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 8 who, for many reasons, struggle with infertility.

Episode 12: Supporting a Friend with Unexplained Infertility

What do you do when you find out that someone close to you is struggling with fertility? How do you find the right words to say? Many people are often at a loss of words, not knowing how to address their friend, co-worker, neighbor, or loved one who is dealing with infertility. But staying quiet about infertility can be detrimental, as it leaves individuals feeling even more isolated and alone, during an already emotionally challenging process.  

In this episode, we hear from Jess Moran, who recently started her fertility treatment journey. She found that speaking about her experience not only helped her through this emotional and frustrating time, but it also became her most valued resource.  

Jess’s story involves meeting her husband on Tinder, dealing with unexplained infertility, undergoing IUI, and gaining the courage she needed through her friend Johanna. She shares what really happens when people stop worrying about awkwardness and stigma and start saying ‘the F word.’  

Guests: Jess Moran and Johanna Lucas, Marketing Manager at Progyny 

Host: Selena Campbell, Patient Care Supervisor at Progyny 

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page , RESOLVE and Say the F Word. 

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. 

Host

Selena Campbell, Patient Care Supervisor at Progyny

Selena is a young healthcare professional, currently working in the greater New York City area as a Patient Care Advocate at Progyny. Selena is a graduate of Delaware State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Administration at Wilmington University. She has a passion for patient care and has over seven years of healthcare experience to include a children’s hospital to genetic testing facilities. Selena believes that “patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” As a New Jersey native, Selena enjoys all things “Jersey Shore.” She loves to travel, go to concerts, and spend time with her family.

Guests

Jessica Moran, Marketing Manager and Health & Fitness Coach

Jessica lives in Delaware with her husband, Bill, and their dog, Cooper. After being diagnosed with unexplained infertility in June 2018, Jess and Bill started treatment with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Two failed cycles later, they are still thinking through their next options and continuing to hope for their miracle baby.

Johanna Lucas, Marketing Manager at Progyny

As a Marketing Manager, Johanna focuses specifically on member and provider engagement. Prior to Progyny, she spent her career contributing to a variety of organizations including a legal services firm, a life insurance company and an educational non-profit. In addition to her career in marketing, Johanna has a passion for a healthy lifestyle and works part time as a health & fitness coach and a barre instructor in New York City.