Infertility, egg freezing, and IVF can be as emotionally complex as they are medically complex. In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we are re-sharing this powerful conversation about the mental health side of fertility treatments.
Beth sits down with fertility specialist Dr. Anate Brauer, MD, Board Certified OBGYN, to talk about what women are rarely prepared for when navigating fertility decisions. From egg freezing and IVF to the emotional rollercoaster of hope, anger, grief, and empowerment, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the real experience many women face. Dr. Brauer explains the key differences between egg freezing vs. embryo freezing, common misconceptions about fertility timelines, and what he wishes more patients understood before starting treatment. They also explore why mental health support, therapy, and compassionate care are essential parts of the fertility journey.
Whether you are considering egg freezing, going through IVF, or simply feeling the pressure of the biological clock, this episode offers reassurance that there is no single timeline for building a family. During National Infertility Awareness Week, we're amplifying conversations like this one to remind you: you are not alone, and your path to family can take many forms.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Guest: Dr. Anate Brauer, MD
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dranatebrauer/
Chick Mission - www.thechickmission.org
Website - www.rmany.com
Dr. Brauer is a member of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, earned her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell, followed by a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Weill Cornell. Formerly an Assistant Clinical Professor at NYU, she specializes in IVF, egg freezing, ovulation induction, pre-implantation genetic testing, and third-party reproduction. Dr. Brauer combines the latest clinical data and technology with a supportive approach to minimize patient stress and optimize outcomes. She has published and presented nationally on fertility treatments for patients with diminished ovarian reserve, PCOS, surrogacy, fertility preservation, and complementary therapies, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Young Survivors Coalition. A regular contributor to media outlets like Shape, Parents, and Refinery29, she also enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with her husband and three children.
We Also Talk About:
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Emotional and mental health aspects of fertility treatments
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Psychological challenges faced by women during fertility journeys
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Differences between egg freezing and IVF experiences
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Importance of therapy and mental health support in fertility treatments
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Impact of relationships and societal expectations on women's fertility experiences
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Feelings of empowerment, anger, guilt, and regret in fertility journeys
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The significance of finding the right healthcare provider and therapist
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Barriers to accessing mental health support, including financial constraints
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The emotional burden of failure and societal pressures on women regarding fertility
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The need for a supportive network during the fertility process, including friends and professionals
Resources
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