Conceive

Last month I gained some weight. It was just shy of 5-6 lbs, mostly in my stomach area, but it was noticeable to me and uncomfortable. My first thought was to get bloodwork to make sure it wasn't a thyroid issue. When my bloodwork came back normal, my doctor said "you're getting older" and essentially dismissed me–just shy of the dreaded perimenopause nod. Of course I didn't stop there, mostly because I work in healthcare (but also because if you know me, you know I'm stubborn and question everything 😬 ). I eventually got to the bottom of it a few weeks and doctors appointments later. (I am ok and the weight is now gone!). Today, on Women’s Equality Day, it’s important to recognize that so much of healthcare is about being your own advocate--and remembering you are the only one who knows your body. But when a lack of time and reimbursement and science all comes together, it's a trifecta called women's health and there is SO MUCH we need to do. So when I had the honor of being invited to the founders lunch for the Women's Health PAC, I jumped at the opportunity. While fertility is both a men's and women's health issue, the overarching women's health journey is so subpar in its research that it wasn't until the 90s that women were required to be in clinical research for medications (but to this day is still measured on an aggregate basis versus a per trial basis, which gets skewed by large landmark studies)--and it wasn't until 2016 that research studies were required to report back on the mix of male and female mice. (!) Well, now we are organizing to get the funding we need to start to unpack "syndromes" and diagnoses that often take upwards of 10 years--and to improve reimbursement rates for much-needed care. I'm pretty up to speed on the women's health landscape but last week I learned (thanks to the incredible Elizabeth Comen, MD): - 2/3 of Alzheimer's patients are women - Women's heart symptoms are called 'atypical' when we make up 1/2 of the population - Ovarian cancer is called the 'silent killer' and yet there are tons of symptoms that are often ignored and chalked up to poor diet or aging or anxiety A few other facts to get on your radar: - Autoimmune disorders are these least studied and happen to affect 80% women. Not a coincidence - It takes 7-10 years to diagnose endometriosis which is often accompanied by extremely painful periods from the teenage years--and yet typically aren't diagnosed until a woman is trying to get pregnant. This comes down to reimbursement rates and CPT codes. - We have the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world; black women are nearly 4x as likely to die during childbirth NOW is the time to do better. Please donate here. thank you Jodi Neuhauser, Alessandra Henderson, Anu Duggal, Gina Bartasi, Valerie Palmieri, Elizabeth Comen, MD, Christina Farr, Shilpa Patel, Lexie Komisar, Hope Yates, JD, MPH, Marina Tarasova, Rachel Braun Scherl https://lnkd.in/ekS9QSvt

0/ Dive into the latest in fertility and reproductive health! From AI in IVF to the risks of smoking during pregnancy, here’s your quick guide to what’s happening. 1/ 🩺 Say goodbye to the dreaded speculum! Starting this fall, women can choose a self-swab instead of the traditional Pap smear, making cervical cancer screening more comfortable. https://lnkd.in/eKSp7wYs 2/ 🤖 AI vs. Embryologists: A new study shows AI is nearly as good as human experts at picking the best IVF embryos—and it’s way faster! But don't count out the human touch just yet. https://lnkd.in/ebPr7gYu 3/  ⏰ Men’s Biological Clock Is Ticking Too! Research shows dads over 50 face increased risks of complications like preterm birth and low birth weight. Time to pay attention, gentlemen! https://lnkd.in/eRKzmMPw 4/ 🚭 Just One Cigarette? Still Too Risky! Even 1-2 cigarettes a day can significantly increase the risk of severe health complications for newborns. No level of smoking is safe for your baby. https://lnkd.in/e8fAa_hQ 5/ 👶 Not IVF, but IUI! Gov Tim Walz reveals his family’s fertility journey relied on IUI (intrauterine insemination), not IVF. While IVF is under fire from some anti-abortion groups, IUI remains a crucial and less controversial fertility treatment. https://lnkd.in/ehCrN4J6 6/ 💉 Goodbye Needle Jabs: A subcutaneous catheter could replace daily injections for IVF and egg freezing. It’s just as effective and easier on patients. https://lnkd.in/eGgsqp-p 7/ 🎭 Fertility Election Drama: With parties clashing over fertility issues, are they really addressing why fewer people are having kids? Dive into the messy debate. https://lnkd.in/eQjsU5Pa 8/ 📊 Another Record Low: The U.S. fertility rate hit a new low in 2023, dropping another 3%. Delayed childbearing, economic woes, and changes in reproductive rights are all in the mix. What’s behind the ongoing baby bust? https://lnkd.in/eXztHA7T 9/🩸 Endometriosis and Your Fertility: New research highlights that not all types of endometriosis are created equal when it comes to fertility challenges. https://lnkd.in/ewGtNYxp 10/ Curious About Fertility? Subscribe to the Egg Drop and get the latest insights on fertility, pregnancy health, and more—delivered straight to your inbox! https://lnkd.in/ek2nW4Nf

Join us tomorrow at 1:00 PM ET for an Instagram Live on Fertility Preservation: Expert Tips & Real Stories! We’re thrilled to host Dr. Jaime Knopman and Ali Jackson as they share medical insights and personal experiences on egg freezing and fertility preservation. DM us any questions you want to make sure we answer live! https://lnkd.in/eajFRi3y #fertilitypreservation #eggfreezingjourney #fertilitysupport

In just 3 weeks, my rainbow baby turns 5 years old. It took us 3 years to have Elle, after a devastating loss post 1.5 years of trying. The trauma of infertility still runs so deep for me that I don’t think I can try again and go back to that physical and mental space that overwhelmed my life for over 7 years (we tried again for a second). And yet, I wouldn’t change a thing. Elle is the absolute love of my life, the sunshine in everyone’s day, and the human that teaches me something new daily--deeply compassionate, hilariously funny, and the most curious little human. And as much as I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, infertility created a calling for me, and I’m honored every day to support those who are trying to get through it--and lift a bit of the burden, stigma, shame, and anxiety they have while they do. Today on National Rainbow Baby Day, I'm reflecting on the journey that brought Elle into our lives and the incredible strength it took to get here. Whether you’re just getting started and struck by how little we learned about our bodies in HS sex education, you’re exploring preservation, deep in the throes of IVF, just faced a loss, or are pregnant, Conceive is here to answer any and all questions you have--and teach you what questions to ask. From the simple (and yet critical), “Can I have a glass of wine tonight?” to the very sophisticated, “Should I do PRP for my endometrial lining thickness?“—our nurses are here for you. We are trained by the best doctors in the country and are partnered with the best clinics. And our peer coaches have been through every aspect of a fertility journey, lending their ears and their deep compassion, giving you the tools you need to move forward and feel emotionally supported. We help with everything from how to shift your mindset during the two week wait--to how to set boundaries with your mother-in-law (sorry if I triggered anyone). Our community groups are the icing on top--curated based on where you're at in the journey. As a testament to how deeply connected they are, one of our members recently joined her pregnancy group from the hospital bed about to give birth! There is a lot of magic happening here. Today and every day, me and my dream team are eternally grateful to be here for you 🌈

This weekend, RMA of New York showed support for the community in the East End, celebrating family building, along with the delicious tastes of the region with every bite! With clinics that extend beyond NYC, Westchester and Brooklyn, RMA of New York - Long Island is proud to serve all of Long Island with five locations and an IVF lab in Melville.