This is Infertility

There is nothing more fundamental to life than the urge to continue it. But while it may be the most natural thing in the world, childbirth is far from the easiest and no two fertility journeys are the same. For that reason, we are breaking from the typical podcast form. Each episode is hosted by a different voice who brings their own unique point of view to the complex and ever-changing world of infertility. Our hosts are licensed clinical social workers, patient care advocates, clinical psychiatrists, reproductive endocrinologists, real fertility patients, and others who are, in one way or another, experts in the world of fertility. We fuse narrative storytelling with experience and science to give you a new perspective on what it’s really like to go through this journey.

Episode 4: Jenna’s Story: Sooner Than You’d Think

Age is often the primary factor when it comes to fertility, but what happens when you encounter fertility struggles in your 20’s? We hear from Jenna Marinelli who shares her personal story of early menopause, difficult decisions, and a life without regret. Today’s host is Taylor Burbach, Patient Care Supervisor at Progyny.

Guests include: Jenna Marinelli, Dr. Marcy Maguire, a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, and Dr. Georgia Witkin, Clinical Psychologist, Mount Sanai, and Head of Patient Services Development at Progyny.

For more information visit Progyny’s Podcast page.

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

Host

Taylor Burbach, Patient Care Supervisor, Progyny. Taylor is a Patient Care Supervisor at Progyny, Inc, where she helps to oversee a team of dedicated patient care advocates. She is also recognized as a reproductive health advocate in her community as a Clue Ambassador. Prior to joining Progyny she organized two Darwin Day Colloquiums in 2014 and 2015 and helped organize the inaugural meeting of the Southeastern Evolutionary Perspectives Society.

Guests

Dr. Marcy Maguire is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, at RMA of NJ. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She earned her medical degree from Medical College in Virginia, performed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Tufts Medical Center, and completed her Reproductive Endocrinology fellowship at National Institutes of Health.

Jenna Marinelli married her high school sweetheart, Nick, in 2009 & they live right outside of Philadelphia, PA. In 2010, she was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at the age of 26. Over the next 6 years, she and Nick endured 5 failed IVF cycles, 2 egg donors, & 1 miscarriage. In 2016, she gave birth to two healthy baby boys with the help of an egg donor on their 6th IVF cycle. She is an active RESOLVE volunteer and is very involved in the infertility community.

Dr. Georgia Witkin, Head of Patient Services Development for Progyny. She’s also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and Director of Psychological Services for RMA of NY. Georgia is the author of 12 acclaimed books, including The Female Stress Survival Guide, The Male Stress Survival Guide, and Stress Relief for Disasters Great and Small, and is a prolific writer of research articles about women, stress, and reproductive medicine. She has been honored by the AIA, AFA, Resolve, and City of Hope. She has also served as a health reporter/host for CNBC, WNBC, and the Fox News Channel, and has been featured as a guest expert on 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN.