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Podcast Episode

Trying to Conceive Is Affecting Your Relationship? How to Stay Connected Through Fertility Struggles | #178

Healthy As A Mother··31 August 2026·1h 10m

About this episode

Trying to conceive can affect so much more than your fertility. It can change your sex life, create resentment, bring old trauma and insecurities to the surface, and leave couples feeling more like roommates than partners. In this episode, Dr. Leah breaks down some of the most common relationship dynamics she sees during a difficult TTC or infertility journey, including the project manager and avoider, silent grievers, sex on schedule, and the unequal burden dynamic. She also shares practical ways to communicate your needs, involve your partner, protect intimacy, shift unhealthy patterns, and create a stronger foundation for the parenthood you're working toward. Most importantly, if trying to conceive has changed your relationship, you're not alone, and it doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. 00:00 Trailer + Intro01:43 How Trying to Conceive Can Affect Your Relationship02:47 When TTC Starts Changing Your Relationship05:07 When Sex Becomes a Chore06:43 The Vicious Cycle of Libido and Disconnection10:06 How Hard Times Bring Old Wounds to the Surface11:43 When Fertility Changes the Relationship Dynamic16:04 The Project Manager and the Avoider18:39 Give Your Partner the Map20:06 The Silent Grievers21:13 Sex on Schedule and Unequal Burden25:35 The Hidden Grief of Trying to Conceive27:30 The Micro-Griefs Women Carry30:32 When Your Partner Doesn't Know How to Show Up33:05 Creating the Support You Actually Need35:30 Reconnecting With Joy and Your Identity37:46 Giving Your Partner a Clear Role41:37 Letting Go of Control43:48 Protecting Polarity and Connection49:28 What Your Partner Can Actually Do51:50 Protecting Your Relationship During TTC55:07 Breaking the Resentment and Disconnection Cycle57:27 Getting Support and Processing the Hard Stuff60:44 Building a Stronger Foundation for Parenthood63:03 You Are Not Alone Resources From This Chapter: The Queen's Code book by Alison Armstrong - https://www.amazon.com/Queens-Code-Alison-Armstrong/dp/B01DAYC348/The Queen's Code Podcast Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Kx1WKOBj6ByS9BWrMm3fH?si=afc6a448f29a40a1 Download Dr. Leah's FREE Fertility Lab Guide For Him & Her - https://drleahgordon.com/fertility-lab-guide-freebie Join Womanhood Wellness Membership - https://drleahgordon.com/join Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond