By Abigail Grace Prushansky DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNM
For many couples, the journey to pregnancy begins the same way: months of trying, growing uncertainty, and eventually a visit to a fertility clinic. By the time most people start asking questions about fertility, they are already deep into a stressful and emotionally charged process.
But according to health researcher and author Rachel Swanson, the conversation about fertility should start much earlier. In her book Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility (January 6, 2026 // Authors Equity), Swanson challenges the traditional reactive model of reproductive medicine and reframes fertility as something women should understand long before they begin actively trying to conceive. Her central message is simple but powerful: fertility should be viewed as a vital sign.
“When we start thinking about fertility as we think about blood pressure or metabolic health,” Swanson explained. “We move away from fear and blame and toward prevention, personalization, and empowerment.”
VIEW Rachel’s sizzle reel, Instagram (46K), and a recent TV segment to see the full picture of what she can offer. She’s also been endorsed by Casey Means, MD, nominee for Surgeon General.
Why Fertility Education Is Falling Behind
The fertility industry is undergoing rapid expansion. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies, genetic screening, and artificial intelligence are transforming how clinicians approach infertility treatment. Billions of dollars are flowing into research and innovation within the field. Yet Swanson believes one key component is still missing from the equation: accessible education.
“We’re seeing incredible innovation in reproductive technology,” she said. “But the information women receive about supporting their own bodies hasn’t evolved at the same pace.”
Much of the most meaningful research on reproductive health remains buried within academic journals or locked behind paywalls. Even clinicians often struggle to keep up with the growing volume of data. That gap between research and real-world application became one of the driving forces behind her new book.
Swanson spent years reviewing hundreds of scientific studies to translate complex reproductive science into clear, practical strategies women and healthcare providers can actually use. The result is a guide designed not only for individuals navigating fertility challenges but also for clinicians seeking a consolidated resource on emerging reproductive health research.
Images: Screenshots of the book teaser for Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility (January 6, 2026 // Authors Equity). Courtesy of fertility nutritionist Rachel Swanson.
A Shift Away From Blame
One of the most persistent myths Swanson addresses in her book is the assumption that fertility struggles primarily originate with women. Scientifically, the picture is far more balanced. Fertility outcomes are generally 1/3 female factors, 1/3 male factors, and 1/3 the interaction between both partners. Yet socially and culturally, women often carry the emotional and physical burden of fertility struggles.
Emerging research shows that male health, including metabolic health, genetics, and lifestyle factors, can influence outcomes ranging from miscarriage risk to pregnancy complications. By reframing fertility as a shared responsibility, Swanson hopes couples will approach the process more collaboratively.
“It’s not about assigning blame,” she said. “It’s about recognizing that fertility is a team effort.”
Modern Life and Reproductive Health
Age is still the most significant factor affecting fertility outcomes, particularly as more women choose to have children later in life. But Swanson notes that environmental influences and lifestyle patterns are increasingly important pieces of the puzzle.
Over the past several decades, researchers have observed rising rates of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, and declining sperm counts. While genetics certainly play a role, Swanson points out that environment and lifestyle factors heavily influence how those genes are expressed.
“Genes may load the gun,” she explained, “but environment pulls the trigger.”
Modern lifestyles, characterized by ultra-processed diets, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chronic stress, and sedentary routines, can interfere with biological systems that evolved under very different conditions.
The “Less Is More” Philosophy and the Emotional Side of Fertility
With fertility advice flooding social media and wellness markets, many people feel overwhelmed by conflicting recommendations. Swanson’s approach in her book starts with simplicity.
Her philosophy: less is more.
Instead of implementing dozens of complicated interventions, she encourages individuals to focus on foundational lifestyle shifts, prioritizing whole foods, reducing unnecessary chemical exposure, and supporting nervous system balance through simple daily habits. Even small changes can have meaningful physiological effects.
Beyond the physiological aspects of fertility, Swanson emphasizes the profound emotional impact that fertility struggles can have on individuals and couples. Trying to conceive often becomes an exhausting cycle of hope, disappointment, medical appointments, and uncertainty.
“Fertility challenges can become very heavy emotionally,” she said. “That’s why multidisciplinary care is so important.”
Therapists, counselors, and supportive healthcare teams can help couples navigate the psychological stress that accompanies fertility treatments.
A Resource to Empower Patients and Clinicians
Despite these challenges, the future of fertility care is also filled with promising innovations. Research into the vaginal microbiome is revealing new insights into fertility outcomes and IVF success rates. Wearable technology and metabolic monitoring tools are also helping individuals better understand how lifestyle factors influence reproductive health.
“These tools give individuals more insight into their own bodies,” Swanson said. “And that information can help guide smarter decisions.”
Ultimately, Swanson hopes the book will serve as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers. The book was intentionally designed to be approachable for readers outside the medical field while also offering clinicians consolidated research and actionable frameworks.
“I wanted something that empowers patients but also supports clinicians,” she explained. “Doctors are incredibly busy, and having research summarized in one place can make a real difference.”
A New Way to Think About Fertility
In an era dominated by social media advice, wellness trends, and a rapidly expanding fertility industry, Swanson believes the most important step forward is helping women better understand their own bodies. Fertility, she argues, should not be viewed solely as a medical problem to solve, but as an integral part of overall health.
Through her book, she hopes to change how the conversation begins.
Because when women have access to better information about their physiology, they are not just “trying” to get pregnant. They are taking ownership of their health.
