Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test — the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home.
Here at Proov, our goal is to support women through any phase of their fertility journey however we can. When I was going through infertility, there were plenty of resources that I wish I had and information I wish I had better access to.
This National Infertility Awareness week, I want to support and empower you however I can — whether that be via tests, supplements, or information.
What I Wish I Had Known About Infertility
When I was in the thick of my infertility journey, I felt incredibly alone. My husband and I kept our infertility treatments as our own secret – not even my mother or sister knew.
Once we were on the other side and I had my two beautiful children, I started sharing more about what we had gone through. I was shocked by how many close friends and family members had similar stories and could relate to what I went through!
I wish I would have known how many others were also enduring fertility struggles around me, and how uplifting it is to hear stories of others’ successes. A few years ago, I shared my story in hopes that even just one person could relate to my story and feel a little less alone.
Helpful Tools When Experiencing Infertility
I am a firm believer that knowledge is power and luckily there are plenty of tools on the market now that can help you learn more about your fertility. When I was trying to conceive, we did all sorts of testing via our fertility doctor.
But now, there are even more comprehensive at-home testing options than before, like all of our different tests! If PdG testing existed when I was trying to conceive, I would have been able to uncover that I wasn’t ovulating successfully much sooner than I did (which took years!).
That’s why I always recommend doing as much testing at home as you can get your hands on. You may very well uncover something you didn’t know before!
Learn About Fertility Testing Resources
Tips on How to Get Pregnant
One thing I quickly learned when I started trying to conceive was how little I actually knew about getting pregnant! Unfortunately, our sex ed classes don’t exactly prepare us for what to do when you can’t conceive.
So, I put on my scientist hat and went back to the biology basics – the processes that must happen in order for pregnancy to occur. Like I’ve said, knowledge is power and a few simple tips on how to get pregnant can go a long way!
When do hormones come into play?
Well, from the beginning! Hormones are the messengers that send signals to different parts of the body to get it to perform certain functions.
For me, hormones – or lack thereof – were preventing me from conceiving. After ovulation, the ovary should produce progesterone, which is the hormone that prepares the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. Basically, progesterone is the hormone that makes the uterus “sticky” enough so that an embryo can attach.
While I would ovulate each cycle, my body would release the egg but the ovary would fail to produce sufficient progesterone progesterone after ovulation. Because an egg was released and I had intercourse, the egg would be fertilized by sperm and an embryo would form.
But, the embryo would never successfully implant into the uterus. When it did, I would experience an early term miscarriage, which were all devastating.
This is why I encourage women to get their hormones tested as soon as or even before they start trying to get pregnant. Tools like a PdG test can be super helpful in determining if there are any issues you should be on the lookout for.
What to do if You’re a Couple Experiencing Infertility
I encourage any couple experiencing infertility to get support. In the same way I wish I would have shared with people in my life sooner, I wish I would have sought out support from others who were going through or had been through something similar.
If you are struggling with infertility, I highly recommend you join our private support group where you can connect with others. The people in this group are incredible and so supportive – and I may see you in there myself!
Additionally, if you’re seeking support from a fertility doctor, I know how intimidating those appointments can feel. I’ve compiled my top tips for navigating conversations with your fertility doctor to ensure you are on the path to success as quickly as possible.
Tips to Talking to a Fertility Doctor
And, of course, the Proov team is always here to support you however we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@proovtest.com. Someone from our team will be in contact within 24 hours.
