The best books on infertility, how to increase your chances for pregnancy

Why am I passionate about this?

I have spent my medical career focused on infertility and helping couples achieve their dream of pregnancy. Over the span of my career, I have had the opportunity to teach and provide research in the field of infertility, offer medical treatment to address the dream of pregnancy and parenthood, and, most importantly, be there for each and every one of my patients in good and bad times through the stages of their fertility journeys. The joy of achieving pregnancy after navigating infertility makes our entire team celebrate this sometimes monumental goal. This is why I am most passionate and enthusiastic to provide a book designed for those going through the challenging, daunting infertility process.


I wrote...

The Expert Guide to Fertility: Boost Your Chances for Pregnancy

By Joseph S. Sanfilippo, Aarti Kumar,

Book cover of The Expert Guide to Fertility: Boost Your Chances for Pregnancy

What is my book about?

True patient stories share the often frustrating experience along the infertility journey. Virtually every scenario in infertility is addressed, always starting with a patient story, important aspects of evaluation, and treatment options. Each chapter ends with an additional story and “takeaway points.”

An extensive list of resources, podcasts, videos, and other pertinent information is readily accessible. The book is a ”companion guide” and distinguished from other fertility and infertility books in that it is written by an infertility specialist with years of experience and arms the reader with knowledge that includes what to ask your healthcare provider at the office visit all of which are designed to “boost your chances for pregnancy.”

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Getting Pregnant Simply and Resolving Recurrent Miscarriage: A Clinician's Advice Based on 50-Years Experience and Many Successes of Working With Infertile Couples

Joseph S. Sanfilippo Why did I love this book?

I like the illustrations. Though it has a focus on “young couples” with infertility, it deals with fundamental issues such as the role of in-vitro fertilization and its indications, and a number of medical problems, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, are introduced, as well as other medical problems that may adversely affect fertility.

The book considers one’s faith and potential effects on fertility. It also deals with sexuality and its “intricate and rhythmic pattern(s).”  A questionnaire is included, making the material engaging for the reader. The book is designed to provide a basic level of information and has a good glossary of terms.

By Brian M Cohen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Getting Pregnant Simply and Resolving Recurrent Miscarriage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book transparently describes the principles of diagnosis and treatment of patients with infertility and solutions to be explored in those with recurrent miscarriage in an environment charged with assisted reproductive technology. This volume provides the fundamental knowledge to assist in the possibility of having a more simple therapy which may help them have a viable pregnancy without the need for assisted reproductive technologies.


Book cover of It Starts with the Egg: The Science of Egg Quality for Fertility, Miscarriage, and IVF

Joseph S. Sanfilippo Why did I love this book?

This book provides a personal perspective from a patient who underwent an IVF cycle and struggles with infertility. While the book is quite detailed, it includes a “How to use this book” section. The book begins by conveying basic information about egg quality and its importance. The first section focuses on providing science at a layman's level.

A number of supplemental chapters embellish the information in the body of the book. There is also a large component of supplements that one might consider to attempt to enhance egg quality. Unfortunately, based on science, most of the egg quality is genetic, predetermined for oocytes in the ovaries.  Lifestyle, including diet, is addressed as a “troubleshooting” strategy.

By Rebecca Fett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked It Starts with the Egg as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The definitive guide to egg quality and fertility, fully revised and updated in 2023 with new chapters covering: the impact of immune and implantation issues, including endometritis, endometriosis, hidden infections, autoimmune antibodies, and natural killer cells. the latest evidence on advanced strategies for tackling very low ovarian reserve, such as platelet rich plasma and human growth hormone. the pros and cons of PGT testing in IVF new expanded chapters on male fertility and preparing for embryo transfer. It Starts with the Egg is your practical guide to the latest science on egg quality and fertility - so you can take…


Book cover of Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health

Joseph S. Sanfilippo Why did I love this book?

The book is over 500 pages long and quite comprehensive. It was written by Toni Weschler, who has a master’s degree in public health and focused on “fertility education” as an undergraduate. It is touted as a “definitive guide to natural birth control, pregnancy achievement, and reproductive health.” 

She shares personal experience, which makes the content relatable. A large component of the book is geared toward understanding the anatomy and physiology of reproduction. Lifestyle and being proactive with regard to one’s health are highlighted and informative. It contains a significant segment focused on birth control. Advice on achieving pregnancy and overall gynecologic health through menopause comprise the last section of the book.

By Toni Weschler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Taking Charge of Your Fertility as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The US best-selling guide to natural birth control, pregnancy achievement and women's ongoing reproductive health. From fertility expert Toni Weschler, this is a must-read for any woman thinking of becoming pregnant.

'Straightforward and unbiased information on achieving pregnancy and tips for an effective, chemical-free method of contraception.' -- Pride
'This book allowed me to take a little control of a situation I was finding myself feeling increasingly helpless with' -- ***** Reader review
'A life-changer' -- ***** Reader review
'A brilliant book - all women should read this' -- ***** Reader review
'Empowering' -- ***** Reader review
'Great for any…


Book cover of The Fertility Bible for Couples: Nourishing and Easy Recipes to Improve the Egg Quality, Balance Hormones, Enhance Maternal Wellness, and Achieve a Healthy Pregnancy

Joseph S. Sanfilippo Why did I love this book?

The author provides “nourishing and easy recipes to improve egg quality.” Overall, the focus is on achieving pregnancy and empowering couples with knowledge and practical approaches to fertility.

Nutrition is placed in high and proper esteem complemented by balanced hormones that enhance maternal wellness. Creating “a good environment” in a woman’s body sets the stage for achieving conception. Basic information regarding the female reproductive tract and associated menstrual cycle is conveyed, and male infertility is addressed.

The vast majority of the book provides recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks, that might benefit individuals struggling with infertility.

By Olivia Thompson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Fertility Bible for Couples as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Couples Around the World Are Talking About This Revolutionary Approach to Combining Food and Fertility!

Why does it seem that some of us simply cannot get pregnant, no matter how many fancy apps we use?

Are you losing sleep because it seems like nature will never let you become a moth-er?

I’ve faced the same battle as you. I’ve also won the battle with a unique look at balanced nutrition!

People will tell you ‘fate’ will intervene when the time is right, and yet nothing ever seems to change.

Others will try to convince you that the answer is medication,…


Book cover of The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-To-Be

Joseph S. Sanfilippo Why did I love this book?

The authors are to be commended in focusing on males and their role with regard to fertility. Preparing for pregnancy, from the male perspective, is revealed in an interesting manner.

The emotional and psychological aspects and experiences that are to be anticipated are readily conveyed. “Staying involved” is as important as providing support for one’s spouse or significant other. Addressing fathers serving as adoptive parents was added with the most recent edition. Decisions that have to be made about the birthing location and what to expect month to month of the pregnancy are addressed. The labor and delivery experience, as well as what if a C-section needs to be performed and the male partner’s role, are the concluding sections of the book. Appendices and resources are readily accessible.

By Armin A. Brott, Jennifer Ash Rudick,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Expectant Father as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Expectant Father is the best-selling pregnancy guide for men, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. This reassuring month-by-month overview gives you the tools you need to support your partner, prepare for your baby's arrival, and take care of yourself during this exciting time. It concludes with two special sections: one on labour and delivery, guiding you through the big day; and the other on what comes next, covering the first few months after the baby's arrival.

This new edition of The Expectant Father is updated from cover to cover with the latest information on fertility options, delivery options,…


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Kanazawa

By David Joiner,

Book cover of Kanazawa

David Joiner Author Of Kanazawa

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

My book recommendations reflect an abiding passion for Japanese literature, which has unquestionably influenced my own writing. My latest literary interest involves Japanese poetry—I’ve recently started a project that combines haiku and prose narration to describe my experiences as a part-time resident in a 1300-year-old Japanese hot spring town that Bashō helped make famous in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. But as a writer, my main focus remains novels. In late 2023 the second in a planned series of novels set in Ishikawa prefecture will be published. I currently live in Kanazawa, but have also been lucky to call Sapporo, Akita, Tokyo, and Fukui home at different times.

David's book list on Japanese settings not named Tokyo or Kyoto

What is my book about?

Emmitt’s plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of purchasing their dream home. Disappointed, he’s surprised to discover her subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo.

In his search for a meaningful life in Japan, and after quitting his job, he finds himself helping his mother-in-law translate Kanazawa’s most famous author, Izumi Kyoka, into English. He becomes drawn into the mysterious death of a friend of Mirai’s parents, leading him and his father-in-law to climb the mountain where the man died. There, he learns the somber truth and discovers what the future holds for him and his wife.

Packed with subtle literary allusion and closely observed nuance, Kanazawa reflects the mood of Japanese fiction in a fresh, modern incarnation.

Kanazawa

By David Joiner,

What is this book about?

In Kanazawa, the first literary novel in English to be set in this storied Japanese city, Emmitt's future plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of negotiations to purchase their dream home. Disappointed, he's surprised to discover Mirai's subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo, a city he dislikes.

Harmony is further disrupted when Emmitt's search for a more meaningful life in Japan leads him to quit an unsatisfying job at a local university. In the fallout, he finds himself helping his mother-in-law translate Kanazawa's most famous author, Izumi Kyoka, into English.

While continually resisting Mirai's…


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