Understand It
Fertility treatment comes with a lot of terms, timelines and procedures, and it's easy to feel like you're on the outside of it. You don't need to know every detail, but knowing the basics helps you follow what's happening and feel part of it.
Each post breaks one step down in plain language, with a quick visual, one thing worth knowing, and where you come in. Start at the beginning or jump to where you are. Nothing here replaces your care team. Think of it as a starting point for better conversations with them.
Fertility Terms: the words you’ll hear along the way
IVF and fertility terms explained in plain language, so you can follow along at every appointment and feel part of the conversation.
IUI vs. IVF: What’s The Difference?
IUI and IVF are very different journeys. Here's how they compare, so you can understand your options and decide together.
Male Factor Infertility: What It Means
Male factor infertility is more common, and more treatable, than most men realize. Here's what it means, and what comes next.
Semen Analysis: What to Expect
A semen analysis is one of the first fertility tests. Here's what to expect, so you can walk in with one less thing to worry about.
IUI: Step by Step
Here's every step of the IUI process, from monitoring to insemination day, and where you come in.
IVF: Step by Step
Here's the whole IVF process, one step at a time, and how you can be there for her through each one.
Fertility Medications: What Are They?
IVF medications fill the fridge and the schedule fast. Here's what each one does, and how you can help lighten the load.
Sperm Collection Day: What to Expect
On retrieval or IUI day, there's one part only you can do. Here's how sperm collection works, so you can get back to her side.
Egg Retrieval: Step by Step
Egg retrieval is short, but it's a big day for her. Here's what to expect, and how to take care of her once you're home.
Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo: What's the Difference?
Transfer now or freeze and wait? Here's how fresh and frozen embryo transfers compare, so you both feel ready to decide.
Embryo Transfer: Step by Step
Embryo transfer is over in minutes, but it's a moment you'll both remember. Here's what happens, and how to be there for her.
The 2-Week Wait: What to Expect
The two-week wait is often the hardest part. Here's what's happening, what symptoms do and don't mean, and how to get through it together.
Blood Test (beta hCG) Results: What the Numbers Mean
Your beta hCG result is a number, not a yes or no. Here's what it means, and how to be there for her when the call comes.
Fertility Clinic Graduation: What's Next?
Leaving the fertility clinic can feel joyful and scary at once. Here's what the move to an OB looks like, and how to take it together.