Fertility

Egg Freezing and Me!

The most important thing I have learned during my egg freezing journey and wisdom I have gained by interviewing countless other women about their journeys to motherhood, is that everyone has a different path to get there—and that is okay.

This New Mom Did An Amazing Photo Shoot With Her Egg Donor

I knew that trying to become a first-time mom at 40 would be tough. My fears were realized when my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Although that loss was devastating, I had no idea just how much more disappointment I was about to experience.

How Much of an Impact Does a Man’s Age Have on a Couple’s Ability to get Pregnant?

When it comes to infertility, the woman is most often considered to be the source of the problem. However, not only are men just as likely to be the source, but the work-up is much easier and less expensive. Listen as Dr. Clark explains!

Black Women and Infertility

Many women, especially black women, have a similar experience of shame, depression, and anxiety around infertility. Infertility is not something to be ashamed of though. If it is your dream to be a mother, then I assure you that you have a right to that opportunity.

The Leading Questions On Being Over 40 and Trying to Conceive

Although advances in assisted reproductive technology have changed the landscape of reproduction for older women, it has also led to confusion about when having a baby is no longer possible and exactly what limitations in vitro fertilization can overcome.

The “F” Word: My Personal Journey With Fibroids

I waited way too long to have my fibroids taken care of. If I had seen a doctor sooner, I may have benefited from non-surgical treatments like birth control pills or Lupron (a medicine that reduces estrogen and stops your period).

Information on Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)

Oocyte cryopreservation, commonly referred to as “egg freezing”, is the process by which eggs are harvested and frozen for later use. Once harvested eggs are frozen, they are presumably good indefinitely, suspended in time until the individual chooses to thaw them in order to start a family.

Understanding and Managing Endometriosis

As is the mission of Babies After 35 to be a source of reliable information on topics related to fertility and pregnancy for women after age 35, today we are going to explore more about endometriosis.

Accepting Using an Egg Donor

These days in vitro fertilization (IVF) is so common that the stigma has virtually vanished; many people feel comfortable sharing that they went through IVF. But donor-egg IVF is a different story.

3 things I Want Women to Know About Having a Baby Through a Gestational Surrogate!

Science is awesome and because of sexy things like medical advancements in reproductive technology, more people who struggle with infertility or face obstacles in building a family of their own, have numerous options to achieve their dreams.

PCOS Facts and Fertility

Though PCOS is fairly common, affecting between 8%–10% of reproductive age women (18-44), medical experts do not know the complete list of causes or the full impact it has on a woman’s sexual function.

Pro Tips for How to Have the Best Egg Retrieval Experience

As a doctor who’s been doing this for over a decade, I want to give you my top 9 tips for how to be the most prepared patient. Why? Preparation will help set the stage for your best retrieval experience. Any why wouldn’t you want that?!

The Infertile Scientist Tried Acupuncture

When asked about acupuncture or herbal therapy, I no longer say, “It’s not going to hurt. You have nothing to lose.” I now recommend without hesitation that anyone going through infertility treatments consider using acupuncture and/or herbal therapy during their journey.

Happy Together: A Story Of Pregnancy Through Egg Donation

During each annual exam with my OB/GYN in my 30’s I asked if it was possible to know if I would have trouble conceiving. Each year I received the same answer: “We won’t know until you start trying” or “Don’t worry, lots of women have babies into their early 40s.

Beyond the Egg Timer

I am an intentional mother and accidental writer. I always knew I wanted to be the former; I never imagined I could be the latter. One day my fertility journey collided with the literary sphere.

Deciding Between Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Many infertile patients, are erroneously advised by their physicians to first try IUI several times before resorting to IVF. It is important to be aware that such an approach is often ill-advised as there are circumstances where IUI is very unlikely to be successful.

Seven Things You Need to Do When Trying For a Baby

There are many questions you have, plans you start to make, on top of the pressure of actually getting pregnant. However, there are some things that you can do before you get pregnant that are in your control and will help you and your baby have the best start.

Fibroid Facts and Fertility

If we were putting together the alphabet as it relates to obstetrics and gynecology, the letter “F” would be for fibroids. It is not a glamorous topic, but it is important especially since 20% of reproductive age women are affected by it.

Donor Egg Pregnancy: 101

If a couple or individual cannot conceive through procedures such as IVF, they may want to consider using donor eggs. Donor eggs can allow an infertile person to carry a child and give birth. Donor eggs can also be used when using a gestational carrier.

The Do’s and Don’ts of IVF!

Are you considering in vitro fertilization? IVF is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, then placed back into the uterus for gestation. If this is something you’re considering, then let’s discuss some do’s and don’ts of IVF.

The Do’s and Don’ts of IVF to Start You on Your Journey!

An Ob/Gyn Shares Her Journey From Infertility, to an Egg Donor, to Twins

Ob/Gyn Shannon M. Clark, M.D., an associate professor of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch and founder of BabiesAfter35.com, knew she wanted to be a mom. But she didn’t anticipate that her road to parenthood would be so rocky.

Quick Facts About Donor Egg and Surrogate Pregnancy!

For many people trying to have a baby in their late 30’s and early 40’s, the journey can involve a few unexpected twists and turns. The journey might involve multiple IUI and IVF cycles and eventually result in exploration of using an egg or sperm donor or gestational carrier or surrogate.

The Unrecognized Effect of Endometriosis on Fertility

On the eve of my fertile window, I am full of apprehension. I know that trying to conceive often conjures up all sorts of emotions and even a visceral response not only for me, but for so many women.

How I Feel When You Tell Me You’re Pregnant and I’m Not…

Fortunately, infertility has made me stronger in some ways. Although it has been by far the toughest thing I have ever had to go through, I know myself well. I know I will be OK no matter what happens. I want you to know that.

The Importance Of Vitamin D For Your Reproduction

What you may not know is that Vitamin D is extremely important when you are planning to have a child. The relevance of Vitamin D in reproduction isn’t necessarily the first factor you think about when you’re planning to have a child, but it should be.

How Stress Affects Fertility

So many things need to line up just perfectly for conception to be successful, so we want to be sure and control as many factors to ensure success. Listen as Dr. Clark explains how stress can affect fertility!

Forgiving Myself After Miscarriage

Finding forgiveness for myself after my miscarriages was the hardest thing I have ever done. I felt as though my body had betrayed me and that I had also failed my body.

How to Deal With Other People’s Opinions About Your Family Building Choices

Whether you chose to have babies later, have struggled with infertility, or had your other children a while ago and then got a little surprise, I can guarantee that you could give me some amazing quotes from family, friends, and strangers.

Optimizing Chances for a Natural Conception: What You Need to Know!

You’ve ditched the contraception, are taking your prenatal vitamins, have been eating a healthy balanced diet! It is a hopeful and exciting time that can be a little daunting as well. Here is what you need to know to maximize your chances of conceiving.