This episode features Karalyn Connolly, a longtime New Englander, parent of three, and professional in the fertility space. Over the course of the conversation, Karalyn recounts the unexpected challenge of facing unexplained secondary infertility after her first pregnancy was achieved easily. She describes the process as scary and isolating, leading to feelings of self-blame, immense pressure, and guilt. After initial conversations with her OBGYN and waiting the mandated 12 months of trying (as she was under 35), Karalyn moved through medicated cycles, timed intercourse, and eventually four unsuccessful IUI cycles. The lack of spousal agreement on continuing treatment added an additional layer of complication, forcing Karalyn to question if she should be satisfied with the family she already had.

Karalyn’s eventual IVF journey was extensive and emotionally draining, involving travel outside of New Hampshire due to insurance mandates. She underwent four retrievals and seven transfers, four of which ended in chemical pregnancies. At her breaking point, she tried one last retrieval, and though the fresh transfer failed, she transferred her final two frozen embryos, which resulted in the birth of her healthy boy/girl twins. She notes that the worry and fear associated with the losses never fully disappeared until she held her babies. After the delivery of her twins, Karalyn felt closure and knew her family building journey was finally complete.

Her personal journey came full circle when, years later, she joined Femasys, a biomedical company dedicated to women's health and fertility. Karalyn found this move fulfilling, giving her the opportunity to help families achieve their parenting goals. Learn more about Femasys and their work at https://femasys.com/.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Femasys, secondary infertility, trying for another, unexplained infertility, infertility, self-blame, fertility treatment, medicated cycles, timed intercourse, IUI, unsuccessful cycles, fertility benefits, IVF, guilt, insurance mandate, not on the same page, reproductive endocrinologist, egg retrieval, transfer, chemical pregnancy, frozen embryo transfer, twin pregnancy, multiples, full-term twin, medical sales, women’s healthcare company, insemination, FemVue, Sono-HSG, FemaSeed, intratubal insemination, ITI, family building, secondary infertility, fertility journey, fertility challenges, emotional support, family growth options, infertility resources, reproductive health, women's health, fertility treatments, parenting multiples, IUI procedures, IVF alternatives, pregnancy loss, family planning, support for infertility, personal stories of infertility, overcoming infertility, fertility awareness, infertility advocacy

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!