Send us a text In the final episode of Fertility in Focus , season 2, we sat down with Jessica Coates, a registered nurse specializing in primary care from Ontario, who opens up about her personal and professional experiences with fertility. At 28, Jessica faced the daunting news of having an extremely low ovarian reserve, leading to a seven-month journey of trying to conceive, which culminated in undergoing IVF. Jessica delves into the crucial tests and fertility treatments she considered, shar...
Jul 15, 2025•34 min
Send us a text This week on Fertility in Focus, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Zadek, a remarkable Naturopathic Doctor specializing in women's health and fertility, who sheds light on the complexities of reproductive aging. Together, we discuss the hidden intricacies of how cellular aging impacts egg and sperm health. As we navigate the often-overlooked consequences of aging on fertility, Dr. Zadek shares strategies to help maintain reproductive health. Bringing attention to the shared responsibilit...
Jul 08, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Send us a text This week on Fertility in Focus, we warmly welcome Weronika Gallant, the Clinical Operations Manager at TRIO Fertility, who brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to our conversation on mental health support in fertility care. As a former fertility nurse, Weronika provides a unique perspective on the emotional hurdles and mental toll faced by individuals navigating fertility treatments. We talk about the often-overlooked emotional fatigue and stress patients experience, the unme...
Jul 02, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Send us a text Allie and Sam Conway, two prominent voices in the online community, embarked on a journey to parenthood that was far more complex than they ever imagined. From the frustration of long wait times at fertility clinics to the unexpected challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Allie and Sam's story is one of grit and perseverance. Their new book, "How to Make a Baby: Everything LGBTQ Families Need to Know About IVF," serves as a beacon for those navigating similar paths, especially...
Jun 24, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Send us a text This week on Fertility in Focus we are joined by Dr. Stéphanie Dufour to learn about the impact of cancer and its treatments on fertility, a topic that is often overlooked but incredibly important for patients and their families. We discuss how chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can affect reproductive health, as well as the fertility preservation options available before treatment begins. This conversation is especially relevant for the Fertility Matters community, as many pati...
Jun 17, 2025•35 min
Send us a text This week Fertility in Focus invites you on an emotional journey through the complexities of fertility-related PTSD and trauma with a poignant personal story from our guest, Filipa Jackson. Filipa shares her candid and heartfelt account of the emotional and physical struggles she and her husband faced during their path to parenthood, shedding light on the persistent challenges of infertility, even after becoming a mother. Her story offers empathy and understanding for anyone navig...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min
Send us a text This week Fertility in Focus is thrilled to welcome Jullin Fjeldstad from Future Fertility and Dr. Sony Sierra from Evolve Egg Freezing Clinic, who sat down with us to discuss how they’re bringing their unique expertise to the forefront of reproductive technology. These esteemed guests illuminate how AI is reshaping fertility preservation, specifically through the lens of egg freezing. Dr. Sierra provides a compelling overview of how egg freezing empowers individuals to align thei...
Jun 03, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Send us a text This week on Fertility in Focus, we welcome community member, Tomilola Vanna. Together, we untangle the emotional web of navigating this unexpected path, discussing the proactive steps Tomi took to seek medical advice and the unique hurdles faced by Black women within the healthcare system. Her story is a poignant reminder of the cultural expectations around fertility and the emotional strain that accompanies any fertility journey. Throughout our conversation, we discuss the layer...
May 27, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Send us a text A painful knee injury led Dr. Cameron Smith on an unexpected journey into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What started as a personal quest for relief soon transformed into a profound exploration of holistic health practices, opening doors to understanding men's fertility challenges. In our latest episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Smith joins us from Red Deer, Alberta to share insights from his practice. Together, we uncover how TCM techniques, like acupuncture an...
May 20, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send us a text Fertility in Focus is lucky to have Jessica Chalk and Carly Malo on this episode, where we dive into how technology can empower your fertility journey. After her own experiences, Jessica founded myStoria with the goal of helping patients manage their fertility journey by lifting the burden of tracking their care first-hand. Carly is a registered fertility nurse and leads the concierge team at myStoria to help patients navigate their journeys. In this episode, we discuss the intric...
May 13, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Send us a text This episode of Fertility in Focus takes you through Anne-Marie’s personal narrative of resilience on the path to parenthood and the groundbreaking work she has done in Quebec through the non-profit, Centre ESPER . After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, Anne-Marie sought fertility preservation and in 2019 welcomed her first child via surrogacy. Anne-Marie felt the need for fertility resources and support first hand as a French-speaking patient, and decided to act. She founded...
May 06, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Send us a text On this weeks episode of Fertility in Focus, we sat down with Alyssa Ages, an author, athlete, and mother. Alyssa walks us through her path to parenthood, and offers a candid look at the emotional and physical challenges of trying to conceive, reminding us that hope and strength are crucial companions on this journey. In our conversation, Alyssa reveals how strength training became an anchor amidst the chaos of fertility struggles. We also explore the parallels between trauma reco...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min
Send us a text How can genetic counselling shape your fertility journey? In this episode, we sit down with Meaghan Doyle, a certified genetic counsellor, to unravel the crucial role of genetics in fertility care. From understanding sperm and egg genetics to navigating preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), Meaghan sheds light on how genetic screening can help manage pregnancy loss, prevent hereditary conditions, and improve family-building options. We also explore the latest genetic tests availa...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min
Send us a text Unlock the secrets to optimizing your fertility journey in our enlightening episode with Carolynn Dubé and special guest Tracy Malone, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Conceive Health. Discover how the pivotal 100-day preconception window may transform your reproductive health, enhancing egg and sperm quality through improved nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation. Tracy shares invaluable insights into how both men and women can take actionable steps to ...
Apr 01, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Send us a text After years of fertility challenges and multiple miscarriages, Shipra and her husband turned to surrogacy as a hopeful path forward. In this powerful episode, Shipra shares her deeply personal journey—navigating the emotional toll of pregnancy loss, the complexities of fertility treatments, and the critical role of community support. Through her openness on Instagram, she shattered stigma and connected with others facing similar struggles. This conversation unpacks the misconcepti...
Mar 18, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send us a text In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, tune in to this republished, intriguing episode with Dr. Sony Sierra, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist at TRIO Fertility in Toronto and a past president of the Canadian Fertility and Endocrinology Society. Dr. Sierra takes us deep into endometriosis, shedding light on this misunderstood condition. Dr. Sony Sierra unpacks the realities of endometriosis—its overlooked symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and misunderstood impact on fert...
Mar 04, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text Join us on Fertility in Focus as we explore the intricate emotional and relational challenges that arise during the fertility journey. Explore the emotional nuances of the fertility journey with insights from Dr. Bev Young, a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health. Learn how effective communication can transform differing emotional responses into a source of balance and strength for couples facing the challenges of trying to conceive. We spotlight the oft...
Feb 13, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send us a text In this compelling episode of Fertility in Focus , we are joined by Andrea Hanson, a fertility patient, and Allie Reis, a traditional surrogate egg donor. Andrea openly shares her complicated and emotional journey with infertility, which began at age 27 after a karyotype test revealed a reciprocal translocation. Facing numerous challenges, Andrea underwent six rounds of IVF, 11 miscarriages, and 12 embryo transfers. Despite these hurdles, she welcomed her daughter in 2020. By the ...
Feb 04, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ari Baratz to discuss recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Dr. Baratz discusses the incidence of RPL, its causes, the emotional and medical impact on patients, and what RPL means for your family-building plans. At Fertility Matters Canada, our hearts are with everyone who has experienced the profound loss of a pregnancy or infant. We honor the strength, resilience, and love that carry you forw...
Oct 29, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the complex and often frustrating journey many people face when receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite advancements in medical testing and imaging, it still takes an average of 8-10 years for patients to be diagnosed. Dr. McNaught reviews the symptoms, signs, and challenges surrounding its diagnosis and the patient experience of those who do not have the typical signs and symptoms of endometriosis. He discusses his conversations with patients w...
Sep 03, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text In this poignant episode of Fertility in Focus , we sit down with Val Gale, a dedicated nurse from Kitchener, to share her deeply personal fertility journey that began over 20 years ago. At 30, Val faced the daunting path of trying to conceive, a journey that stretched over four challenging years and included two courses of IVF before she finally became pregnant with her now 19-year-old daughter. Val candidly discusses the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, from starting w...
May 28, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Send us a text In this informative episode of Fertility in Focus , we speak with Dr. Marjorie Dixon as we delve deep into the world of third-party reproduction in Canada, covering essential topics for anyone considering or involved in gamete donation or gestational surrogacy. We start by explaining what third-party reproduction entails, including the roles and processes associated with sperm and ova donation, as well as using a gestational surrogate. Our discussion unpacks the legal landscape go...
Apr 16, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Fertility in Focus , we sit down with Lana de Bastiani, a remarkable voice in the world of fertility advocacy, who shares her compelling journey navigating the complex terrain of fertility care from Yellowknife, over 1500 kilometres away from the nearest fertility clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. Lana's fertility journey was complicated by her diagnosis of insulin-resistant PCOS and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) after nearly two decades on horm...
Apr 02, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Send us a text In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we sit down with Dr. Sony Sierra, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist at TRIO Fertility in Toronto and a past president of the Canadian Fertility and Endocrinology Society. Dr. Sierra takes us deep into endometriosis, shedding light on this misunderstood condition. She begins by explaining what endometriosis is, delving into its symptoms, signs, and the challenges surrounding its diagnosis, including the various stages involved. Dr. ...
Mar 27, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Send us a text In this exciting episode of Fertility in Focus, we are joined by Marissa Thompson, a naturopathic doctor and the managing director and owner of the Canadian Fertility Show. With seven years of dedication, Marissa's journey from volunteer to director unfolds, showcasing her commitment to supporting patients and families on their fertility journey. The Fertility Show will be held on April 20th at the International Center in Mississauga, specifically in the Conference Center portion,...
Mar 12, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Send us a text Join us for an interesting episode of Fertility in Focus where we sit with Sabrina Souto, a registered acupuncturist, and delve into the crucial aspects of patient-care provider relationships. She emphasizes why it's important for care providers to truly understand who their patients are. Souto passionately advocates for patient education, offering valuable insights into what individuals should look for in their healthcare providers. This episode focuses on the profound impact of ...
Feb 27, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Send us a text Join us for an informative episode of Fertility in Focus as we sit with Zane Colt, the 2023 Fertility Matters Canada Advocacy Award Winner from Toronto. Zane, a former political professional turned government relations consultant for healthcare organizations, shares his family’s path to parenthood as intended parents using surrogacy and how that journey bolstered their experience into a thriving online community. Zane played a pivotal role in advocating for parental leave inclusio...
Feb 13, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Send us a text Join us for an informative episode of Fertility in Focus where Dr. Samina Mitha, a dedicated naturopathic doctor, sheds light on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — demystifying its complexities, debunking myths, and providing tangible support for women navigating this condition. In this episode, Dr. Mitha delves into crucial questions, from the signs of PCOS and its impact on fertility to dispelling prevailing myths about reproductive health. She offers practical advice on seeking...
Jan 30, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text In this emotional episode of Fertility in Focus , our guest speaker, Kimberly Lockhart, joins us for a poignant conversation about parental grief, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth. Kimberly shares her heart-wrenching journey as a mother to Wilder, her son who was stillborn at 40 weeks and 5 days, and how this devastating loss led her to found the Butterfly Run Vancouver and Butterfly Run BC. She opens up about the isolating experience of losing a child and the overwhelming stress an...
Jan 16, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text In this emotional episode of Fertility in Focus , our guest speaker Caitlin Knoll opens up about her profound and challenging journey through fertility. Caitlin shares her story, starting with the initial hope and joy of conceiving two years ago, only to face the devastating heartbreak of a miscarriage at 10 weeks. Undeterred, Caitlin and her partner continued to pursue their dream of parenthood, enduring a series of miscarriages and seeking answers at a fertility center in Ottawa...
Dec 05, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 38
