This is Infertility is a bi-weekly podcast where we fuse narrative storytelling with experience and science to give you a new perspective on what it’s really like to go through a family building journey. Each episode dives into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens carried by those who experience infertility on their path to parenthood. Be it IVF, IUI, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption, etc., the path is never the same and it can be long, painful, and lonely. It’s our mission to give those struggling a platform to be heard, a community connection, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the 1 in 6 who, for many reasons, struggle with infertility.

Episode 51: PCOS and Fertility: An IVF Baby After Ectopic Pregnancies

One of the most common questions people ask when they find out they have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, “Does this mean I can’t get pregnant?” PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that often presents itself with several symptoms, and yes one of those symptoms may be infertility. But, while PCOS itself isn’t curable, it is possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant.

PCOS impacts a woman’s body’s ability to ovulate, which can lead to an irregular fertile window. These irregularities can affect your ability to get pregnant naturally, but there are several things a reproductive endocrinologist can recommend to help overcome this.

Treatment options can be as straightforward as oral medications to induce ovulation, injectable medications, or fertility treatments like IUI and IVF. There isn’t a treatment option for all women with PCOS, and each individual needs to work with their doctor to decide the right treatment path for them.

In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Sarah Rivera, who was diagnosed after experiencing two life–threatening ectopic pregnancies. Because of her experience, she decided that IVF was the safest way to proceed, and because she had coverage for fertility treatments provided by her employer, she was able to pursue parenthood at her own pace.

Guest: Sarah Rivera, Progyny Member

Host: Julie Hunt, Manager of Business Development at Progyny

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and PCOS resources from Progyny Education.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.

About the Speakers

Host: Julie Hunt

Manager of Business Development at Progyny

Guest: Sarah Rivera

Progyny Member and Fertility Nurse at Fertility Center of San Antonio

Host: Julie Hunt

Manager of Business Development at Progyny

Julie has been working in the fertility industry for the last six years. She started her career as a Patient Care Advocate (PCA), a fertility specialist that helps a patient navigate through their fertility journey. Through her experience, Julie was able to expand her role within Progyny and transition into Business Development as a Manager. Today, she leverages her PCA experience and passion for helping individuals achieve their dreams of having a family by helping employers understand infertility and comprehensively cover fertility treatment as part of their healthcare benefit. Julie was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in March of 2018. As a proud sister of a gay brother, she passionately supports and empowers the LGBTQ+ community and is an avid advocate for inclusivity and equality.

Guest: Sarah Rivera

Progyny Member and Fertility Nurse at Fertility Center of San Antonio

Sarah became a registered nurse after her journey with infertility and is currently with Fertility Center of San Antonio. Sarah has a two-year old son after an IVF and a frozen embryo transfer. She enjoys sharing her journey to raise awareness on the topic of infertility and pregnancy loss.