Fertile-ish Podcast
Real Talk for the Fertility Journey – and all its “Ish”
Let's Talk About the "Ish"
Fertile-ish is here for all the “ish” that comes with trying to grow your family. Whether you’re trying, taking a break, figuring out the next step, supporting someone through the ups and downs, or just trying to survive the waiting, this podcast is for you. Fertile-ish is here for the messy middle, the moments in between, and all the things people don’t talk about.
Hosted by Nurse Practitioner Brandis Montez and Physician Liaison Laura Hendley, Fertile-ish brings you honest conversations, expert interviews, and real-life stories from the fertility trenches — delivered with humor, heart, and zero shame. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Because no one should have to do this alone — and sometimes, a podcast is the best place to start.
Latest Episode
Understanding OHSS: Ovaries in Overdrive
🎙️ Understanding OHSS: Ovaries in Overdrive 🥚⚡
If you’re preparing for an egg retrieval, you’ve probably heard about OHSS and maybe even a few scary stories. 😅 In this episode, we break down what it actually is, who’s at risk, how we prevent it, and why modern IVF has made it far less common than it used to be.
OHSS, or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, happens when the ovaries over-respond to stimulation medications. 💉 In a natural cycle, one egg grows, estrogen rises to a moderate level, and ovulation occurs. In IVF, many follicles grow at once and estrogen levels can rise much higher. 📈 That hormone surge can make blood vessels more permeable, allowing fluid to shift out of the bloodstream and into the abdomen and, in rare cases, the lungs. It’s this fluid shift, not simply “high estrogen,” that causes symptoms.
The reassuring part is that OHSS is uncommon. 🤍 It occurs in about 3 to 6 percent of cycles, and severe cases happen in less than 1 to 3 percent. With modern protocols and close monitoring, most patients will never experience it.
Symptoms can range from mild bloating and abdominal discomfort to nausea and fluid in the abdomen. Severe cases, which are rare, may include shortness of breath 😮💨, low blood pressure, thickened blood, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney concerns. Patients should contact their clinic if they experience rapid weight gain, severe pain, persistent vomiting, decreased urination, fever 🌡️, one-sided leg swelling, or shortness of breath. When in doubt, call. 📞 Reassurance is never a burden.
The trigger shot plays an important role in OHSS risk. 💉 An hCG trigger has a longer half-life and continues stimulating the ovaries, which can increase the risk of worsening symptoms, especially if pregnancy occurs.🤰 A Lupron trigger works at the level of the brain and has a shorter effect, lowering the risk of severe OHSS, although not everyone is a candidate. In some cases, a dual trigger is used. These decisions are thoughtful and individualized, not random.
If a patient is at higher risk, a provider may recommend freezing all embryos rather than doing a fresh transfer. ❄️ Pregnancy produces additional hCG, which can intensify OHSS. A freeze-all approach in this situation is about safety, not taking away an opportunity.
Modern IVF significantly reduces the risk of severe OHSS through careful medication dosing, close estrogen monitoring, thorough follicle measurements, coasting when necessary, using Lupron triggers when appropriate, and adjusting plans if safety requires it. Monitoring appointments are essential safety checkpoints and should never be skipped. 🗓️
If OHSS does develop, it is typically self-limiting and improves once hormone levels fall, usually 10 to 14 days after retrieval .⏳ Treatment is supportive and may include electrolyte fluids 🥤, medications such as cabergoline or letrozole, and close follow-up. In more serious cases, fluid drainage or IV support may be needed. Time and monitoring are key.
The bottom line is that OHSS is real but rare, and severe cases are even rarer. 💛 There are multiple safeguards in place to prevent it. Ask questions, understand your protocol, advocate for thorough monitoring, and communicate symptoms early. This episode is meant to empower you with knowledge so you can move forward confidently.🧠✨
If this episode helped you, don’t forget to like ❤️, follow 🎧, and rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ the show. Share it with someone prepping for retrieval and help us normalize informed fertility care. 🫶
All Episodes
-
Understanding OHSS: Ovaries in Overdrive
🎙️ Understanding OHSS: Ovaries in Overdrive 🥚⚡If you’re preparing for an egg retrieval, you’ve probably heard about OHSS and maybe even a few scary stories. 😅 In this episode, we break down what it actually is, who’s at risk, how…36 min
-
Embryo Banking: Delayed Gratification, Fertility Edition
🎧 Embryo Banking: Delayed Gratification, Fertility EditionIn this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis dive into a topic that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: embryo banking 🧊🧬—what it is, who it’s for, and why thinking long-term can make all…44 min
-
Fresh vs Frozen: Let's Break This Down
🎙️ Fresh vs Frozen: Let’s Break This DownFresh embryo transfer or frozen embryo transfer… which one is actually better? 🤔In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis break down one of the most common (and confusing) IVF questions we hear:…42 min
-
Dear Fertile-ish: The Inbox Episode
🎙️ Dear Fertile-ish: The Inbox EpisodeWelcome back to Fertile-ish—and this one is special. In this episode, Laura and Brandis open the inbox and respond directly to your most honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable questions. From grief and burnout to communication…49 min
-
Surviving the Crash After a Failed FET
🎙️ Surviving the Crash After a Failed FETThe days after a failed frozen embryo transfer can feel like an emotional and physical free-fall — and it’s not “all in your head.” In this episode, Laura and Brandis talk openly about…35 min
-
Semen Analysis Decoded: From Cup to Clinic
🎧 Semen Analysis Decoded: From Cup to ClinicIn this episode, Laura and Brandis break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know (and maybe didn’t want to know 😅) about semen analysis—what it measures, why it matters, and how it can…48 min
-
When the Village Isn't Villaging
🎙️When the Village Isn’t VillagingIn this deeply honest and emotional episode, Laura and Brandis talk about one of the most painful — and least discussed — parts of the fertility journey: when the people you expect to show up… don’t.…51 min
-
Embryo Testing Without the Doom Spiral
🎙️ Embryo Testing Without the Doom Spiral 🧠🧬If the words PGT, PGD, carrier screening, or genetic testing immediately send your brain into overdrive… this episode is for you. 💭😵💫In this rerun of Season 1, Episode 13, Laura and Brandis break…41 min
-
Love Them Loudly: How to Support Friends & Family Through Infertility
🌸 Love Them Loudly: How to Support Friends & Family Through InfertilityFertile-ish – Season 2, Episode 12(Season 1 Rerun)✨ Sometimes the most meaningful support isn’t saying the perfect thing — it’s simply showing up.In this special rerun episode, Laura and…45 min
-
PGT-P: Just Because We Can...Should We?
🎙️ Fertile-ish | Season 2, Episode 11PGT-P: Just Because We Can…Should We? ⭐Genetic testing in IVF keeps evolving—and with that evolution comes big questions. In this episode, Laura and Brandis dive into PGT-P (polygenic preimplantation genetic testing), one of the…30 min
-
Rainbow Roads: Surviving the Storm of Miscarriage
⚠️ Content Note / Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of miscarriage, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, and related emotional experiences. Please listen with care and skip if this topic is not right for you today.🎙️ Fertile-ish PodcastSeason 2, Episode 10Rainbow Roads:…40 min
-
Inside the Lab: The Science Behind Your Embryos
🎧 Season 2, Episode 9Inside the Lab: The Science Behind Your EmbryosSpecial Guest: Olivia Pavlik, Embryology Lab ManagerWhat actually happens to your eggs, sperm, and embryos once they disappear behind the lab doors? 👀In this episode, Laura and Brandis sit…1 hr 2 min
-
From Consult to Cycle: How to Get Started Without Losing Your Mind
🎙️ Fertile-ish PodcastSeason 2, Episode 8From Consult to Cycle: How to Get Started Without Losing Your MindSpecial Guest: Justine Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at CNY FertilityStarting fertility treatment can feel like stepping into a maze with no map. In this…59 min
-
Let's Talk IUI - Because TikTok Isn't Explaining it Right
🎙️ Fertile-ish – Season 2, Episode 7“Let’s Talk IUI - Because TikTok Isn’t Explaining It Right”In this episode, Laura & Brandis break down everything you actually need to know about IUI — minus the TikTok oversimplification. From how the process…33 min
-
The Birth of CNY Fertility: How One Doctor Changed Fertility Forever
Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 6“The Birth of CNY Fertility: How One Doctor Changed Fertility Forever”Episode SummaryIn this milestone episode, Laura and Brandis welcome their very first guest: Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and owner of CNY Fertility. Recorded live at…28 min
-
Am I the Fertility A-hole?
🎙️ Fertile-ishSeason 2, Episode 5 — “Am I the Fertility A-hole?”Description:This week, Laura and Brandis are tackling one of the most relatable questions in the fertility world: Am I the fertility a-hole? From skipping baby showers and dodging pregnancy announcements…41 min
-
So...My AMH is Low. Now What?
🎙️ Episode Title:So…My AMH Is Low. Now What?💬 Episode Description:You got your labs back… and your AMH is low. Now what does that actually mean? In this episode, Laura & Brandis break down AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) in plain English —…36 min
-
Lining Check: Not Thick Enough
🎙️ Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 3: “Lining Check: Not Thick Enough”Episode OverviewIn this week’s episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most common — and frustrating — fertility concerns: a thin endometrial lining. Whether…43 min
-
Egg Donation: Inside Edition
🎙️ Episode TitleEgg Donation: Inside EditionSeason 2, Episode 2💬 Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode, Laura and Brandis pull back the curtain on egg donation—what it is, who can donate, and how the process really works at CNY Fertility. Whether you’ve…35 min
-
Cannabis & Conception: The Science & Stories
🎙️ Season 2: Episode 1Cannabis & Conception: The Science & Stories🧠 Episode SummaryIn the Season 2 premiere, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most frequently asked questions in fertility care — how does marijuana use affect fertility,…34 min
-
Preconception Testing: Glow Up Starts Here
🎙️ Episode 25: “Preconception Testing: Glow Up Starts Here”💡 Episode SummaryBefore you jump into treatment—or even start trying—it’s time for your fertility glow-up. In this episode, Laura and Brandis walk listeners through preconception testing: what it is, why it matters,…38 min
Affording Hope: Fertility & Finances
🎙️ Episode 24: Affording Hope: Fertility & FinancesPaying for IVF can feel overwhelming, sometimes even impossible. In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis get real about the financial side of fertility treatment and share resources, strategies, and stories to…41 min
-
Doing the Most: Immune Protocols Edition
🎙️ Episode 23: Doing the Most: Immune Protocols EditionWhen it comes to IVF, add-ons and immune protocols can feel like a never-ending menu of “should I or shouldn’t I?” treatments. From PRP therapies and uterine washes to IV infusions and…51 min
-
Faith + Fertility (or not)
🎙️ Episode 22: Faith + Fertility (or not)Faith and fertility - it’s a conversation many avoid, but one that so many of us are living. 🌿 Whether your beliefs shape how you pursue treatment, cause hesitation, or provide strength through…47 min
-
Endo: She's Expensive, She's Exhausting, She's Extra
🎙️Episode 21: Endo: She’s Expensive, She’s Exhausting, She’s ExtraEndometriosis isn’t just “bad cramps.” She’s a whole personality-loud, dramatic, and unfortunately, way too common. In this episode, Laura and Brandis get real about the reality of endo: how it shows up,…46 min
-
TMI Tuesday: Unhinged Edition
Episode 20: TMI Tuesday: Unhinged Edition 🤯💀We asked, you delivered. 🚨 TMI Tuesday spiraled out of control (in the best way possible), so we turned your submissions into a full episode.From Icy Hot mishaps and Disney meltdowns to Cardi B…40 min
-
Beyond Biology: All the Ways to Baby
Episode 19 – Beyond Biology: All the Ways to Baby 🌈👶✨When most people picture fertility treatment, they imagine a heterosexual couple going through IVF together. But the truth is, family building comes in so many forms—and today, we’re diving into…42 min
-
Secondary Infertility: The Sequel No One Asked For
🎙️ Episode 18: Secondary Infertility: The Sequel No One Asked ForHaving one baby doesn’t always mean the road to baby #2 will be smooth. This week, we’re diving into the often-overlooked topic of secondary infertility - what it is, why…45 min
-
PCOS Isn't Just Cysts, Babe
🎙 Episode 17 – PCOS Isn’t Just Cysts, Babe 💁♀️PCOS is way more than just cysts on your ovaries - and in this episode, we’re breaking down all the myths, facts, and real-life experiences that come with it.We’re talking:✨ What…35 min
-
From TSA to TSH: Traveling for Treatment at CNY Fertility
🎙️ Episode 16 — From TSA to TSH: Traveling for Treatment at CNY FertilityThinking about hopping on a plane (or a road trip) for IVF? You're not alone. In this episode, Laura and Brandis unpack everything you need to know…44 min
-
The Transfer Didn't Take...Again
🎙 Episode 15 - "The Transfer Didn't Take...Again"💔 Recurrent Implantation Failure & What Comes NextIn this candid and deeply supportive episode, Laura and Brandis dive into the emotionally draining and often misunderstood experience of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) - when…44 min
-
Chronically Clocked: Age & Your Fertility Timeline
🎙️ Episode 14: Chronically Clocked — Age & Your Fertility TimelineAge ain’t just a number - especially when it comes to fertility.In this episode, Laura and Brandis get real about one of the most asked (and misunderstood) topics in reproductive…46 min
-
Embryo Red Flags? Let's Talk PGT
🎙 Episode 13: Embryo Red Flags? Let’s Talk PGTEmbryo testing can feel like decoding an alphabet soup-and in this episode, we’re finally breaking it all down. Laura and Brandis get real about preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), who it’s for, and…41 min
-
BRB. Being an Emotional Support Human
🎙️ Episode 12: BRB. Being an Emotional Support Human- 💡 In This Episode:How not to say the wrong thing 101. This week, Laura and Brandis dive into the dos, don’ts, and “pls stop talking” moments of supporting someone going through…45 min
-
Acronym Overload: WTF is IUI, IVF, AMH, & More
🎙️ Episode 11: Acronym Overload: WTF is IUI, IVF, AMH, & MoreLet’s be real - fertility feels like a whole new language. Whether you're deep in the TTC world or just trying to figure out WTF your doctor meant when…42 min
-
TWW - Currently in My Delulu Era
🎙️ Episode 10: TWW – Currently in My Delulu EraThe Two Week Wait: It’s not two weeks—it’s two years (emotionally, at least). In this milestone 10th episode, Laura and Brandis crack open the chaotic, emotional, and often delulu reality of…38 min
-
Main Character Energy: Embryo Transfer Edition
🎙️ Episode 9 — Main Character Energy: Embryo Transfer EditionIt’s giving transfer day icon. Whether it’s your first rodeo or you’ve done this dance before, we’re breaking down what to expect when you’re expecting...to implant.This episode is your go-to guide…48 min
-
Therapy, Tears, & TTC
🎙️ Episode 8 – Therapy, Tears, & TTCAKA: IVF is hard, our relationships are tired, and yes-we cried (again).This week, Laura and Brandis get real about the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments. From IVF breakdowns to relationship strain, therapy breakthroughs…39 min
-
Hollywood Fertility Fantasyland: What They Get Wrong (and Right)
🎬 Episode 7: Hollywood Fertility Fantasyland: What They Get Wrong (and Right)👯♀️ Hosted by: Laura & Brandis🎧 Listen now on Spotify I Apple I YouTube I Amazon I iheartradio🔗 More at cnyfertility.com/fertileishAbout the Episode:Welcome to the chaotic fertility crossover episode…35 min
-
Sorry, Not Sorry. CNY's Doing It Better (and Cheaper)
✨ Episode 6- Sorry, Not Sorry. CNY's Doing It Better (and Cheaper) ✨(aka the one where we spill why our clinic is the Costco‑level steal of IVF, minus the $1.50 hot‑dog combo)Budget babes, rejoice: CNY’s base IVF package starts around $4K…47 min
-
IVF 101: So...We're Making Embryos, Bestie!
Episode 5- “IVF 101: So… We’re Making Embryos, Bestie!”Brandis and Laura spill all the embryology tea—from that “I‑almost‑peed‑on‑the‑transfer‑table” story to a step‑by‑step IVF play‑by‑play (triggers, retrievals, ICSI, the whole lab glow‑up). They bust the “test‑tube‑baby” myth, talk real success‑rate math,…39 min
-
Just in Case: Fertility Edition
🎙️ Fertile-ish Episode 4: "Just in Case: Fertility Edition"💬 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of fertility preservation and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for both men and women. Whether you’re considering freezing your eggs…36 min
-
Fertility Myths That Need to Log Off
In this episode, Laura and Brandis bust some of the most common—and frustrating—fertility myths and misconceptions floating around the internet, doctor’s offices, and even dinner tables. From birth control blame to pineapple-core pressure, they dive into where these beliefs come…38 min
-
POV: You're Googling "Do I Need a Fertility Doctor" at 2AM
When should you see a fertility specialist? Laura and Brandis break down why you don't have to wait 6–12 months of trying to get evaluated. Whether you're thinking about kids someday, dealing with painful periods, or just curious about your…37 min
-
Hard Launch: Our Fertility Era
Welcome to Fertile-ish - a podcast for anyone navigating the ups, downs, and WTFs of trying to conceive, preserving your fertility, or supporting someone who is. In this intro episode, Brandis and Laura share why they started the show, what…9 min
What You'll Hear on Fertile-ish
Candid Conversations
We don’t sugarcoat the hard stuff. From injections to two-week waits to navigating loss, we talk about it all — openly and unapologetically.
Expert Advice
You’ll hear from doctors, nurses, embryologists, mental health professionals, and more — breaking down the science in a way that makes sense.
Real Stories
We spotlight voices from the trying-to-conceive (TTC) community and beyond — because your story deserves to be heard, and someone else may need to hear it.
Meet Your Hosts
Nurse Practitioner at CNY Fertility – Colorado Springs
Brandis Montez, NP
Brandis is a highly experienced fertility nurse practitioner, having helped thousands of patients navigate their family-building journeys. A trailblazer in the field, she’s one of the first Nurse Practitioners to perform egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and diagnostic hysteroscopies. With over 4,000 embryo transfers performed and a long track record of success, she’s changing the face of fertility care and making it more accessible for all.
Beyond the clinic, Brandis is a trusted voice on CNY Fertility’s Instagram and TikTok, answering patient questions weekly and sharing educational content with authenticity and heart. Now, she brings her voice to Fertile-ish – helping to demystify fertility with compassion, humor, and zero fluff.
Physician Liaison & CNY Fertility Patient
Laura Hendley
Laura’s journey started just like many listeners — as a fertility patient herself. Inspired by her experience, she left a career in healthcare management to join the CNY Fertility team full-time, where she now connects patients and providers across the country.
Fertile-ish was born from Laura’s desire to create the kind of support she wished she had during the start of her own journey: honest, informative, unfiltered, and full of connection. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the trenches, Laura is here to help you feel seen, supported, and never alone.
