After several years of research, interviews, writing, and editing, I’m proud to finally share Fertility Rules with you. This book was born out of my complicated personal fertility journey to ensure no one feels as alone as I did and to fill the gaping holes in reproductive health education. It reflects today’s most cutting-edge research and perspectives from globally-renowned experts—from ob-gyns, reproductive endocrinologists and urologists, and andrologists to therapists, trainers, pelvic floor physical therapists, and nutritionists. My goal: to help everyone become more empowered patients and stewards of their health. This feature in Healthcare Brew gives an overview of the book; there’s more below.
If you’re here for the non-book content, I have good news: my delightful friend Chrissy Farr and I co-wrote a deep analysis of the fertility industry, publishing Thursday on her excellent Substack,Second Opinion. It features interviews with founders, reproductive endocrinologists, and many other experts and identifies opportunities for those looking to enter the space.
Fertility Rules FAQ
What is this book about?
Fertility Rules is a guide to male and female reproductive health, blending clinical evidence with practical advice. It's organized into three sections:
An overview of the biology basics we never learned, including chapters on sperm, eggs, hormones, and the menstrual cycle
Evidence-backed ways to improve fertility like nutrition, supplements, activity, mental health, and how to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals
How to navigate and manage everything from making a baby to fertility testing and treatments
Why write a book about fertility?
Bumpin' (which is mid-second edition overhaul—more on that soon) came out in December 2019. In the years since, I've fielded questions from friends and strangers about how getting pregnant actually works and what to do to prepare. When I looked for a preconception guide, I found zero options to help men and women understand each other’s bodies and work together. On a personal note, I am raising two boys. In today’s world, ensuring they (and all men) are well-informed, kind, respectful, and body-literate has never been more important.
Who should read this book?
The short answer is anyone, from young men and women trying to understand their bodies to the fertility-curious to those thinking about starting a family or navigating infertility. For all the men reading—yes, it's for you too. Men are responsible for around half of all infertility, but right now, 25% are never even tested during an infertility investigation, leading women ultimately to act as treatment surrogates for men. My big nasty goal is that, like Bumpin', men read this book too and become healthier, more involved partners and fathers.
Love for Fertility Rules
Spotted in the wild next to, pinch me, David Sedaris
Simon & Schuster on Instagram: “Coming June 6th: the first preconception guide for both male and female fertility. With a starred review from @booklist_ala, FERTILITY RULES is a “comprehensive and welcoming look at fertility” we can’t wait to share with men and women everywhere.”
May 26, 2023
"This is a much-needed book...Schrock's coverage lives up to the promise of the subtitle. This is a definitive and highly useful guide to reproductive health." - Booklist starred review
“Leslie Schrock has authored an important resource on reproductive health in a warm and inviting way. Written with humanity and compassion, it also centers the very important message that "asking for help doesn't make you weak—it makes you human." - Kathryn J. Go, PhD, Director of the IVF Laboratory, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Teaching Associate, Harvard Medical School
"From basics of the menstrual cycle to detailed guide on fertility optimization - this book has it all. Whether you just want to learn more about reproductive health or you’re looking for ways to advocate for your fertility care - you’ve got it in ‘Fertility Rules.” - Lora Shahine, MD, FACOG, Reproductive Endocrinologist
“Leslie Schrock has created a practical, deeply-researched guide that combines published clinical data with practical advice, using food as the framework to help everyone prepare for conception and pregnancy. Fertility Rules proves once again that food truly is medicine, especially when it comes to maximizing fertility." –Mark Hyman, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Pegan Diet
"Air pollution and plastics are warming our planet. Who knew it was harming our fertility too? Fertility Rules is the trusted companion everyone should have. Leslie Schrock weaves science with real talk. This book gives you the confidence to navigate your fertility journey." - Ryan Panchadsaram, Co-author of Speed and Scale
"Fertility Rules provides an excellent education in reproductive physiology, conception, and infertility for anyone on the fertility journey or will be one day. Personal vignettes and a friendly tone help make the topics approachable and provide meaningful suggestions for men or women about achieving reproductive health." - Michael L. Eisenberg, M.D. Director, Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
"So much more than the birds and the bees! Leslie Schrock demystifies human reproduction in her meticulously researched Fertility Rules. Written in a way readers can understand, she breaks down the latest data behind fertility, infertility and miscarriage. Essential reading for those wanting to understand how their body works, improve chances of conception and take a deep dive into the facts." - Dana McQueen, MD, MAS, Reproductive Endocrinologist
Support my work
If you enjoy reading this newsletter, visit your favorite local bookstore and pick up a copy of Fertility Rules for yourself or for someone who needs it. No time for IRL? Here’s a link.
