The Turek Clinic

Trusted worldwide to make futures and legacies possible.

Bio

Paul J. Turek MD

Devoted father and longboard surfer. Dr. Turek is a Board-Certified Urologist and Master Micro-Surgeon, internationally recognized as the authority on Male Fertility and Sexual Health. He is the Founder and Director of the Beverly Hills and San Francisco based Turek Clinic. The practices are "clinical homes for men," designed to provide state of the art medical treatment to men across the globe.

While a professor at UCSF, Dr Turek published over 200 papers many of which describe surgical and other clinical innovations in male infertility. A master clinician for 3 decades, Dr Turek’s signature care involves a practical, high-tech approach suffused with wisdom and knowledge. His remarkable track record of pregnancy successes has granted countless couples the gift of parenthood.

With an unwavering commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of male reproductive health, he has left an indelible mark on the medical world through his groundbreaking invention of Sperm Mapping (Fine Needle Aspiration). Born with an innate curiosity and a passion for solving complex medical challenges, Dr. Turek embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to the forefront of male fertility research. His innovative technique of sperm mapping revolutionized the way infertility is diagnosed and treated, offering hope to countless couples struggling to conceive. Driven by empathy and a desire to make a profound difference in the lives of others, his work continues to shape the landscape of male reproductive medicine, delivering the highest rates of success internationally and earning him the profound respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike.

He is former Endowed Chair Professor at the University of California San Francisco.

He received a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant and is an advisor to the NIH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Did you know that up to 50% of infertility is male factor?

• The top common findings with male infertility are:

• Low/no sperm count

• Poor sperm motility

• Abnormal morphology (shape)

• Poor sperm performance

• Poor embryo development at IVF

Finally, please keep in mind the intentions of this AMA is to educate redditors, not provide direct medical advice, treatment, or a medical diagnosis to those who need it. Please be sure to speak with your physician or health provider for any further questions you have in regards to your health or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on here. While we cannot give you advice on what to do next, the next best thing we can do is give you information to consider.

To contact our team directly please call Turek Clinic at 310-499-9299 (Los Angeles) or 415-392-3200 (San Francisco) or email us at patientcare@theturekclinic.com. You may also submit a web inquiry at The Turek Clinic. We also offer virtual visits for out-of-town patients.

IG: drpaulturek

FB: TheTurekClinic

Beyond the summary below, the quick version is I'm an REI with almost two decades of helping families, invented a way of replacing HSG's, care both about surgery and helping those who don't need it have good alternatives, believe in cost-effective care ("dollars spent per pregnancy achieved-- where is your best value?), and I'm on the Doctors for Fertility Advisory Board. AMA- ask me anything!

Doctors for Fertility (DFF) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and advocate for reproductive care. In a world of increasing restrictions on reproductive care, DFF works through education, advocacy, and influence to keep IVF and reproductive care safe, open, and accessible to all people, restore reproductive rights and autonomy, and lessen the social, legal, economic, and geographic restrictions preventing family building. DFF believes in the power of advocacy to create real change, providing tools and resources to help you take action on important reproductive health issues. Whether it's contacting your elected representatives or participating in grassroots campaigns, they’re here to support you every step of the way.

Dr. J. Preston Parry is member of the DFF Advisory Board and a renowned reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with a wealth of experience and knowledge. After serving for six years as the chief of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Dr. Parry founded Positive Steps Fertility. His practice is dedicated to providing personalized, empathetic, and successful care to help build families in Mississippi, Louisiana and surrounding states. He is the past-president of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons and the current chair for the Mississippi chapter of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is also the inventor of the Parryscope technique and approach as a gentle, accurate alternative to HSG for office tubal patency assessment. He greatly appreciates for the opportunity to participate in this AMA, as well as the moderators and members for their support of people and future families TTC across the world.

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

We can’t promise there will be good food, hot coffee, or clean bathrooms, but we can promise familiar faces and old friends. A safe space for those who’ve been traveling side by side on the infertility road for years not months.

This thread is dedicated to providing a sense of stability for those who have weathered many seasons together on the sub without success. To participate, you must have been an active member of r/infertility for 18+ months. If you have a living child or children, or if you are currently experiencing success (i.e., you are pregnant or your partner or another person--e.g., a GC--is carrying a pregnancy for you), the long hauler thread is not for you.

How are you doing? Where are you at in your journey these days? This is an open-ended space to share and commiserate with other r/infertility long haulers.

This thread is a dedicated transitional space for those that are considering a childfree lifestyle as a result of infertility. Please keep in mind that members participating here have not come to consider the choice of childfree willingly or easily. The choice to consider or pursue a childfree lifestyle is very personal and can be dependent on medical, financial, emotional, or relational priorities. Choosing childfree is not "quitting" or "giving up", and responses along the lines of "don't give up" and "keep trying" are not appropriate for this thread. Members participating do not have to be done with treatment, but please keep treatment discussions to the other appropriate threads. This is also not to imply that these discussions are limited to this thread, but an effort to carve out a unique space for individuals to collaborate, commiserate, and learn.

We also recommend r/IFChildfree when members feel they are ready for the transition. Please be sure to read their rules and this post about standalones prior to any participation there. Similar to us, certain posts and topics must go in dedicated threads to ensure mutual and compassionate support is held for all members.

Unlike our other threads, this thread has the same rules as the LH thread: No comments, even supportive comments, from people currently experiencing success or with LC. There is no reason for someone in this situation to participate in a conversation about being childfree, and it's not kind or respectful.

** This thread is for CONFIRMED losses only. If you suspect a loss and/or have not received confirmation from your RE, then you must post in the Weekly Results Thread until confirmed **

This thread is a dedicated space for members of r/infertility experiencing a confirmed loss – be it a blighted ovum/anembryonic pregnancy, chemical, ectopic, molar, miscarriage, stillbirth, TFMR, or infant death. This is the space to come together and find support as you grieve, away from the maelstrom of treatment. This is not to imply that these discussions are not allowed in the treatment thread, but is a focused effort to give an additional space to our members grieving a loss. We have many spaces you can discuss a confirmed loss, but we created this space so you don't have to post where it might be hard to.

Please use this space to vent, cry, talk about how you’re coping, share your loss experience, and ask specific questions pertaining to your loss (either resolved or ongoing). Our rules around mentions of pregnancy, children, and prior success still apply in this thread.

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

If you are looking for further specialized support, we recommend you explore the following communities (their wikis include helpful posts on resolving your loss via multiple methods, coping with your loss, ways for you to honor your grief, and much more):

r/Miscarriage

r/ttcafterloss

r/babyloss

/r/TFMR_support

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

*** Comments mentioning anything related to treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures in this thread will be removed via our OFF TOPIC rule. Consider if you were taking a break from treatment because you were exhausted and sad - treatment (yes anything related to it) goes in treatment ***

Coping with infertility is complex, and it is our imperative to create places where we can honor the distinctly unique needs created by infertility. Sit beside us and share what’s on your mind and going on in your life. This is a great place to get to know your fellow members outside the gravity of treatment. Discussion here includes, but is not limited to:

• Venting about the impact of infertility on our lives/relationships/careers
• Non-IF Rants of all kind – marriage, career, societal, social media, friendships, mental health, and yes… politics too. It doesn’t need to be infertility related!
• Discussions around dealing with the influence of infertility – therapy, coping methods, finding supportive friends, getting lapped by a friend, dealing with pregnancy announcements, pushy parents, people that don’t understand, etc. The big picture stuff.
• Sharing stories and parts of your life (pictures of pets always welcome!) outside of infertility

​

Example of the difference between the Treatment and Chat Thread:

Comments for the Treatment Thread

• Literally anything that involves or mentions treatment, trying to conceive, or any family building measures: paying for it, being exhausted by it, fighting about it, telling other people about it. If anything about your comment has anything to do with treatment or TTC, it belongs in the treatment thread. Also including diagnostic tests, medication, lab results, or lifestyle measures taking in the hopes of improving treatment outcome.
  • I'm in the TWW, and I'm glad I scheduled a vacation as a distraction!
  • I'm trying to decide if I should delay my egg retrieval cycle because this is a big work month for me.
  • I told my parents about IVF, and they were incredibly supportive. I feel really grateful.

Comments for the Chat Thread

• You can of course still discuss infertility in the chat thread:
  • I am super bummed about being lapped by a friend.
  • I have two currently pregnant coworkers, and I am losing my mind with all the pregnancy discussion.
  • Today is the anniversary of my loss, and I'm really struggling.
• Or you can discuss things unrelated to infertility:
  • Whoa, my dogwalker taught my dog to roll over.
  • There's this donut place next to my work that sells donuts for $5 each, but the WILD thing is that they're worth it!
  • My spouse and I are planning a trip to Europe. Opinions on Italy vs Greece?

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Last reminder - this is the CHAT thread. Not the place to discuss anything focused on treatment, TTC, or family building measures.

I’m so happy to be able to chat with you all during this year’s AMA series. I am a licensed therapist in practice since 2000. While I always expected to be a parent one day, it wasn’t in the cards. My professional niches include cancer and childlessness. My clients have a wide array of lived experiences, some experienced infertility, some didn’t get a chance to try in the right time frame, and some are trying to decide which path to take.

I work directly with clients and provide supervision/consultation within the therapist community to make sure services are affirmative of the lived experience of childlessness, ambivalence, and ending infertility treatment. I have been so happy to see that many therapists with niches in infertility are reaching out to learn more as well so they can better support their clients.

A little about me:

How did I end up childless? Circumstantially, I didn’t find the right person until later in life when we had to reckon with rapidly closing fertility windows. After infertility I gradually moved into a state of acceptance and adjustment to a life that is turning out to be an equally wonderful path.

It has been a transformative experience, to say the least. Looking back, I’m so glad that I sought out insights about childlessness, as sad as it was to think about at the time. I was unsure of what the future could hold for me without kids. Could it be okay? So, I peeked over into the ‘other side,’ and found a very welcoming, vulnerable, and vibrant community of childless people. I would love to provide a similar peek for you and answer anything you are wondering about childlessness, therapy, or both!

If you are interested, I have a presence on Instagram that focuses on the intersection of childlessness in the therapy room: https://www.instagram.com/childlessnessintheroom/. website is www.katiemaynard.com if you want to know more about my background and practice.

One important note, any comments that I provide constitute neither mental health treatment nor a therapeutic relationship between us and this is not meant as a substitute for therapy. I will, however, be quite happy to let you know about ways to find a therapist or supportive community for yourself!

EDIT: Hello everyone! I'm stepping away as our time slot for this AMA has concluded, but will be happy to loop back to any questions that come up if you weren't able to attend live. Thank you for your thoughtful questions and comments and I wish you all the very best!

Hi everyone! My name is Meaghan Doyle, MS, CGC (she/her) . I’m a Certified Genetic Counselor specializing in fertility genetics and the Founder of DNAide Genetic Counselling. I’ve been here for two AMA’s in the past (threads available here and here) and I’m excited to be back today for 2024 National Infertility Awareness Week!

About me: You can read more about my credentials here. I began my career in fertility as the in-house genetic counsellor in a fertility clinic. I quickly learned that most clinics do not have a genetic counsellor on staff. I saw the positive impact I had for my patients, and the negative impact that the lack of access to a qualified genetic counsellor was having for others. I founded DNAide Genetic Counselling so that I could help fill the gap and provide fertility genetic counselling to patients and I now see patients virtually across Canada and in certain US states. I appreciate that this allows me to be an independent/less-biased resource for patients since I am not connected to a lab or clinic.

When not seeing patients, I do research, speak at conferences, and create educational content on various fertility genetics topics. I have expertise in Preimplantation Genetic Testing including mosaicism and aneuploidy in embryos, and genetic causes of infertility and IVF failure. I’ve also recently launched an initiative to increase access to miscarriage genetic testing (POC testing) for patients in Ontario. These topics are where I focus most, but I also work with patients regarding preconception genetic screening, family history risk assessment, gamete donor screening, and more! I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to patient care and enjoy working with patients to help them come to decisions that are best for them and their family.

Connect with me and learn more about fertility genetics! For resources on fertility genetics and PGT, check out the ‘learn’ page of my website, and visit my Guide to “Abnormal” PGT-A Results.

If you are interested in booking a virtual appointment with me or exploring DNAide’s services further, visit my website. Follow DNAide on social media for fertility genetics education:
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Twitter
- YouTube

I also have a professional Instagram account where I speak about my career as a genetic counsellor in private practice, working as a GC with a disability, and more!

Conflicts of interest: I am the Founder of DNAide Genetic Counselling which provides private genetic counselling services to people who are trying to conceive. Throughout the AMA I will likely tell many people that they would benefit from formal genetic counselling, since the AMA should never be a substitute. In doing so I am technically promoting my services. Please do not feel obligated to meet with me specifically. You can find a genetic counsellor who meets your unique needs via the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Disclaimer: This AMA is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for formal genetic counselling. Nothing should be taken as medical advice. Always speak with your health care team to ensure that information is relevant to your specific case.

Members of this sub tend to be highly informed, but I want to reassure everyone that there are no bad/dumb questions. Ask me anything about the topics above, and beyond!

I'll be here from 4-6pm ET today to answer your questions but am posting a bit in advance so you have time to get your questions in! Please make sure that your questions are general.

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Are you new to r/infertility? Take a moment to introduce yourself and what brings you here? Do you have any entry-level questions that you haven't seen answered anywhere else? Ask them! If you are nervous about jumping straight in to the daily threads, this is the shallow end of the pool. Wade in and test the waters.

Have you been here awhile? This is a great opportunity to help welcome and coach the folks that are new to the sub and/or treatment. Throw someone new the life preserver they need and remind them that we all started out at the beginning once.

Positive HPT or Beta Results should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules: https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22.

---

** This thread is for CONFIRMED losses only. If you suspect a loss and/or have not received confirmation from your RE, then you must post in the Weekly Results Thread until confirmed **

This thread is a dedicated space for members of r/infertility experiencing a confirmed loss – be it a blighted ovum/anembryonic pregnancy, chemical, ectopic, molar, miscarriage, stillbirth, TFMR, or infant death. This is the space to come together and find support as you grieve, away from the maelstrom of treatment. This is not to imply that these discussions are not allowed in the treatment thread, but is a focused effort to give an additional space to our members grieving a loss. We have many spaces you can discuss a confirmed loss, but we created this space so you don't have to post where it might be hard to.

Please use this space to vent, cry, talk about how you’re coping, share your loss experience, and ask specific questions pertaining to your loss (either resolved or ongoing). Our rules around mentions of pregnancy, children, and prior success still apply in this thread.

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

If you are looking for further specialized support, we recommend you explore the following communities (their wikis include helpful posts on resolving your loss via multiple methods, coping with your loss, ways for you to honor your grief, and much more):

r/Miscarriage

r/ttcafterloss

r/babyloss

/r/TFMR_support

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

*** Comments mentioning anything related to treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures in this thread will be removed via our OFF TOPIC rule. Consider if you were taking a break from treatment because you were exhausted and sad - treatment (yes anything related to it) goes in treatment ***

Coping with infertility is complex, and it is our imperative to create places where we can honor the distinctly unique needs created by infertility. Sit beside us and share what’s on your mind and going on in your life. This is a great place to get to know your fellow members outside the gravity of treatment. Discussion here includes, but is not limited to:

• Venting about the impact of infertility on our lives/relationships/careers
• Non-IF Rants of all kind – marriage, career, societal, social media, friendships, mental health, and yes… politics too. It doesn’t need to be infertility related!
• Discussions around dealing with the influence of infertility – therapy, coping methods, finding supportive friends, getting lapped by a friend, dealing with pregnancy announcements, pushy parents, people that don’t understand, etc. The big picture stuff.
• Sharing stories and parts of your life (pictures of pets always welcome!) outside of infertility

​

Example of the difference between the Treatment and Chat Thread:

Comments for the Treatment Thread

• Literally anything that involves or mentions treatment, trying to conceive, or any family building measures: paying for it, being exhausted by it, fighting about it, telling other people about it. If anything about your comment has anything to do with treatment or TTC, it belongs in the treatment thread. Also including diagnostic tests, medication, lab results, or lifestyle measures taking in the hopes of improving treatment outcome.
  • I'm in the TWW, and I'm glad I scheduled a vacation as a distraction!
  • I'm trying to decide if I should delay my egg retrieval cycle because this is a big work month for me.
  • I told my parents about IVF, and they were incredibly supportive. I feel really grateful.

Comments for the Chat Thread

• You can of course still discuss infertility in the chat thread:
  • I am super bummed about being lapped by a friend.
  • I have two currently pregnant coworkers, and I am losing my mind with all the pregnancy discussion.
  • Today is the anniversary of my loss, and I'm really struggling.
• Or you can discuss things unrelated to infertility:
  • Whoa, my dogwalker taught my dog to roll over.
  • There's this donut place next to my work that sells donuts for $5 each, but the WILD thing is that they're worth it!
  • My spouse and I are planning a trip to Europe. Opinions on Italy vs Greece?

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Last reminder - this is the CHAT thread. Not the place to discuss anything focused on treatment, TTC, or family building measures.

Thank you for the invitation to your forum. I hope my responses have been helpful. Take good care of yourselves and each other! Signing off now.

Hi! I'm Carole LieberWilkins. ASK ME ANYTHING!

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California, Idaho and Nevada, specializing in all things related to family building. I have decades of experience working with folks who need a lot of assistance to become parents through all kinds of means. My particular specialty is helping prepare you for non-genetic parenting, like donor conception. I am the author of the book, Let's Talk About Egg Donation.

Infertility and the inability to become a parent how and when you want to is a trauma and can create anxiety, depression, and many other mental health issues.

I'm here to help if I can. Please note I am NOT here to provide any medical advice or referrals. Otherwise, bring on your questions!

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Hi everyone!

It’s Dr. Jason Yeh /u/jasonyehmd and Dr. Kenan Omurtag /u/kro83a here for the 2024 NIAW AMA.

We will be live from 1:30PM - 4:30PM CST (2:30 - 5:30 pm EDT)

First of all, a big thanks to the mods for always doing an incredible job coordinating this week. Second, this community means a lot and even though I am not active through the rest of the year, I do read many of the posts and I find a lot of my "professional purpose" through Reddit. It’s hard to read about so many people struggling but I think that this community helps me see a world beyond the 4 walls of my consultation office.

Finally, please keep the following thoughts in mind. Many questions will undoubtedly be posed in the format of, “My medical situation is _______, _______, and ________. What do I do next?” While we cannot give you advice on what to do next, the next best thing we can do is give you information to consider. The intent of this AMA is to provide education only. This AMA is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. (Personally, I always appreciate it when patients bring up topics I’m unfamiliar with into the consultation. Learning is never a bad thing.)

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this platform. We do not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned during this AMA.

Disclosures/Conflicts of Interest:
Jason Yeh, MD: None
Kenan Omurtag, MD: None

Proof/Doodle:
https://imgur.com/a/1Jo2rFf

Jason Yeh, MD
Director of Patient Education
Aspire Houston Fertility Institute
Board Certified in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology
https://www.aspirehfi.com/our-team/fertility-doctors/dr-jason-yeh
Appointments: 713-730-2229 (Houston, TX)
IG: u/jasonyehmd u/aspirehfi u/prelude_fertility

Kenan Omurtag, MD
Division Chief of the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center
Washington University St Louis School of Medicine
Board Certified in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology
https://wuphysicians.wustl.edu/for-patients/find-a-physician/kenan-r-omurtag
Appointments: 314-286-2400 (St. Louis, MO)
IG: u/drkenanomurtagmd

This thread is a dedicated space for those that are pursuing gestational carrier or surrogacy as a solution to infertility. This discussion is not to imply these resolutions are the right fit for every person or family or that these solutions are simple, easy, or obvious. This is also not to imply that these discussions are limited to this thread, but an effort to carve out a unique space for individuals to collaborate, commiserate, and learn.

There is also the private r/IFsurrogacy sub. There are two rules for joining: members must be certain they are moving on to a GC (we are not a group just for research purposes), and must no longer be trying to get themselves or their partners pregnant. You can get access by a message to their mods. Please note you MUST use the desktop reddit site to ask for admittance to r/IFsurrogacy.

Please keep in mind that members participating here have not come to consider the choice of Gestational Carrier or Surrogacy lightly. This choice is personal and can be dependent on many factors. Comments expressing unsolicited advice or judgement will be removed per our Be Compassionate rule.

** This thread is for CONFIRMED losses only. If you suspect a loss and/or have not received confirmation from your RE, then you must post in the Weekly Results Thread until confirmed **

This thread is a dedicated space for members of r/infertility experiencing a confirmed loss – be it a blighted ovum/anembryonic pregnancy, chemical, ectopic, molar, miscarriage, stillbirth, TFMR, or infant death. This is the space to come together and find support as you grieve, away from the maelstrom of treatment. This is not to imply that these discussions are not allowed in the treatment thread, but is a focused effort to give an additional space to our members grieving a loss. We have many spaces you can discuss a confirmed loss, but we created this space so you don't have to post where it might be hard to.

Please use this space to vent, cry, talk about how you’re coping, share your loss experience, and ask specific questions pertaining to your loss (either resolved or ongoing). Our rules around mentions of pregnancy, children, and prior success still apply in this thread.

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

If you are looking for further specialized support, we recommend you explore the following communities (their wikis include helpful posts on resolving your loss via multiple methods, coping with your loss, ways for you to honor your grief, and much more):

r/Miscarriage

r/ttcafterloss

r/babyloss

/r/TFMR_support

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

*** Comments mentioning anything related to treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures in this thread will be removed via our OFF TOPIC rule. Consider if you were taking a break from treatment because you were exhausted and sad - treatment (yes anything related to it) goes in treatment ***

Coping with infertility is complex, and it is our imperative to create places where we can honor the distinctly unique needs created by infertility. Sit beside us and share what’s on your mind and going on in your life. This is a great place to get to know your fellow members outside the gravity of treatment. Discussion here includes, but is not limited to:

• Venting about the impact of infertility on our lives/relationships/careers
• Non-IF Rants of all kind – marriage, career, societal, social media, friendships, mental health, and yes… politics too. It doesn’t need to be infertility related!
• Discussions around dealing with the influence of infertility – therapy, coping methods, finding supportive friends, getting lapped by a friend, dealing with pregnancy announcements, pushy parents, people that don’t understand, etc. The big picture stuff.
• Sharing stories and parts of your life (pictures of pets always welcome!) outside of infertility

​

Example of the difference between the Treatment and Chat Thread:

Comments for the Treatment Thread

• Literally anything that involves or mentions treatment, trying to conceive, or any family building measures: paying for it, being exhausted by it, fighting about it, telling other people about it. If anything about your comment has anything to do with treatment or TTC, it belongs in the treatment thread. Also including diagnostic tests, medication, lab results, or lifestyle measures taking in the hopes of improving treatment outcome.
  • I'm in the TWW, and I'm glad I scheduled a vacation as a distraction!
  • I'm trying to decide if I should delay my egg retrieval cycle because this is a big work month for me.
  • I told my parents about IVF, and they were incredibly supportive. I feel really grateful.

Comments for the Chat Thread

• You can of course still discuss infertility in the chat thread:
  • I am super bummed about being lapped by a friend.
  • I have two currently pregnant coworkers, and I am losing my mind with all the pregnancy discussion.
  • Today is the anniversary of my loss, and I'm really struggling.
• Or you can discuss things unrelated to infertility:
  • Whoa, my dogwalker taught my dog to roll over.
  • There's this donut place next to my work that sells donuts for $5 each, but the WILD thing is that they're worth it!
  • My spouse and I are planning a trip to Europe. Opinions on Italy vs Greece?

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Last reminder - this is the CHAT thread. Not the place to discuss anything focused on treatment, TTC, or family building measures.

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Hi, I’m Dr. Tendai Chiware!

Ask me anything about infertility, IVF, egg freezing, donor IVF, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, tubal disease, male factor infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, etc.

ABOUT ME:

Tendai M. Chiware, M.D. is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist, OB/GYN and MIG Surgeon who is committed to helping people start and complete their families in NYC at GENESIS Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. Originally from London, she attended Birmingham University Medical School and trained in OB/GYN in the U.K. She then relocated to the United States, where she completed residency in at St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor Michigan and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Vermont.

Dr. Chiware’s interests lie in reproductive surgery (laparoscopic and minimally invasive), PCOS, assisted reproduction, fertility preservation and optimizing the response to ovarian stimulation. Dr. Chiware has worked extensively with the World Health Organization to improve access to reproductive services. In that capacity, she has traveled extensively on short medical missions around the world that have aimed to improve the quality of care. She has written and presented her work at numerous national and international conferences including ASRM, SRI, ESHRE, FIGO, PCRS. She is the recipient of multiple awards and grant funding including NEFS, PCRS, ESHRE, NIH.

Dr. Chiware is passionate about providing her patients with innovative and cutting edge treatment to meet their needs. She believes in patient-centered personalized care, emphasizing patient education and inclusion in all decision-making regarding their care. Her primary goals are to establish excellent working relationships with her patients and to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her most prized professional goal is to help her patients become parents.

Finally, please keep in mind the intentions of this AMA is to educate redditors, not provide direct medical advice, treatment, or a medical diagnosis to those who need it. Please be sure to speak with your physician or health provider for any further questions you have in regards to your health or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on here. While we cannot give you advice on what to do next, the next best thing we can do is give you information to consider.

Disclosures/Conflicts of Interest: None

If you would like to hear more from me or my partners, please visit www.genesisfertility.com or call us at 718-436-3747.

IG: @tendaichiwaremd

TikTok: @tendaichiwaremd

FB: @tendaichiwaremd

YouTube: @tendaichiware

Rule #2 Mention of one's OWN pregnancy outside the Results thread is against the rules. Unprompted discussion and mentions of pregnancy will be removed. Asking for success stories is NOT allowed. Venting about someone else's pregnancy is allowed. Mentions of confirmed Pregnancy/Infant Loss, Stillbirth, TFMR, and/or negative results are allowed.

Rule #3 Mentions of prior success/living children (LC) are not allowed. Step- or other children in the household who are parented by you/partner likewise may not be mentioned. Discussion of other people’s children is allowed.

What do these rules look like in action? Here are some examples:

“I’m concerned about my beta. I think it’s too low/not rising fast enough.” = If posted in our Weekly Results Thread, it does not break rules. If posted anywhere else, it will break Rule #2 and the comment/post will be removed.

“I have concerns about my pregnancy” = We understand that pregnancy post ART treatment is not a cakewalk. Beyond confirming the heartbeat, please go to r/infertilitybabies for the support you need. To be clear, posting about this here breaks Rule #2 and will be removed.

“Has anyone done IVF and been successful?” = Fishing for success will break Rule #2. If you want success stories, search r/InfertilityBabies or r/WhatWorkedForMe.

“My friend who knows my struggles just gave birth and won’t stop sending me baby photos.” = Vent away oh salty one! This does not break our rules. (also, that friend should know better)

“I have six beautiful toddlers as a result of a 12 embryo transfer and they are the light of my life.” = Valid feelings about your kids, but this is not a forum for parents to espouse the joys of parenthood, it’s about infertility treatment. The age, number of children you have, and how they have changed your life is not something to be discussed here. This blatantly breaks Rule #3 and would be removed.

“I had success with XYZ protocol.” = This is allowed only if the mods specifically state that mentions of success are allowed on a post (e.g., for the wiki). Please be aware that if you mention success, it needs to be in neutral language and in the context of a detailed discussion about a certain treatment option for someone or a discussion of your medical background that is necessary.

Let’s address feelings around prior success and what it means to be a member here:

Secondary Infertility is real and there can be tremendous grief around not being able to have the family size you dreamt of. However, this is not the place to discuss or address those feelings. I’m going to rip the Band-Aid right off – r/infertility is not here to center the feelings of people who have kids. This is a support space for people dealing with an infertility diagnosis. The reason we are all here is to pursue treatment. That is what brings us all together. For many members here, this subreddit is the singular space they have that is centered wholly onto the infertility experience.

There will absolutely be times when our members with secondary infertility have additional needs that cannot be met within this sub. We recommend r/secondaryinfertility for these conversations. Or perhaps you have primary infertility and are coming into this sub with a prior success, r/IVFaftersuccess, r/IFagain (private), or the Trying Again Tuesday thread at r/infertilitybabies might be helpful for the discussions we cannot provide here.

“I feel like I can’t mention my prior success.” = You’re right! Most of the time it is not necessary and hurtful to many members of this sub. Your grief and pain around not being able to conceive is valid, but this is not the space for talking about your prior success. What we have found is that most success mentions aren’t necessary, but it is something many have not had to consider or practice restraint around before.

“I feel like people with secondary infertility don’t get support here.” = For secondary infertility specific convos, no, you won’t get support here. As someone going through infertility and all it entails? Yes, you can and do receive multitudes of support.

“I was able to have a kid before! I am devastated and can’t believe I’m infertile, what did I do to deserve this?!” = I’m adding this because we have to mod this more than you realize. Don’t do this. This diagnosis can happen to anyone, yes, even those with a kid. No one deserves an infertility diagnosis. This technically falls into the Be Compassionate rule, but members with secondary infertility say this regularly enough that I’m adding it here. We have members enduring on average (study link)[https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2478204], a treatment time of 4 years, and 35% of them that will not be successful after 4 IVF cycles. Please remember your worst nightmare is someone else’s dream.

Wrapping up. It does not invalidate your experience to not mention your child within this sub. This is not that group. This IS the group for support with a diagnosis of infertility and the treatment gauntlet we all end up on together.

Original post

This thread is a dedicated space to those of us who are actively pursuing or seeking information on donor infertility treatments. This can be donor egg, sperm or gamete/embryo adoption, same sex couples using donors, donor IUI or IVF, and double donor discussion are all welcome here. This discussion is not to imply these resolutions are the right fit for every person or family or that these solutions are simple, easy, or obvious. This is also not to imply that these discussions are limited to this thread, but an effort to carve out a unique space for individuals to collaborate, commiserate, and learn.

Please keep in mind that members participating here have not come to consider the choice of donor gametes (egg, sperm, or embryo) lightly. The choice to consider or pursue donor gametes is personal and can be dependent on many factors. Comments expressing unsolicited advice or judgement will be removed per our Be Compassionate rule.

** This thread is for CONFIRMED losses only. If you suspect a loss and/or have not received confirmation from your RE, then you must post in the Weekly Results Thread until confirmed **

This thread is a dedicated space for members of r/infertility experiencing a confirmed loss – be it a blighted ovum/anembryonic pregnancy, chemical, ectopic, molar, miscarriage, stillbirth, TFMR, or infant death. This is the space to come together and find support as you grieve, away from the maelstrom of treatment. This is not to imply that these discussions are not allowed in the treatment thread, but is a focused effort to give an additional space to our members grieving a loss. We have many spaces you can discuss a confirmed loss, but we created this space so you don't have to post where it might be hard to.

Please use this space to vent, cry, talk about how you’re coping, share your loss experience, and ask specific questions pertaining to your loss (either resolved or ongoing). Our rules around mentions of pregnancy, children, and prior success still apply in this thread.

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

If you are looking for further specialized support, we recommend you explore the following communities (their wikis include helpful posts on resolving your loss via multiple methods, coping with your loss, ways for you to honor your grief, and much more):

r/Miscarriage

r/ttcafterloss

r/babyloss

/r/TFMR_support

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

*** Comments mentioning anything related to treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures in this thread will be removed via our OFF TOPIC rule. Consider if you were taking a break from treatment because you were exhausted and sad - treatment (yes anything related to it) goes in treatment ***

Coping with infertility is complex, and it is our imperative to create places where we can honor the distinctly unique needs created by infertility. Sit beside us and share what’s on your mind and going on in your life. This is a great place to get to know your fellow members outside the gravity of treatment. Discussion here includes, but is not limited to:

• Venting about the impact of infertility on our lives/relationships/careers
• Non-IF Rants of all kind – marriage, career, societal, social media, friendships, mental health, and yes… politics too. It doesn’t need to be infertility related!
• Discussions around dealing with the influence of infertility – therapy, coping methods, finding supportive friends, getting lapped by a friend, dealing with pregnancy announcements, pushy parents, people that don’t understand, etc. The big picture stuff.
• Sharing stories and parts of your life (pictures of pets always welcome!) outside of infertility

​

Example of the difference between the Treatment and Chat Thread:

Comments for the Treatment Thread

• Literally anything that involves or mentions treatment, trying to conceive, or any family building measures: paying for it, being exhausted by it, fighting about it, telling other people about it. If anything about your comment has anything to do with treatment or TTC, it belongs in the treatment thread. Also including diagnostic tests, medication, lab results, or lifestyle measures taking in the hopes of improving treatment outcome.
  • I'm in the TWW, and I'm glad I scheduled a vacation as a distraction!
  • I'm trying to decide if I should delay my egg retrieval cycle because this is a big work month for me.
  • I told my parents about IVF, and they were incredibly supportive. I feel really grateful.

Comments for the Chat Thread

• You can of course still discuss infertility in the chat thread:
  • I am super bummed about being lapped by a friend.
  • I have two currently pregnant coworkers, and I am losing my mind with all the pregnancy discussion.
  • Today is the anniversary of my loss, and I'm really struggling.
• Or you can discuss things unrelated to infertility:
  • Whoa, my dogwalker taught my dog to roll over.
  • There's this donut place next to my work that sells donuts for $5 each, but the WILD thing is that they're worth it!
  • My spouse and I are planning a trip to Europe. Opinions on Italy vs Greece?

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.

Last reminder - this is the CHAT thread. Not the place to discuss anything focused on treatment, TTC, or family building measures.

Our community threads are the heart of our subreddit and operate much like a specialized support group – we share our experiences and strive to collectively support one another on the topic at hand.

Please use this space for sharing and discussing any type of treatment, trying to conceive, or family building measures. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Advice / Updates on current treatment cycle or planned/future treatment cycles
• Questions / Discussion about medications, treatment, diagnostic tests, and lab results
• Any measures taken/evaluated to improve treatment outcomes – supplements, diet, exercise, etc
• Seeking emotional support related to upcoming treatment, treatment outcomes, infertility diagnosis, and confirmed loss
• Commiseration and venting related to treatment
• Supporting and cheering on fellow members as they run the gauntlet of infertility treatments

Essentially, if you mention treatment, TTC, or family building measures – it goes in this thread.

​

A few notes:

• Positive HPT or Beta Results (including Beta Hell) should only be posted in the Results thread as per the rules (except for confirmed loss): https://www.reddit.com/r/infertility/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Results%22
• We recognize that the AM/PM distinction doesn’t match up with every time zone in our global community, we ask that you pick the most recently posted thread wherever you are.
• Standalone culture here is saved for complex topics, usually including detailed conversations around scientific studies, or asking multi-part complex questions around treatment plans. We strongly recommend posting in the community threads first. If you aren’t sure, ask in the daily threads first!

Above all - Science minded perspective and respect for others is important here. Please treat your fellow peers with compassion.