The Trying Time

1 in 6 people worldwide face infertility, yet each journey is unique. Whether you're navigating IVF, coping with loss, or searching for answers, this guide offers the science-backed information you need and the compassion you deserve for each step of the way. Embryologist, Jessica Manns, offers a compassionate, science-based exploration of the emotional, physical, and medical realities of infertility and IVF. With clear, accessible explanations of reproductive biology, diagnostic testing, and treatment options, Manns helps readers understand what's happening in their bodies and what to expect from an often confusing and overwhelming process. This journey can be filled with uncertainty, grief, and isolation. Many worry whether they'll be able to conceive, carry a healthy pregnancy, or recover from the heartbreak of miscarriage and loss. Manns addresses these emotional challenges head-on, offering guidance for navigating fertility clinics, receiving a diagnosis, and coping with failed cycles. To enrich this volume, Manns brings together leading experts in reproductive health, including a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, a trauma-informed therapist, and a certified genetic counselor. Their insights are paired with personal stories from individuals who have experienced infertility firsthand stories to offer comfort, connection, and hope. Whether you're trying to conceive, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of reproductive health, this book is a vital resource for anyone navigating the deeply personal path of infertility.

Jessica Manns, MS, is an embryologist and the creator of the Instagram account Explaining IVF. Throughout her career, she has assisted with multiple research studies and helped develop an improved method for thawing embryos. She is currently a traveling embryologist and assists with IVF procedures in fertility clinics across the United States. Jessica has shared her knowledge by appearing on multiple IVF podcasts, writing dozens of professional online articles, and leading a handful of personal and virtual educational sessions. She is a proud board member for two nonprofit organizations (the Maya's Wings Foundation and Connected Nest) that provide resources to those facing infertility and loss. Finally, she helps lead a local infertility support group and organized the first RESOLVE DIY Pittsburgh Walk of Hope to raise awareness about infertility in her local Pittsburgh community. Currently, Jessica resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, daughter, and dog, Daya.

Preface Chapter 1: Infertility and Mental Health Chapter 2: The Male Reproductive System Chapter 3: The Female Reproductive System' Chapter 4: Preparing for Your First Appointment with a Fertility Specialist Chapter 5: Diagnosing and Treating Your Cause of Infertility Chapter 6: Fertility Medications Chapter 7: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Chapter 8: PGT Chapter 9: Why Do Some Embryos Not Implant or Miscarry? Chapter 10: Understanding the Grief in Context of Family Planning Chapter 11: Third-Party Reproduction Chapter 12: Improving Fertility Chapter 13: How Loved Ones Can Help or Hurt Someone with Infertility Final Chapter