Understanding Fertility: Knowing When to Seek Help and How to Support the Journey

Fertility is often reduced to timelines, statistics, and clinical conversations — but for many people, the experience is emotional, isolating, and far more complex than expected. In this episode of the Patient Innovations Podcast, we bring together a patient advocate, fertility clinician, and healthcare innovator for an honest conversation about what people should actually know about fertility before they are in crisis. Together, the guests unpack common misconceptions around age, fertility health, and when to seek help. They explore what the fertility process really looks like, why so many people feel unprepared navigating it, and how stronger education, advocacy, and support systems could change outcomes and experiences alike. The conversation also challenges how society talks about fertility — and why emotional support, community, and honest dialogue matter just as much as clinical care. Top Learnings From This Episode Signs it may be time to seek fertility support sooner than expected Why proactive fertility education and testing matter Common myths around age, timelines, and fertility health What the fertility evaluation and treatment process actually involves The emotional realities many individuals and couples experience How partners, friends, employers, and communities can better support people navigating fertility challenges Why patient advocacy and human-centered care matter throughout the journey Featured Guests Miraya Gran — Sharing lived experience and insights on navigating fertility challenges and advocacy Dr. April Batcheller of CCRM — Providing clinical guidance on fertility health, testing, treatment, and patient care Rosie Nestingen — Discussing innovation, education, and support systems in fertility care through Rebloom Health Hosted By Shannon Stauff Rashmi Kandwal Connect With Our Guests Rebloom Health Dr. April Batcheller at CCRM Minnesota Building Families Leadership Team About the Patient Innovations Podcast The Patient Innovations Podcast brings together patients, clinicians, innovators, and healthcare leaders to explore how lived experience and human-centered innovation are reshaping healthcare.