Show Notes
This week, we’re talking all things endometriosis: our own thoughts and experiences, what our listeners have shared with us, and why sometimes everyone seems to have an opinion on what you should be doing with your fertility. But first, Dear Diary. Portia’s Fertilysis testing kit has arrived and she talks us through what’s inside, what she’s completed so far and the absolute fiasco of trying to collect period blood! Meanwhile, Charly has survived her first reformer Pilates class and is slightly shocked by just how much of an effect it seemed to have on her body and nervous system. Then we dive into endometriosis. Charly shares why she’s previously wondered whether she could have it and some of the symptoms she’s experienced, while Portia talks about the advice she’s received to investigate endometriosis and why, for now, she’s made the personal decision not to go down that route. We also chat about inflammation, diet and exercise, share some of your experiences of living with endometriosis and what you’ve found helpful, and look at the social media conversation around creatine and endometriosis. As always, we’re not medical professionals and this conversation is based on our own experiences, thoughts and what our community has shared with us. If you’re concerned about symptoms or endometriosis, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional. In Between the Lines, we discuss the latest developments around pregnancy-loss leave and what greater support for people experiencing loss could look like in the workplace. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow along: @thefertilitydiariespod @charlyhoencoach @portia_christina_ Use code FDP10 for 10% off Zita West supplements. 10% off valid once per customer. Applies to one-time or subscription purchase. Subscription discount applies to first month only; standard price applies thereafter. Full T&Cs at zitawest.com/terms We want to hear from you. Send us your dilemmas, questions or fertility thoughts of the week to [email protected].
More from The Fertility Diaries
We’re back with another Recommendation Station! This week Charly shares some recipes from her new anti-inflammatory cookbook, another book recommendation and her latest reformer Pilates experience, while Portia has a new bed, a very fancy pillow, a cleaning-spray obsession and a TV recommendation to add to the list. Then it’s onto this week’s listener dilemma. After three failed embryo transfers, one listener is wondering whether it’s time to start asking for more tests and investigations before trying again. We share our thoughts on wanting answers after repeated failed transfers, knowing when to ask more questions and navigating that difficult decision of what to do next. New bonus episodes every Thursday. Follow along: @thefertilitydiariespod @charlyhoencoach @portia_christina_ Got a recommendation, dilemma or some feedback for our bonus episodes? Send it our way at [email protected]. Use code FDP10 for 10% off Zita West supplements. 10% off valid once per customer. Applies to one-time or subscription purchase. Subscription discount applies to first month only; standard price applies thereafter. Full T&Cs at zitawest.com/terms
We’re back with another Recommendation Station, and this week we’ve got everything from documentaries and podcasts to gut drinks, pillow spray, and Charly’s latest Holland & Barrett haul. Plus, We also have a listener recommendation for Access Fertility before moving onto this week’s dilemma. After two failed embryo transfers, one listener has found herself repeatedly turning to psychic readings for reassurance and hope about her fertility journey. We chat about searching for answers when so much feels out of your control, finding comfort in predictions and when something that initially gives you hope can start becoming something you rely on a little too much. New bonus episodes every Thursday. Follow along: @thefertilitydiariespod @charlyhoencoach @portia_christina_ Got a recommendation, dilemma or some feedback for our bonus episodes? Send it our way at [email protected]. Use code FDP10 for 10% off Zita West supplements. 10% off valid once per customer. Applies to one-time or subscription purchase. Subscription discount applies to first month only; standard price applies thereafter. Full T&Cs at zitawest.com/terms
Things get a little spiritual on The Fertility Diaries this week as we dive into psychics, mediums, fertility predictions and even a few spells… But first, Portia has officially booked her Fertilysis testing and talks us through what’s involved, the logistical challenge of finding somewhere to get her blood drawn and how she plans to share the process. She also updates us on some pretty intense ovulation pain this month. Charly is back from Rome after completing HYROX with her sister and shares an update on the dizziness she experienced during the race, which somehow leads us to question whether her sleeping earplugs could have anything to do with it. Then we get into this week’s main topic. After asking our community about their experiences with psychics and mediums, we share some of your stories, predictions and experiences and discuss what we actually believe ourselves. We ventured down the TikTok rabbit hole and discovered the world of fertility spells, including the VERY varied prices people are willing to pay for them! In Between the Lines, we talk women’s sport and fertility again as Red Roses captain Meg Jones calls for greater fertility support for professional rugby players, including access to egg freezing. Jones has also spoken openly about exploring her own fertility options with her fiancée. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow along: @thefertilitydiariespod @charlyhoencoach @portia_christina_ Use code FDP10 for 10% off Zita West supplements. 10% off valid once per customer. Applies to one-time or subscription purchase. Subscription discount applies to first month only; standard price applies thereafter. Full T&Cs at zitawest.com/terms We want to hear from you. Send us your dilemmas, questions or fertility thoughts of the week to [email protected].
We’re back with another Recommendation Station, and this week we’re talking slow cooker favourites, magnesium before bed, compression boots, reading, and a few slightly more random recommendations! Then it’s onto this week’s listener dilemma. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, one listener asks how she should explain to her cousin why she was late RSVPing to an event. We chat about how much you actually owe people an explanation when you’re going through something so difficult, protecting your boundaries, and whether sometimes simply saying “I’m sorry, I’ve had a lot going on” is more than enough. New bonus episodes every Thursday. Follow along: @thefertilitydiariespod @charlyhoencoach @portia_christina_ Got a recommendation, dilemma or some feedback for our bonus episodes? Send it our way at [email protected]. Use code FDP10 for 10% off Zita West supplements. 10% off valid once per customer. Applies to one-time or subscription purchase. Subscription discount applies to first month only; standard price applies thereafter. Full T&Cs at zitawest.com/terms
This week, we’re opening up a conversation around pregnancy and baby loss, a subject neither of us has personally experienced, but one we know touches so many people within the fertility community. After finding out she doesn’t have PMOS, Portia shares what comes next, the further testing she’s decided to explore and what’s involved with Fertilysis. Charly has some questions about changes to her periods, which naturally results in Dr Portia attempting a diagnosis. Our main conversation is about pregnancy and baby loss. We talk about the anxiety that can come with finally getting pregnant after infertility, embryo transfers that don’t result in pregnancy, and the different experiences of loss that can happen during and after fertility treatment and pregnancy. We also discuss some of the ways miscarriage can be managed, and the emotional impact that can come with each experience. We’re very conscious that we haven’t lived through pregnancy loss ourselves, so this episode is about opening up the conversation, learning and signposting to people and organisations who can offer proper support. In Between the Lines, we focus on where to turn for help following pregnancy loss, as well as the support available when trying or becoming pregnant again after loss. And in Closing the Page, we’re closing it firmly on telling someone struggling to have a baby to “just adopt.” Pregnancy & baby loss support Tommy’s Baby Loss Support: information and support covering miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and other forms of pregnancy and baby loss. Tommy’s Midwives Helpline: 0800 0147 800, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. You can also email [email protected]. Black & Black Mixed-Heritage Midwife Helpline — a specialist service run by Tommy’s midwives in partnership with Five X More. Tommy’s Miscarriage Support Tool & Wellbeing After Miscarriage - including personalised information for people considering another pregnancy after miscarriage, mental health support, physiotherapist-led sessions and movement sessions. Tommy’s also runs Baby Loss and Pregnancy and Parenting After Loss Facebook support groups for peer-to-peer support. We also discuss the early-pregnancy support available through Plan Your Baby New episodes every Tuesday. Follow along: @thefertilitydiariespod @charlyhoencoach @portia_christina_ Use code FDP10 for 10% off Zita West supplements. 10% off valid once per customer. Applies to one-time or subscription purchase. Subscription discount applies to first month only; standard price applies thereafter. Full T&Cs at zitawest.com/terms We want to hear from you. Send us your dilemmas, questions or fertility thoughts of the week to [email protected].