversy?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back and happy Tuesday! Today we are tackling one of the most frustrating and emotionally difficult topics in reproductive medicine, and that is recurrent implantation failure (RIF). We'll cover definitions, causes (both known and unknown), the controversies, future directions, and of course some of the guidelines. The important thing to know, as you will hear from the data, the vast majority of patients do achieve a successful pregnancy, even after experiencing multiple implantation failures.

You may also be interested in:
EP11: The endometrium explained with Dr. Chan
EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP44: Male factor infertility Part 1: Semen analysis & sperm DNA fragmentation explained with Dr. Jarvi
EP52: Male factor infertility Part 2: Ways to improve sperm health for fertility with Dr. Jarvi

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP71: I'm pregnant, now what? Part 3: Beauty products and treatments

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

We're back with another "I'm pregnant, now what?" series topic. Today we discuss beauty products and treatments. Are you enjoying this series? Drop us a review, comment or DM on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast.

You may also be interested in:
EP61: I'm pregnant, now what? Part 2: Nausea, medications, nutrition, exercise, weight & cats(!)
EP55: I'm pregnant, now what? Part 1: Initial testing, vitamins & diet

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP70: Alexa and Kevin's story: The gift of life, twice – from donor eggs to a life saving transplant

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Happy Tuesday! Today we welcome Alexa and Kevin to our show to speak about their 6 year fertility journey. Alexa is a former professional violinist who now teaches Pilates. Kevin is an accomplished composer of classical music, whose works have been played and broadcast around the world. He is also an aspiring writer. They have welcomed a baby boy to the world and we congratulate them! Four months after giving birth to their son, Robin, they embarked on yet another journey – one in which Alexa donated part of her liver to save Robin’s life, and we'll speak about this today as well.

You can connect with Alexa and Kevin on Instagram:
Alexa https://www.instagram.com/alexa.wilks.lau/
Kevin https://www.instagram.com/kevinwilkslau_composer/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP69: Tom and Alexie's epic quest: A 6 year fertility journey, finding the right clinic & the emotional rollercoaster along the way

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

On today's episode we welcome Tom and Alexie to our show. Many of you know Alexie very well from her very popular Instagram account @wearethereillys (formerly @epicquest4babyreilly) and you may feel like you already know their journey so well, but we're going to get in depth about it. We speak about their 6 year fertility journey, the various clinics they went to and the many treatments that they tried. Tom and Alexie also get real with us about the emotional rollercoaster and what it means to take a break sometimes and to take time to focus on their own relationship.

You can connect with Alexie on Instagram @wearethereillys (formerly @epicquest4babyreilly) and Tom on Instagram @partner_in_fertility. We previously hosted Tom on the podcast on EP49: Tom's story: Navigating a fertility journey as a male partner – support, resources & advocacy.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP68: Frozen embryo transfer (FET) Part 1: Natural cycle FET, medicated FET & stimulated FET explained

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back superhumans! We are so glad that you're joining us today for another episode of My Fertility podcast. The topic for this episode has been very wildly requested. We're going to talk about Frozen embryo transfers, otherwise known as FETs.

If you're interested in learning about fresh embryo transfers, please refer back to EP67: Fresh embryo transfers (ET) Part 1: The procedure, timelines, the pro & cons.

You may also be interested in:
EP14: IVF Part 1: Let's talk about IVF
EP20: IVF Part 2: Risks related to the egg producer, pregnancy, & baby
EP30: PGT-A
EP36: PGT-M
EP54: IVF Part 3: IVF add-ons/adjuvant therapies to improve egg quality and embryo quality
EP58: IVF Part 4: Low dose IVF or mini IVF, is it right for you?

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP67: Fresh embryo transfer (ET) Part 1: The procedure, timelines & pros and cons

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Let's talk about fresh embryo transfers (ET), of course, a key step in many fertility journeys: how they work and what you can expect, timelines, the science behind them, the pros, the cons, and the challenges that come with fresh embryo transfers.

Now, if you are interested in hearing about frozen embryo transfer (FET) – stay tuned for a series on this topic coming out soon!

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP66: Jessica's story: My personal fertility journey inspired the creation of myStoria

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Jessica Chalk, Founder of myStoria to our show. Jessica speaks to us openly about her 6 year fertility journey and how her experience led her to where she is today. She founded the myStoria to give patients the support, knowledge and tools to take charge of their fertility – transforming their journey into a patient-centered and empowering one. This is a conversation that you don't want to miss!

Guest Bio:
Jessica Chalk is a serial entrepreneur, patient advocate, and a passionate voice for change in the fertility world. After six years of failed treatments, emotional ups and downs, and over $100,000 spent out-of-pocket, Jessica turned her personal struggle into purpose — founding myStoria to help other patients feel less alone and more in control on their fertility journey. Before launching myStoria, Jessica built and sold a successful company. She’s been named Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Alumna of the Year, and completed the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT through the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). She also serves on several boards, including the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Lazaridis School of Business, and is deeply committed to giving back through community work.

At her core, Jessica is someone who believes no one should have to navigate fertility care in the dark. She’s now on a mission to arm patients with the tools, information, and support she wished she had – creating a movement to bring more compassion, accountability, and clarity to fertility care.

Learn more about Jessica and myStoria:
Instagram @JessicalChalk
Instagram @myStoriaFertility
Website https://www.mystoria.com/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP65: Strength from within – Why your pelvic floor matters in pregnancy and postpartum with Courtney and Aparnaa from Cornerstone Physiotherapy

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome back Courtney and Aparnaa to speak about the importance of pelvic floor health in pregnancy and postpartum – this is a must listen – you can thank us later! Check out EP45 for the topic of pelvic physio treatments and the impact of vaginismus on fertility.

Courtney is a Physiotherapist who works at Cornerstone Physiotherapy in Richmond Hill. She has been working as a Physiotherapist for over 15years and in the specialization of Pelvic Physiotherapy for 10. She loves working with all sorts of pelvic conditions including: incontinence, pelvic pain, vaginismus and helping women prepare their bodies for birth. She finds it truly rewarding to get patients back to meaningful life activities and/or living a better quality of life.

Aparnaa is a Physiotherapist at Cornerstone Physiotherapy in Richmond Hill, specializing in pelvic health. With 2 years of experience, she treats both male and female patients with varying pelvic floor conditions and supports those preparing for childbirth. As a CrossFit athlete, Aparnaa loves teaching patients how to engage their pelvic floor during exercise without the fear of weakening it, helping them incorporate pelvic health into their fitness routines. She is dedicated to restoring function, improving quality of life, and supporting her patients in achieving their goals—whether it’s overcoming pain, preparing for childbirth, or enhancing performance.

Social Links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CornerstonePhysio
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cornerstonephysio
Website https://cornerstonephysio.com/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP64: Zane's story: From a personal journey to policy change: Surrogacy, fertility advocacy & Scottie's Law

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

On today's episode we are joined by Zane. He is a keen relationship builder and he lives and breathes political outreach and fertility advocacy. Having spent years working at Queens Park, he now works in government relations consulting for one of Canada's premier boutique firms.

Together with his wife, they launched the blog, Not my Yummy but I'm still Mummy in 2021 to chronicle their journey to building a family with the help of a gestational surrogate. Their daughter, Scottie, was born in July of 2023, and they are now in the midst of a sibling journey. For his work in advocating for equitable parent leave and ensuring Canada’s latest Time-to-Attach legislation included parents by surrogacy, Zane was named Fertility Matters Canada 2003 Change Maker of the Year. Zane is the proud Board Member of Conceivable Dreams - this is Ontario's fertility patient advocacy organization and was the champion behind Ontario's announcement to triple the funding for their fertility program and introduce a $5,000 fertility tax credit.

You can follow;
Baden and Zane on Instagram @notmytummy
Scottie's Law https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-229
Conceivable Dreams website https://conceivabledreams.org/
Conceivable Dreams on Instagram @conceivedreams

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP63: 2SLGBTQ+ fertility and family building support with Laine Halpern Zisman, Full Spectrum Doula & Fertility Support Practitioner

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

June is Pride Month – a time to celebrate, uplift and advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. At Markham Fertility Centre we are proud to support individuals and couples of all gender identities and sexual orientations on their journey to building a family. Whether through donor sperm, donor eggs, reciprocal IVF, surrogacy fertility preservation, we are committed to removing barriers, honouring diverse family structures, and ensuring every patient is seen, heard, and respected. Love makes a family and we're here for all of them.

Today we welcome Laine to our show! Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD is a certified Fertility Support Practitioner and Full Spectrum Doula, helping people navigate all stages of their perinatal journeys. She's currently the director of training and education at Birthmark and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria.

Laine is also the author of Conceivable: A Guide to Making 2SLGBTQ+ Family. You may purchase this book at your local bookstore or online bookstore.

Connect with Laine;
Instagram @ConceivableFamilies
Website: https://www.lainehalpernzisman.com
Dr. Laine Halpern Zisman (she/her) | M.A., M.F.A, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor | Full Spectrum Doula | Fertility Support Practitioner

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP62: WTF Appt. Scenario 1: You get less eggs than expected at retrieval

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

That's right – we're starting a series of WTF appointments that cover scenarios where you and your doctor are thinking "WTF happened?!". Today we cover WTF: You get less eggs than expected at your egg retrieval and talk through the reasons why this can be the case.

You may also be interested in:
EP02: The menstrual cycle
EP33: The impact of decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) on fertility and IVF treatments

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP61: I'm pregnant, now what? Part 2: Nausea, medications, nutrition, exercise, weight & cats(!)

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

We're back with another "I'm pregnant, now what?" series topic. Today we discuss nausea, medications, nutrition, exercise, weight & cats(!). Are you enjoying this series? Drop us a review, comment or DM on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast

You may also be interested in:
EP55: I'm pregnant, now what? Part 1: Initial testing, vitamins & diet
EP45: Pelvic physiotherapy treatments and vaginismus explained with Courtney and Aparnaa from Cornerstone Physiotherapy

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP60: Baden & Zane's story: Surrogacy chose us!

Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Baden and Zane to the show. Baden is the Founder of Not My Tummy, which turns traditional model of finding a surrogate on it's head using the power of public relations, marketing and digital media.

Zane lives and breathes political outreach and fertility advocacy. Having spent years working at Queen’s Park, he now works in government relations consulting for one of Canada's premier boutique firms. the proud board chair of Conceivable Dreams - Ontario's fertility patient advocacy organization.

Together, Baden and Zane take us through building their family through surrogacy. They are currently on their second journey and actively looking for a surrogate.

You can follow Baden on Instagram @notmytummy

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP59: Ectopic pregnancy: Symptoms, risks & what you need to know

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to My Fertility Podcast. Today we are tackling a topic that is not only medically significant, but also deeply personal, and that is ectopic pregnancy. While this condition affects only 1 to 2% of all pregnancy is impact extends far beyond statistics. For those that have experienced an ectopic pregnancy after infertility, the fear, the heartbreak can be really overwhelming.

Our goal today is to provide clarity, support and reassurance. We want you to understand the causes, the risks, the treatments, all the options – all while giving you space and supporting you and acknowledging the emotional toll that it takes.

You may also be interested in listening to:
EP06: Lifestyle factors for women
EP07: Lifestyle factors for men

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP58: IVF Part 4: Low dose IVF or mini IVF, is it right for you?

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we focus on low dose IVF or mini IVF. So many patients out there have lower egg reserve or are looking for something different, and this is where this discussion comes up a lot and we thought it'd be really helpful to break it down, talk about it, and go through some of the actual evidence. Have a great week and we'll be back next Tuesday!

You may also be interested in:
EP14: IVF Part 1: Let's talk about IVF
EP20: IVF Part 2: Risks related to the egg producer, procedure, pregnancy & baby
EP54: IVF Part 3: IVF add-ons/adjuvant therapies to improve egg quality and embryo quality
EP33: The impact of decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) on fertility and IVF treatments

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP57: Navigating Mother's Day with Dara Roth Edney, Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today's episode is focused on talking about Mother's Day and specifically navigating Mother's Day as somebody who's experiencing infertility or somebody who's on a fertility journey. But really a lot of the things that we end up talking about are universal and can be applicable to anyone experiencing any kind of difficulties, whether it's the fertility journey, whether it's navigating secondary infertility, navigating life after miscarriage, or just navigating life and grief in and of itself.

On today's episode we are very glad to be joined by Dara Roth Edney, who is the Founder and Clinical Director of Informed Fertility, a group counselling practice specializing in family building. With a master's degree in social work, as well as more than two decades of clinical and research experience, Dara has counselled thousands of intended parents, conducted assessments for countless donors and surrogates, and provided support through pregnancy and parenting as well as to donor conceived adults.

Dara is also the past chair of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society's counselling Special Interest Group, a board member of Donor Conception Canada, and an instructor at Wilfred Laurier University, having developed their first course on Fertility counselling. On a personal note, Dara, after many years of infertility herself is a parent through surrogacy, so she is not only a fertility expert in theory, but in practical terms as well, having gone through it herself.

You can connect with Dara on Instagram @dara.informedfertility
Website: https://informedfertility.ca/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP56: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 2: Testing & management options

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

On today's episode we dive into Part 2 in our series about recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). For those of you who are interested see EP51: RPL Part 1: Risk factors & the 5 categories of causes.

In this episode, we cover the testing options as well as the management options for recurring pregnancy loss and you will learn that it's not straightforward. As a matter of fact, different fertility specialists may have a slightly different panel for investigating for RPL. And the guidelines, which we're going to talk about, are really very restrictive in that there are a lot of tests that people hear about – that people request – that are actually not recommended in the guidelines.

You may also be interested in:
EP51: RPL Part 1: Risk factors & the 5 categories of causes
EP43: Miscarriage Part I: Symptoms, diagnosis, types & causes
EP46: Miscarriage Part II: Management options & FAQ
EP53: Miscarriage Part 3: The psychological and emotional journey
EP13: Infertility support groups made possible with OasisFSN
EP29: Carrier screening explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP36: Pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP37: The many reasons why "unexplained infertility" is hard to explain

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP55: I'm pregnant, now what? Part 1: Initial testing, vitamins & diet

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back! On today's episode, we're starting a series all about "you're pregnant, now what?" Yay. First of all, congratulations, if you are listening to this and you just found out that you are pregnant. It's both incredibly scary, incredibly exciting, and we are here for you. We know it's like a big wave of emotions when this happens after you've waited so long for this moment.

This episode dives into everything from the first thing that we do at Markham Fertility Centre, which is to confirm your pregnancy test with blood work to which vitamins to take to diet. Stay tuned for more on this series to come in the future!

You may also be interested in:
EP10: Prenatal vitamins: What to take while TTC
EP42: Prenatal screening: eFTS, NIPT & Trisomy 13, 18, 21 explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP54: IVF Part 3: IVF add-ons/adjuvant therapies to improve egg quality and embryo quality

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Happy Tuesday superhumans. Today we're diving into a topic that is often surrounded not only by questions but a lot of controversy ... and we're talking about add-on treatments to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to maximize egg quality and embryo quality.

You may also be interested in:
EP14: IVF Part 1: Let's talk about IVF, for a deep dive into the basics on IVF and what to expect from the procedure including process, timelines and associated costs
EP20: IVF Part 2: Risks related to the egg producer, procedure, pregnancy & baby

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP53: Miscarriage Part 3: The psychological and emotional journey

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

If you recall, in episode 43, we talked about the symptoms, diagnosis, types and causes of a miscarriage. And in episode 46, we talked about management options. Today, we're going to step away from the medicine and we're going to dig into the psychological and emotional aspects of having a miscarriage. This is huge and is really important – and we could argue that in the vast majority of cases, it's way more of an emotional event than a physical event. Remember, a miscarriage is not your fault.

You may also be interested in:
EP43: Miscarriage Part 1: Symptoms, diagnosis, types & causes
EP46: Miscarriage Part 2: Management options & FAQ
EP09: Coping with Mother's Day with Kristina Virro
EP13: Fertility support groups made possible with OasisFSN
EP23: Renee's story: A 4.5 year IVF journey, the power of Instagram & fertility advocacy
EP35: Bianca's story: A 8 year IVF journey, mental health awareness & the power of sharing stories

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP52: Male factor infertility Part 2: Ways to improve sperm health for fertility with Dr. Jarvi

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome back to the show, Dr. Jarvi, Head of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada. In a previous episode with Dr. Jarvi we talked about the semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation. Today we go deeper into the topic of sperm health and ways to improve fertility. Enjoy!

Dr. Keith Jarvi, a Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Senior Clinician Scientist, Head of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital and Director of the Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, the largest male infertility clinic in Canada, is working to develop less invasive ways to identify and treat male infertility.

You may also be interested in:
EP44: Male factor infertility Part I: Semen analysis & sperm DNA fragmentation explained with Dr. Jarvi
EP07: Lifestyle factors for men

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP51: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) Part 1: Risk factors & the 5 categories of causes

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

*Trigger warning: Before we start today's episode, I want to start with a trigger warning because we're going to be talking about pregnancy loss and miscarriage. I want to acknowledge that this is a sensitive topic that may bring up strong emotions for some listeners. If at any point you feel the need to pause or take a break, please do so.

On today's episode, we are going to be talking about recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). We're going to be talking about what really is recurrent pregnancy loss and some of the controversy around what the definition is, as well as risk factors and the 5 categories of causes.

You may also be interested in listening to;
EP37: The many reasons why "unexplained infertility" is hard to explain
EP43: Miscarriage Part I: Symptoms, diagnosis, types & causes
EP46: Miscarriage Part II: Management options & FAQ

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP50: When Meivys met Marta - 1 year of My Fertility Podcast!

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

My Fertility Podcast turns one! A big THANK YOU to YOU, our listeners for listening, sharing and engaging with us on social. Your reviews are also very important to us.. if you have not submitted a review this is your sign to :)

In today's episode we give you a deeper look into who Meivys and Marta are and of course, how we met and take you back to how this podcast began. Enjoy, superhumans! and until next Tuesday.

Meivys & Marta, xo

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP49: Tom's story: Navigating a fertility journey as a male partner - support, resources & advocacy

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Tom to our show! Tom speaks about the fertility journey from a male partner's perspective and how he supports his wife during her fertility journey and now continuing on to their pregnancy, as well as and how fertility specialists can do better to see and involve male partner's during the fertility journey.

As we navigate today's episode, you're going to hear us using the terms men and women while discussing partners and their roles in the fertility journey; these terms are reflective of Tom and his partner's personal journey, but of course we want to acknowledge the gender and family dynamics are beautifully diverse. Our intention is not to be exclusive or dismiss other genders, identities, pronouns, or other people's journeys. We know that fertility journeys come in many, different forms and our aim with this podcast is to offer insights and support that resonate universally.

You can connect with Tom on Instagram @partner_in_fertility

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP48: How naturopathic medicine can support your fertility journey with Dr. Moira Kwok, ND

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we are joined by Dr. Moira Kwok, a naturopathic doctor who has a very special interest in supporting couples throughout their fertility journeys. She struggled with her own fertility journey for five long years and this experience skyrocketed her passion and helping other couples navigate the world of infertility. Our conversation focuses on how naturopathic medicine can help to support one's fertility journey.

Words from Dr. Kwok: I strive to help patients gain a better understanding of their bodies, hormones and overall health, and how all of the puzzle pieces of symptoms and test results click together to help create an achievable plan for each individual. I do this through the research-based use of nutrition, supplements, hormone therapy, acupuncture and IV therapy.

Connect with Dr. Kwok on social;
Website: https://www.moirakwoknd.com
Instagram @drmoirakwoknd https://www.instagram.com/drmoirakwoknd
Facebook @drmoirakwodnd https://www.facebook.com/drmoirakwoknd
LinkedIn @drmoirakwoknd https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmoirakwoknd
TikTok @drmoirakwoknd https://www.tiktok.com/@drmoirakwoknd

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP47: Nazan's story: Breaking through the stigma on taboos surrounding fertility and mental health in South Asian communities

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

On today's episode, we're excited to welcome Nazan, who shares her journey of secondary infertility, the challenges of fertility treatments, and the taboos surrounding fertility and mental health in South Asian communities. Nazan is a big advocate for women’s mental health and well-being and truly believe in the importance of unlearning generational and cultural norms for a better and healthier future.

You can connect with Nazan on Instagram @motherhood_1moretime where she recently started to document her motherhood journey.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP46: Miscarriage Part II: Management options & FAQ

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

*Trigger warning: Before we start today's episode, I want to start with a trigger warning because we're going to be talking about pregnancy loss and miscarriage today. I want to acknowledge that this is a sensitive topic that may bring up strong emotions for some listeners. If at any point you feel the need to pause or take a break, please do so.

Today we continue the discussion about miscarriages. We talk about, in detail, the various management options available as well as answer many of the common questions we hear from our patients. Remember, a miscarriage is not your fault.

You may also be interested in:
EP43: Miscarriage Part I: Symptoms, diagnosis, types & causes

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP45: Pelvic physiotherapy treatments and vaginismus explained with Courtney and Aparnaa from Cornerstone Physiotherapy

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we welcome Courtney and Aparnaa to speak about pelvic physio treatments and the impact of vaginismus on fertility.

Courtney is a Physiotherapist who works at Cornerstone Physiotherapy in Richmond Hill. She has been working as a Physiotherapist for over 15years and in the specialization of Pelvic Physiotherapy for 10. She loves working with all sorts of pelvic conditions including: incontinence, pelvic pain, vaginismus and helping women prepare their bodies for birth. She finds it truly rewarding to get patients back to meaningful life activities and/or living a better quality of life.

Aparnaa is a Physiotherapist at Cornerstone Physiotherapy in Richmond Hill, specializing in pelvic health. With 2 years of experience, she treats both male and female patients with varying pelvic floor conditions and supports those preparing for childbirth. As a CrossFit athlete, Aparnaa loves teaching patients how to engage their pelvic floor during exercise without the fear of weakening it, helping them incorporate pelvic health into their fitness routines. She is dedicated to restoring function, improving quality of life, and supporting her patients in achieving their goals—whether it’s overcoming pain, preparing for childbirth, or enhancing performance.

Social Links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CornerstonePhysio
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cornerstonephysio

Resources:
Free virtual talk that happens 1x/month run by our group for expecting moms to learn more about their bodies and pelvic floor and how it pertains to pregnancy, birth and postpartum
https://cornerstonephysio.com/resources/belly-birth-beyond-free-prenatal-class/

Blogs:
What is vaginismus? https://cornerstonephysio.com/resources/what-is-vaginismus/
Preparing for child birth https://cornerstonephysio.com/resources/prepare-for-childbirth/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP44: Male factor infertility Part I: Semen analysis & sperm DNA fragmentation explained with Dr. Jarvi

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we welcome, Dr. Jarvi, Head of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada. We go into detail about the topic of male factor infertility and sperm and break down the semen analysis report and sperm DNA fragmentation. Stay tuned for another episode with Dr. Jarvi all about how to improve sperm health for fertility.

Dr. Keith Jarvi, a Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Senior Clinician Scientist, Head of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital and Director of the Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, the largest male infertility clinic in Canada, is working to develop less invasive ways to identify and treat male infertility.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP43: Miscarriage Part I: Symptoms, diagnosis, types & causes

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we talk about the sensitive topic of miscarriages, which are unfortunately more common with infertility patients. We talk about, in detail, the symptoms, diagnosis, the 6 types of miscarriages and some of the causes. Remember, a miscarriage is not your fault.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP42: Prenatal screening: eFTS, NIPT & Trisomy 13, 18, 21 explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Today we are excited to welcome back for a fourth time(!) Diane Myles Reid, the President of CAGC and the Lead Genetic Counsellor at Markham Fertility Centre to talk about prenatal screening, another aspect of genetic care that is also very important in the field of fertility. We talk about early first trimester screening or eFTS, non-invasive prenatal testing or NIPT, and Trisomy 13, 18, 21. Here at MFC, we're very lucky to have a full Genetic Counselling Department to help us navigate through these topics.

You may also be interested in:
EP29: Carrier screening explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP36: Pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M)

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP41: Hannah's story: My vegan lifestyle & IVF journey

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

On today's episode we're joined by Hannah, who is the creator of the popular blog Two Spoons, the award-winning and best selling Two Spoons Cookbook, and The Two Spoons App. She is an editor at the feedfeed, a contributor to Best of Vegan, and a recipe contributor to THRIVE and One Green Planet. Her recipes have also been featured in numerous magazines including Better Homes and Gardens, Simply Gluten-Free, VegNews, House & Home, Elle Canada and Cosmopolitan.

Today Hannah talks openly with us about her fertility journey and her vegan lifestyle.

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram @twospoons.ca
Website: https://www.twospoons.ca

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP40: Pineapples, fertility & the sweet symbol of hope

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

What's in a pineapple you ask? When it comes to pineapples and fertility – this is a conversation you need to listen to! We can't give it all away.. but let's just say pineapples are symbolic and have many meanings. Did you know about any of these? Let us know!

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

A holiday message from Dr. Garcia & Dr. Wais

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Happy holidays from us! Thank you for listening superhumans and we'll be back on January 7th!

Includes episode topics recap for 2024.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP39: Movie review: JOY – The Birth of IVF, a Netflix film

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today's episode is a fun one. We both spill our thoughts on the INCREDIBLE Netflix film, JOY – The Birth of IVF (Nov 2024). We highlight recommend that everyone watches this movie, whether you're going through IVF or not, are a fertility patient or not. It's a great film about women and science and SO many other themes..you'll have to listen to hear more!

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP38: "I'm happy childfree after infertility" with Carrie

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome back superhumans! Joining us today on the show is Carrie, the Founder of Blooming with Care. She is a freelance writer based in Northern California. Her expertise is writing about infertility and the many tangents that radiate from her experience. Her trademark is vulnerable and authentic writing.

Today Carrie talks about her long fertility journey and how she and her partner are now happy childfree after infertility.

Connect with Carrie:
Instagram @bloomingwithcare
TikTok: @bloomingwithcare
Website: https://www.bloomingwithcare.com/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP37: The many reasons why "unexplained infertility" is hard to explain

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

On today's episode we tackle a confusing and frustrating topic, and that is unexplained infertility. We're going to go over the definition, factors that may contribute to infertility and different treatment options of course, giving you a good review of the evidence. We hope that by the end of the episode you will feel that you have a good understanding of unexplained infertility and how we think about it as fertility specialists.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP36: Pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today we are excited to welcome back for a third time(!) Diane Myles Reid, the President of CAGC and the Lead Genetic Counsellor at Markham Fertility Centre to talk about pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M). We talk about what this test is, what the test specifically uncovers, timelines, who should consider the test, associated costs and more.

You may also be interested in:
EP29: Carrier screening explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor
EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP35: Bianca's story: A 8 year IVF journey, mental health awareness & the power of sharing stories

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP34: Everything you need to know about surrogacy or gestational carriers with Stefanie McGlynn, Donor & Surrogacy Specialist

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we are excited to welcome back for a third time(!), Stefanie McGlynn, Donor & Surrogacy Program Lead at Markham Fertility Centre. This episode will answer common questions about: how find a gestational carrier? what to expect from the journey? your relationship with the intended parents, timelines, associated costs & more.

You may also be interested in;
EP24: Everything you need to know about donor sperm
EP25: Everything you need to know about donor egg

Learn more about the Donor & Surrogacy Program at Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/services/donor-and-surrogacy/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP33: The impact of decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) on fertility and IVF treatments

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome back superhumans! Today, we're talking about a topic that we get a lot of questions about on social media: decreased ovarian reserve or it can also be called diminished ovarian reserve, and we also often refer to it as DOR. We talk about what is DOR? How somebody with DOR can maximize their fertility, both via lifestyle and vitamins and planning for natural pregnancy. We also explain DOR in relation to IVF in terms of different protocols and ad-ons and therapy.

You may be interested in listening to EP23: Renee's story: A 4.5 year IVF journey, the power of Instagram & fertility advocacy. Renee's journey with infertility was long and painful. She talks about her diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and being what she calls the worst of the worst prognosis and how she was able to turn that around and have a success story that she's sharing with us today.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP32: Embryo adoption through Beginnings, a private adoption agency

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome special guests Elaine and Julia from Beginnings Family Services, a private adoption agency in Ontario. Elaine is the Embryo Donor/Recipient Program Manager and Julia is the Embryo Donor/Recipient Program Coordinator. We talk about what Beginnings is, embryo adoption and the process in detail, costs and more.

Learn more about Beginnings Donor/Recipient Program https://www.beginnings.ca/open-embryo-donation-program/

If you have questions about openness, reach out to Beginnings and Donor Conception Canada https://dccanada.org/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP31: "I'm a single mom by choice" with Reema Kiran

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome back Diane Myles Reid, the President of CAGC and the Lead Genetic Counsellor at Markham Fertility Centre to talk about pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). We talk about what this test is, what the test specifically uncovers, timelines, who should consider the test, associated costs and more.

You may also be interested in EP29: Carrier screening explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP29: Carrier screening explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Diane Myles Reid, the President of CAGC and the Lead Genetic Counsellor at Markham Fertility Centre to talk about carrier screening. We cover what is carrier screening, who should consider this genetic testing, timelines, associated costs and more.

You may also be interested in EP30: Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) explained with Diane Myles Reid, Genetic Counsellor

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP28: Fibroids & fertility: Types of fibroids and treatment options

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we're going to discuss fibroids and fertility. We're going to answer your burning questions such as, what are fibroids? Why do they matter for your fertility journey? How do you know if you have one? What are the type of fibroids? How do you get rid of them? And pretty much everything in between.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP27: "I froze my eggs at 25!" with Shania Bhopa

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

On today's episode we are joined by Shania Bhopa, who made the decision to freeze her eggs at the age of 25. Shania is Founder of the NGO Canadian Courage Project, a PhD candidate, and wellness content creator. Listen in to see why she made her decision and her reflections a year later.

You can connect with Shania on all social media platforms @wellbyshania

For more on the topic of egg freezing, check out: My Fertility Podcast, EP22: Egg freezing: What is it? and who should consider it?

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP26: The impact of body mass index (BMI) on fertility and assisted reproduction treatments (ART)

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

*Before we delve into today's topic, it's important to preface this with a trigger warning. We're going to be talking about BMI, weight, and the impact of weight on fertility and ART outcomes. We appreciate that this is a sensitive topic and it can be a triggering topic for individuals. If this is something that will be very upsetting or triggering, we advise you not to listen to this episode.

On today's episode we explore body mass index (BMI), weight, and the impact of weight on fertility and assisted reproduction treatment (ART) outcomes.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP25: Everything you need to know about donor egg with Stefanie McGlynn, Donor & Surrogacy Specialist

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400

On today's episode, we are joined by Stefanie McGlynn, Donor & Surrogacy Program Lead at Markham Fertility Centre. This is a key program which encompasses donor egg, donor sperm, and gestational carriers/surrogacy. This episode will be focusing on donor eggs. We're going to be talking about known donors, frozen egg banks, fresh donors. We also cover the process in detail, the logistics, costs and how to pick an egg donor.

Learn more about the Donor & Surrogacy Program at Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/services/donor-and-surrogacy/

Resources include:

Donor Conception Canada Talk. Support. Learn. » Donor Conception Canada (https://dccanada.org/) for peer to peer support for donor conceived people and their families.

Psychological Counsellor options:

Resources: Counselling and Support - Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/resources/counselling-and-support/

Legal options:

Resources: Legal and Ethics - Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/resources/legal-resources/

FREE support group “Warriors Primary Infertility” open to those struggling with infertility/reproductive loss for a long time, are not currently pregnant and do not have children and after years of their own unsuccessful treatments are now considering donation/surrogacy for considering life without children. Peer Support - Informed Fertility https://informedfertility.ca/peer-support/

Egg Donor Agency (as an example): Egg Donation Canada - Donating Eggs - Fertility Match https://www.fertilitymatch.ca/egg-donation-canada/

Sperm Distributor (as an example): CAN-AM Cryoservices - Donor Sperm & Egg Distribution https://www.canamcryo.com/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP24: Everything you need to know about donor sperm with Stefanie McGlynn, Donor & Surrogacy Specialist

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400

On today's episode, we welcome the amazing Stefanie McGlynn. Stephanie is the donor and surrogacy lead and Markham Fertility Centre. She has over five years of experience in the Donor & Surrogacy Program at our clinic and brings a wealth of knowledge to this topic. We dive into donor sperm options, which sperm banks to use, using a known sperm donor versus anonymous sperm donor, as well has the cost, timelines and more.

Learn more about the Donor & Surrogacy Program at Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/services/donor-and-surrogacy/

Resources include:

Donor Conception Canada Talk. Support. Learn. » Donor Conception Canada (https://dccanada.org/) for peer to peer support for donor conceived people and their families.

Psychological Counsellor options:

Resources: Counselling and Support - Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/resources/counselling-and-support/

Legal options:

Resources: Legal and Ethics - Markham Fertility Centre https://markhamfertility.com/resources/legal-resources/

Egg Donor Agency (as an example): Egg Donation Canada - Donating Eggs - Fertility Match https://www.fertilitymatch.ca/egg-donation-canada/

Sperm Distributor (as an example): CAN-AM Cryoservices - Donor Sperm & Egg Distribution https://www.canamcryo.com/

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP23: Renee's story: A 4.5 year IVF journey, the power of Instagram & fertility advocacy

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP22: Egg freezing: What is it? and who should consider it?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400

What is egg freezing? Who should consider freezing their eggs? Is it safe to freeze your eggs? What are the costs associated? Which clinics offer this service? On today's episode, we answer all your burning questions!

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP21: PCOS Part II: Understanding treatment options

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This episode explores the treatment options for PCOS. Treatment options vary depending on a person's goals and so it is important to understand if the goal is to: regulate menstrual cycles, control hirsutism or acne, protect the endometrium from endometrial hyperplasia – all off which we cover and more.

Don't forget to check out EP16: PCOS I for a deep dive into symptoms, diagnosis and related risks.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP20: IVF Part II: Risks related to the egg producer, procedure, pregnancy & baby

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

World IVF day is celebrated on July 25th to recognize the advances made in fertility medicine. Today's episode covers the risks associated to IVF for the egg producer, procedure itself, during pregnancy and baby.

Don't forget to check out EP14: IVF Part I for a deep dive into the basics on IVF and what to expect from the procedure including process, timelines and associated costs.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP19: Alison's story: Building a family at 43 with embryo adoption

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP18: The impact of marijuana on fertility: Eggs, sperm, pregnancy & breastfeeding

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today's topic is brought to you by popular demand via requests on Instagram. We dive into the impacts that marijuana may have on both female fertility (egg quality) and male fertility (sperm). We also speak to the impact on pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP17: Intrauterine insemination (IUI): The treatment process explained & related risks

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This week we cover the topic of IUI, a very popular fertility treatment. We dive into the treatment process, common questions, and speak to the related risks. You don't want to miss this episode.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP16: PCOS Part I: Symptoms, diagnosis & related risks

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we dive into the topic of PCOS. What is PCOS? We cover the common symptoms someone may experience, the method in which PCOS is diagnosed and of course the related risks. We will be continuing the conversation in a Part II episode on this topic in the near future, so stay tuned.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP15: Jason and Daniel's story: A journey of two fathers building a family

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In light of pride month June 2024, on this week's episode, we welcome Jason and Daniel, a same sex male couple, who will be talking about their fertility journey. The conversation speaks to the subjects of donor egg, as well as gestational carriers.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP14: IVF Part I: Let's talk about IVF

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

EP14 is all about in vitro fertilization (IVF). You, our listeners, asked for an episode on IVF and we have delivered it. Today, we delve into the common questions about IVF, embryo transfers and development, what to expect during the journey, IVF versus ICSI & more. We're not done with IVF, so stay tuned for more on this topic.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP13: Infertility support groups made possible with OasisFSN

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

*Trigger warning: Before this episode begins, we want you to know that the content of this episode speaks to pregnancy loss and miscarriages and or a viable pregnancy. We understand this content may be triggering to some of you and you may wish to save this episode for another day. Remember your emotions are valid and we encourage you to take care of yourself and reach out to reliable resources for support when you need them.

On today's episode we welcome Erin and Tiffany, Co-founders of Oasis Fertility Support Network.

Driven by their own personal struggles with infertility, Erin and Tiffany found each other within a community of like-minded individuals at a local support group. Their quest for hope and support became the inspiration behind Oasis Fertility Support Network, rooted in the firm belief that no one should endure the desert of infertility alone. Through their dedication and empathy, Erin and Tiffany have built a Non-Profit Organization offering free programs and support groups for anyone experiencing infertility. They offer safe spaces where individuals can find community, understanding, encouragement, hope, strength and a sense of belonging. 

As one of the rare free-of-charge support group organizations across Canada, Oasis warmly embraces all who seek solace within a compassionate community. With currently 10 in-person support groups and 6 virtual support groups already in operation the team has very ambitious plans for expansion. For more information, visit their website at oasisfsn.com

Erin and Tiffany also host a heartfelt podcast called The Oasis Fertility Podcast where they share real stories of individuals who have navigated the complexities of infertility.  

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP12: Gut health, nutrition & IVF with Brandy Williams

Tue, 28 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP11: The endometrium explained with Dr. Chan

Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Dr. Chan, REI to our show. Dr. Chan focuses on one particular area of reproductive endocrinology and infertility that she's very passionate about, and that is the endometrium. In this episode we explain the role of the endometrium in reproduction, endometrial receptivity and the different testing methods available.

Dr. Chan is the Scientific Director at Markham Fertility Centre

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP10: Prenatal vitamins: What to take while TTC

Tue, 14 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This week we cover a very common question: which prenatal vitamins should we take while trying to conceive (TTC)?

Resource references:
Dr. Shannon Clark is a Double Board Certified Professor in OB/GYN & Maternal-Fetal Medicine
IG @babiesafter35
Website: www.babiesafter35.com

Dr. Jen Gunter is a Canadian born OB/GYN and bestselling author of several books on gynaecological topics, including the menstrual cycle and menopause.
IG @drgengunter
Website: www.thevajenda.com

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP09: Coping with Mother's Day with Kristina Virro, Registered Psychotherapist & Holistic Nutritionist

Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

We received requests on our Instagram account @myfertilitypodcast, for an episode on how to cope and deal with the complex set of emotions that surround Mother's Day – and we have done just that. This week, we welcome Kristina Virro, Registered Psychotherapist & Holistic Nutritionist and Owner of Fresh Insight, to speak about coping mechanisms, how partners can support you & more to overcome Mother's Day. We hope you are able to use these strategies to navigate this upcoming week as well as other times in your journey that this may relate to.

Connect with Kristina Virro
Clinic website: fresh-insight.ca
Instagram: @kristinavirro
TikTok: @therapykristina
Relevant blog posts:
- How to Take Care of Yourself Amidst Your Fertility Journey: https://www.fresh-insight.ca/post/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-amidst-your-fertility-journey
- Infertility Awareness Week: Are You Making These Inappropriate Comments: https://www.fresh-insight.ca/post/infertility-awareness-week-are-you-making-these-inappropriate-comments

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP08: The impact of endometriosis on fertility treatment outcomes with Dr. Zeni

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Dr. Zeni is back for another episode! Today we dive into the impact of endometriosis on fertility specifically, what to consider before having surgery, endo mapping and more.

Dr. Zeni was previously a guest on EP03: Endometriosis explained with Dr. Zeni.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP07: Lifestyle factors for men

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Let's focus on the facts that support a number of lifestyle factors that contribute to fertility for men when trying to conceive; for example, diet, smoking, the impact of heat, ejaculations, and more.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP06: Lifestyle factors for women

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Let's focus on the facts that support a number of lifestyle factors that contribute to fertility for people with ovaries when trying to conceive; for example, diet, exercise, weight, and more.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP05: Egg quality with Dr. Aimee

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Today we welcome Dr. Aimee to talk about egg quality and her secrets to healthy eggs. Dr. Aimee is a fertility specialist with a practice in the San Francisco Bay Area and she's also the host of the of the number one rated fertility podcast, The Egg Whisperer Show.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP04: Timing is everything!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Let's talk about sex. In this spicy episode we cover timing of intercourse, frequency, lubricants, positions, and the "burden" of timing intercourse when trying to conceive.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP03: Endometriosis explained with Dr. Zeni

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400

What is pelvic endometriosis? What are the symptoms? What does endo surgery entail? Dr. Zeni answers all of these questions and more.

Dr. Geoff Zeni, MD. FRCSC, OB/GYN at Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham, Ontario, Canada

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP02: The Menstrual Cycle

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The menstrual cycle 101. What is a normal cycle? What is normal bleeding? Which symptoms are considered normal? Common myths? We cover all these questions and more..

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

EP01: Why am I not pregnant?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome to our first episode! We're excited and hope you enjoy listening to My Fertility Podcast as much as we enjoy creating it. In this episode we dive into one of the most commonly asked questions by our patients: why am I not pregnant?

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

My Fertility Podcast: Teaser

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0500

My Fertility Podcast is officially launching March 2024. Stay tuned! Subscribe for the latest updates.

Follow us on Instagram @myfertilitypodcast, YouTube @MyFertilityPodcast, or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.com
Visit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com