Erica Ferraro

PCOS, 1 in 4!

By: Erica Ferraro PCOS surpasses even the commonality of endo, affecting a staggering 20% of the female population worldwide. Astonishingly, such an important and prevalent topic is not addressed during the early education of young girls when they first learn about menstruation. The Condition PCOS, an abbreviation for polycystic ovarian syndrome (pronounced either as P-C-O-SContinue reading “PCOS, 1 in 4!”

Adenomyosis, Endo’s Not-So-Sweet Sister

By: Erica Ferraro Wait.. there’s a sister? Is she cool? NO. She’s awful. And she’s really great at disguising herself as other female health conditions, going underdiagnosed and misunderstood at large. Adenomyosis (adeno) and endometriosis (endo), both conditions affecting the endometrial tissue within the uterus, exhibit distinct characteristics and present varying symptoms. In the caseContinue reading “Adenomyosis, Endo’s Not-So-Sweet Sister”

When Time Plays Tricks: Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficieny

By: Erica Ferraro Did you know that sometimes your ovaries can go on strike before you hit 40? It’s called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature ovarian failure (POF), and when it happens, your ovaries don’t play by the rules anymore. They stop producing enough estrogen and releasing eggs regularly, making it a challenge toContinue reading “When Time Plays Tricks: Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficieny”

Beneath the Surface: The Enigmatic Diagnosis of Diminished Ovarian Reserve

By: Erica Ferraro Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) holds a special place in my heart, as it became a part of my life soon after I turned 30. It was during the infertility blood work at my fertility clinic that I received this diagnosis. I remember eagerly awaiting the call from my doctor, hopeful that withContinue reading “Beneath the Surface: The Enigmatic Diagnosis of Diminished Ovarian Reserve”

Infertility Support Resources that Feel Like A Lifeline

Infertility may not pose a direct threat to life, but I have personally experienced how it can profoundly alter one’s existence, making life feel unbearable at times. Regrettably, the impact of infertility on mental health is often overlooked and underdiscussed. Any individual who has undergone IVF treatment will attest that the emotional burden it carriesContinue reading “Infertility Support Resources that Feel Like A Lifeline”

Infertility Acronyms for the Newbies

Navigating infertility can be incredibly confusing, and it becomes even more complex when you engage in conversations with others who are also going through the same experience. I vividly recall being taken aback and wondering why these individuals seemed to be speaking a different language altogether. It’s true, the infertility community has developed its ownContinue reading “Infertility Acronyms for the Newbies”

Endometriosis, 1 in 10!

By: Erica Ferraro Endometriosis, 1 in 10! Endo-what? Unfortunately, many of us are unaware of this distressingly common and life-altering female health condition, even though it affects 1 in 8 women. Endo is a genetic and hereditary condition that women are born with. It is worth noting that endo is a leading cause of femaleContinue reading “Endometriosis, 1 in 10!”

Female Cycles, In Plain English

By: Erica Ferraro with Contributions by Natalie Stentz, MD, Fertility Specialist Alease Daniel Barnes, BS, Senior Embryologist Sarrah Bair MSN, FNP-C, Family Medicine and Women’s Health Most would assume that proper education on menstrual cycles is part of a standard health and wellness curriculum for pubescent girls while they are in middle or high school.Continue reading “Female Cycles, In Plain English”

IVF Must Have’s for the Modern Mama in Waiting

If you’re about to start infertility treatments, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed with the amount of products you’re being told are the “must have’s” of a stress-free cycle. Below are the products that got me through multiple rounds of IVF, and continue to be products I love to use!