Fertile-ish

Fertile-ish
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Fertile-ish- the unfiltered fertility podcast for anyone navigating baby-making and fertility preservation in the 21st century. Whether you're deep in IVF, freezing-curious, or just spiraling from yet another, "So when are you having kids?" convo, we've got you. Hosted by fertility industry insiders, Brandis Montez and Laura Hendley of CNY Fertility, Fertile-ish breaks down the science, the stigma, and the real-life chaos of reproductive health with humor, heart, and zero sugarcoating. Think less textbook, more group chat at 2am.

  1. 4D AGO

    Dear Fertile-ish: The Inbox Episode

    🎙️ Dear Fertile-ish: The Inbox Episode Welcome back to Fertile-ish—and this one is special. In this episode, Laura and Brandis open the inbox and respond directly to your most honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable questions. From grief and burnout to communication struggles, intimacy, age-related anxiety, and learning how to advocate for yourself, this episode is a reminder that if you’re feeling it… you’re not alone. This “Dear Fertile-ish” episode is raw, validating, and packed with compassionate, real-life perspective from two people who live and breathe this work and this journey . 💌 What We’re Talking About:In this inbox-style episode, we dive into questions like: Mourning the person you were before infertility When infertility feels heavier for one partner than the other Living in survival mode and constantly bracing for bad news Feeling burned out versus knowing it’s time for a break Making sense of fertility statistics after 40 Advocating for yourself without feeling “difficult” When sex becomes scheduled, pressured, or transactional Letting go of control when your life revolves around cycles and appointments Understanding the why behind treatment plans and protocols Separating what you truly want from what you feel obligated to continue 🧠 Key Takeaways: Grief and gratitude can coexist—and that doesn’t make you ungrateful or weak Partners often cope differently, and that doesn’t mean they care less You are never wrong for asking questions about your care Statistics inform expectations, not destiny Taking a break is not giving up—it can be an act of self-preservation Intimacy deserves space outside of ovulation windows and calendars You do not owe anyone justification for your family-building decisions 🤍 A Gentle Reminder:Infertility is traumatic. Burnout is real. And being “strong” all the time is exhausting. This episode isn’t about fixing anything—it’s about naming what so many people feel but rarely say out loud. 📩 Want to Be Part of a Future Inbox Episode?Submit your questions, stories, or topic ideas—anonymously or not—through our listener form at:👉 cnyfertility.com/fertileish You can also request to be a guest on the show through the same link. 🎧 Listen & Support:If this episode resonated with you: Follow Fertile-ish on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps more people find this community Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone We’re so glad you’re here. We’ll see you next week 💕

    49 min

  2. JAN 27

    Surviving the Crash After a Failed FET

    🎙️ Surviving the Crash After a Failed FET The days after a failed frozen embryo transfer can feel like an emotional and physical free-fall — and it’s not “all in your head.” In this episode, Laura and Brandis talk openly about the very real hormonal crash that happens when estrogen and progesterone levels suddenly drop, especially after stopping meds, and how that biological shift collides with the heartbreak of an unsuccessful cycle. We break down: What’s actually happening hormonally after an FET and why the “luteal phase crash” can feel so intense How IVF amplifies normal PMS/PMDD symptoms and emotional vulnerability Why grief after a failed transfer is real, valid, and layered (even when you “knew it might not work”) Managing expectations without toxic positivity Coping tools for the spiral: self-care, support systems, therapy, journaling, movement, rest, and reconnecting with your partner Why you’re not weak, broken, or overreacting — your body and brain are responding to a massive hormonal shift plus loss Whether you’re in the thick of a post-beta crash, recovering from a chemical pregnancy, or bracing for what might come after a transfer, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not alone, you are not crazy, and this season will pass. 💗 Need support?You can reach out to us anytime through our Fertile-ish support page at:cnyfertility.com/fertileish 🎧 Love the show?Please follow Fertile-ish on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review. It helps more than you know and allows us to keep bringing real, honest fertility conversations to this community. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might be in their own post-transfer crash. You don’t have to carry this alone.

    35 min

  3. JAN 20

    Semen Analysis Decoded: From Cup to Clinic

    🎧 Semen Analysis Decoded: From Cup to Clinic In this episode, Laura and Brandis break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know (and maybe didn’t want to know 😅) about semen analysis—what it measures, why it matters, and how it can save time, money, and heartache on your fertility journey. From abstinence timing and collection options to lifestyle factors that impact sperm health, this is your no-shame, no-stigma guide to the male side of fertility. 🧬 What We Cover: Why Semen Analysis Is So Important Male factor infertility is the sole cause ~20% of the time and a contributing factor in up to 30–50% of cases. Even if someone has children already, sperm quality can change over time. It’s one of the least expensive and most informative fertility tests—and can prevent costly surprises later. Before the Test: How to Prepare Abstain from ejaculation for 2–3 days (longer is not better). Avoid heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, tight cycling gear) in the months leading up. Remember: sperm you see today were made ~90 days ago, so lifestyle from three months prior matters. Collection Options In-clinic collection rooms 🪑💻 At-home collection with sterile cup (must arrive within 1 hour) Mail-in kits (like Fellow or Legacy) Tips on what not to do (no non-sterile containers, no contamination). 🔍 What a Semen Analysis Looks At: Volume Normal: ≥ 1.5 mL Low volume may suggest retrograde ejaculation or incomplete collection. Concentration (Count) Lower limit of normal: ≥ 15 million/mL Average: ~73 million/mL Pregnancy rates plateau around 40–50 million—after that it’s mostly ego. 😏 Motility (Movement) Normal: ≥ 40% motile Affected by heat, illness, infection, varicocele, prolonged abstinence, and lifestyle. Morphology (Shape) Normal (Kruger strict): ≥ 4% Influenced by genetics, THC, oxidative stress, environmental toxins, and possibly microplastics. pH Normal: ≥ 7.2 (semen is alkaline to protect sperm in the acidic vagina). Round Cells May indicate infection, inflammation, or immature sperm; often prompts urology referral and repeat testing.⚠️ Things a Standard Semen Analysis Does Not Test:DNA Fragmentation Can be affected by THC, smoking, heat, chemotherapy, oxidative stress. Often treated with ICSI or testicular sperm extraction rather than lifestyle alone. 🚫 Big Myths Busted“We only need one sperm.” → You need millions to get that one to the egg. Testosterone helps sperm.” → External testosterone can shut sperm production down completely. “He has kids already.” → Sperm health changes with age, illness, hormones, and lifestyle. 🛠 Modifiable Factors That Can Improve Sperm Health: Alcohol: ≤ 4–5 drinks/week Avoid THC (all forms) Stop smoking/vaping Limit heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, laptops on laps) Reduce endocrine disruptors (plastics, fragrances, BPA) Consider antioxidants:Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, CoQ10, L-Carnitine, L-Arginine (under medical guidance) 💬 Key Takeaway:Sperm is one of the most changeable parts of fertility. With a ~90-day production cycle and millions made daily, lifestyle and medical interventions can often make a real difference. A simple semen analysis can guide smarter, faster, and more effective treatment decisions. 📣 Connect With Us:Have questions about semen analysis, male factor fertility, or future episode ideas?DM us on Instagram, submit through our form on cnyfertility.com/fertileish, and don’t forget to: ⭐ Follow⭐ Rate (5 stars, please!)⭐ Share with someone in the “ish” of trying to conceive Because fertility is a team sport. 💕

    48 min

  4. JAN 13

    When the Village Isn't Villaging

    🎙️When the Village Isn’t Villaging In this deeply honest and emotional episode, Laura and Brandis talk about one of the most painful — and least discussed — parts of the fertility journey: when the people you expect to show up… don’t. 💔 After sharing a personal experience with pregnancy loss during the holidays, Laura opens up about how infertility, miscarriage, and prolonged uncertainty can strain relationships with friends, family, in-laws, and even lifelong best friends. The conversation explores what it feels like when your “village” goes quiet, says the wrong things, avoids the topic, or simply can’t meet you where you are. Together, they discuss:✨ How grief and fertility struggles can reshape friendships and family dynamics✨ Why well-intended people sometimes disappear or mishandle hard conversations✨ The emotional toll of unmet expectations and feeling unsupported✨ Setting boundaries to protect your mental health and heart✨ How new, unexpected relationships can become your chosen village✨ The power of community found in shared experience — even with people you never expected to meet This episode is for anyone who has ever felt isolated during infertility, miscarriage, or loss — and for those learning that sometimes your village changes, but you are never truly alone. 🤍 💬 If this episode resonates, we’d love to hear from you. Share your story, your support tips, or how you’ve rebuilt your village. 📍 Follow, rate, and review Fertile-ish on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen.📩 Submit listener stories and questions at: cnyfertility.com/fertileish Because even when the village isn’t villaging… you still deserve love, understanding, and support. 🌱

    51 min

  5. JAN 6

    Embryo Testing Without the Doom Spiral

    🎙️ Embryo Testing Without the Doom Spiral 🧠🧬 If the words PGT, PGD, carrier screening, or genetic testing immediately send your brain into overdrive… this episode is for you. 💭😵‍💫 In this rerun of Season 1, Episode 13, Laura and Brandis break down embryo testing and genetic screening in a way that’s informative, balanced, and—most importantly—free of fear-mongering. Because knowledge is power… not a panic attack. ✨ 💡 What We Cover (Without the Doom Spiral):🧬 The difference between carrier screening, karyotype testing, NIPT, and embryo testing🧪 What PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR actually mean (and who they’re for)📊 What test results like euploid, mosaic, aneuploid, and “no result” really tell you🤍 Why embryo testing is a tool—not a requirement⚖️ How personal values, past loss, finances, and emotional readiness all factor into decisions👶 Family balancing, embryo prioritization, and informed consent🧘‍♀️ Why more data doesn’t always mean more peace—and how to decide what’s right for you 🌈 Key Takeaway:There is no universally “right” choice when it comes to embryo testing—only the choice that aligns with your body, your history, and your comfort level. Some people want every data point possible.Some people want fewer variables.Some people want to transfer every embryo they have. ✨ All of those paths are valid. ⚠️ Gentle Note:This episode discusses pregnancy loss, genetic conditions, and fertility testing. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. 🤍 📬 We’d Love to Hear From You:Have you done embryo testing—or chosen not to?Did results bring clarity… or more questions? You can reach out anonymously or share your story at:🌐 cnyfertility.com/fertile-ish📱 Or DM us on Instagram or TikTok 🎧 Listen, Breathe, Repeat:If embryo testing has ever sent you spiraling, this episode is your reminder that information is meant to support you—not scare you. You’re doing your best.You’re allowed to ask questions.And you’re not alone in the ish. 💕 ✨ See you next week, Fertile-ish fam.

    41 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Love Them Loudly: How to Support Friends & Family Through Infertility

    🌸 Love Them Loudly: How to Support Friends & Family Through InfertilityFertile-ish – Season 2, Episode 12 (Season 1 Rerun) ✨ Sometimes the most meaningful support isn’t saying the perfect thing — it’s simply showing up. In this special rerun episode, Laura and Brandis revisit one of the most shared and impactful conversations from Season 1: how to truly support someone navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, or fertility treatment. This episode is intentionally designed to be sent directly to friends, family members, partners, or loved ones who want to help — but aren’t always sure how. 💌 Whether you’re in the thick of infertility or loving someone who is, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and real-life guidance on what support actually looks like. 💛 In This Episode, We Talk About: ⭐ Why well-intentioned comments like “just relax” or “why don’t you adopt?” can be deeply hurtful⭐ The emotional, physical, and hormonal toll of fertility treatment⭐ Why asking “Did it work?” after a transfer can be painful⭐ The difference between toxic positivity and real support⭐ How to ask “How can I support you?” — and truly mean it⭐ Small, thoughtful gestures that often matter more than big words⭐ Navigating pregnancy announcements when someone you love is struggling⭐ How partners can better support each other through treatment 🌈 Listener Insight Shared in This Episode: A fellow fertility warrior and CNY patient shares powerful advice for loved ones: Be present consistently — not just once in a while Ask thoughtful, educational questions if invited Give space after losses or failed transfers Avoid pressuring timelines or future-focused questions Extend grace — hormones are real ⚠️ Trigger Awareness This episode includes discussion of: Infertility IVF & fertility treatments Pregnancy loss and failed transfers Emotional responses including grief and jealousy Listener discretion is encouraged. Pausing, skipping, or coming back later is always okay 🤍 💌 Why We’re Re-Sharing This EpisodeWe continue to hear from listeners who say: “I sent this to my mom.”“I shared this with my best friend.”“This finally helped my partner understand.” Because infertility doesn’t just affect one person — it affects entire relationships — this message deserves to be heard again. 🎧 Listen, Share, & Love LoudlyIf someone in your life wants to support you but doesn’t know how, this episode is for them. 🎙️ Fertile-ish📲 Available wherever you listen to podcasts 💗 If this episode resonates, please subscribe, rate, and share.💬 Want to tell us what support helped you — or hurt you? DM us anytime.✨ You’re not alone — and you never have to explain your pain perfectly to deserve compassion.

    46 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    PGT-P: Just Because We Can...Should We?

    🎙️ Fertile-ish | Season 2, Episode 11 PGT-P: Just Because We Can…Should We? ⭐ Genetic testing in IVF keeps evolving—and with that evolution comes big questions. In this episode, Laura and Brandis dive into PGT-P (polygenic preimplantation genetic testing), one of the most controversial and talked-about developments in reproductive medicine right now. PGT-P claims to estimate an embryo’s relative risk for developing complex conditions later in life—but just because science can do something, does that mean we should? 👀 This is a thoughtful, ethics-meets-science conversation meant to inform, not persuade—because when it comes to family building, nuance matters. 🧬 What We Cover in This Episode ⭐ What PGT-P actually is (and what it isn’t)⭐ How PGT-P differs from PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR⭐ What “polygenic risk scores” really mean⭐ Conditions currently included in PGT-P risk models (and their limitations)⭐ Why most data is based on populations of European descent⭐ Nature vs. nurture: genetics vs. environment⭐ Why these scores are not guarantees or diagnoses⭐ Ethical concerns: stress, stigma, and embryo ranking⭐ Are we heading toward “designer babies”—or is that fear overblown?⭐ Why major professional organizations do not recommend PGT-P for routine use⭐ How this information could impact parents—and future children—emotionally⭐ Why “more testing” doesn’t always mean “better outcomes” ⚠️ Important Takeaways ✨ PGT-P provides relative risk, not certainty✨ Many conditions tested are multifactorial (genes + lifestyle + environment)✨ Long-term accuracy data would take decades to validate✨ Ethical considerations are just as important as scientific capability✨ Not widely offered—and not currently recommended for routine IVF use✨ CNY Fertility does not offer PGT-P at this time 💭 The Bigger Question If embryos are ranked by hypothetical future health risks…Who decides which risks matter more?And what does that mean for how we define a “healthy” or “worthy” life? This episode isn’t about having the right answer—it’s about asking the right questions. 📣 Join the Conversation Have thoughts? Questions? A different perspective?We want to hear it. 📩 DM us on Instagram💬 Drop a comment🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Because fertility is never black-and-white—and neither is the science behind it.

    31 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Rainbow Roads: Surviving the Storm of Miscarriage

    ⚠️ Content Note / Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of miscarriage, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, and related emotional experiences. Please listen with care and skip if this topic is not right for you today. 🎙️ Fertile-ish Podcast Season 2, Episode 10 Rainbow Roads: Surviving the Storm of Miscarriage Miscarriage is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — parts of the fertility journey. In this deeply honest and compassionate episode, Laura and Brandis sit down to talk openly about pregnancy loss, the emotional aftermath, and how to survive a road no one ever expects to walk. Whether you’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy, a missed miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or a later loss — this episode is for you. We break down the medical and emotional realities of miscarriage, explain why it happens, and remind you (over and over again): nothing you did caused this. You are not broken. You are not alone. And your loss matters. 💔 In This Episode, We Cover: Why miscarriage is far more common than most people realize (affecting up to 1 in 4 pregnancies) The emotional weight of pregnancy loss — grief, guilt, anxiety, and the hormonal crash no one prepares you for Why miscarriage is not your fault, even when your brain tries to convince you otherwise Common unhelpful things people say — and why “at least you can get pregnant” isn’t comforting The most common medical causes of miscarriage, including: Chromosomal abnormalities Age-related egg quality changes Blood clotting disorders (like Factor V Leiden) Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, septum, bicornuate uterus) Balanced chromosomal translocations The different types of pregnancy loss, including: Chemical (biochemical) pregnancies Spontaneous miscarriages Missed miscarriages Blighted ovum Incomplete miscarriages Pregnancy of unknown location / ectopic pregnancy Molar pregnancy When (and how) it’s medically safe to try again — and why emotional readiness matters just as much as physical healing What to expect with HCG levels, periods returning, and timing after: Natural miscarriage Medication-assisted miscarriage D&C Methotrexate treatment Why recurrent pregnancy loss testing usually doesn’t begin until after multiple losses Coping strategies that actually help — therapy, hobbies, rest, rituals, boundaries, and giving yourself permission to grieve Meaningful ways people memorialize pregnancy loss, from planting trees to Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month traditions How to advocate for yourself when you’re not ready to talk about “next steps” Why fear in subsequent pregnancies is normal — and why worry doesn’t cause loss 🌈 A Gentle ReminderThere is no “right” way to grieve.There is no timeline for healing.There is no hierarchy of loss. Whether your pregnancy lasted days, weeks, or months — it mattered. If you’re walking this rainbow road right now, please know:✨ You are seen✨ You are supported✨ You are not alone 💬 Share With Us Have you experienced pregnancy loss?Did something help you cope, heal, or remember? We’d love to hear your story — anonymously or openly.You can submit directly through the Fertile-ish form at www.cnyfertility.com/fertileish, send us a message on Instagram, or simply sit with us through this episode. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and we would love if you could leave us a 5 ⭐rating💗 Follow @FertileishPodcast for support, education, and community

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Fertile-ish- the unfiltered fertility podcast for anyone navigating baby-making and fertility preservation in the 21st century. Whether you're deep in IVF, freezing-curious, or just spiraling from yet another, "So when are you having kids?" convo, we've got you. Hosted by fertility industry insiders, Brandis Montez and Laura Hendley of CNY Fertility, Fertile-ish breaks down the science, the stigma, and the real-life chaos of reproductive health with humor, heart, and zero sugarcoating. Think less textbook, more group chat at 2am.

Information

  • Creator
    Fertile-ish
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Fertile-ish
  • Show Website
    Fertile-ish

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