Podcast
Fertility Docs Uncensored
Hosted by Various · EN
We all know it’s wrong, but when you see one big fat negative after another, it’s tempting to turn to Dr. Google for answers. But don’t you hit that search button. You have another option: Fertility Docs Uncensored. The nation’s leading fertility doctors have joined forces to separate fertility fact from fiction. It’s the only place you can hear fertility docs from around the country diving into the nitty-gritty of infertility. From their personal experiences as infertility patients, to what you can really expect from IVF, these doctors are covering it all (and they aren’t holding back).
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 328: Planned Egg Freezing
1w ago00:35:06Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, with special guest Dr. Annie Martini, a reproductive endocrinologist from the Fertility Centers of Illinois, practicing in their Milwaukee, Wisconsin office. In this episode, the doctors dive into planned oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) and why more women are choosing fertility preservation. What are the benefits of freezing eggs, and who should consider it? Many patients pursue this option when they are unpartnered, allowing them to preserve younger eggs that do not age. The discussion explores how egg quality changes after age 35, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and impacting success rates. How many eggs should be frozen, and what outcomes can patients expect? Often, 10–12 eggs may yield only one to three embryos, depending largely on age, and some women may need multiple cycles, especially with lower AMH or egg counts. The episode also walks through the egg freezing process step by step. What does ovarian stimulation involve, and how many monitoring visits are required? Patients typically undergo 5 to 7 visits, each requiring bloodwork and an ultrasound, before a 30-minute egg retrieval procedure. The physicians discuss risks, including ovarian torsion, and why activity restrictions, such as limiting exercise and sexual activity, are essential during stimulation. They also cover recovery expectations, the importance of having a trusted person for transport after retrieval, and how long frozen eggs can be stored. This podcast was sponsored by the Fertility Centers of Illinois at Milwaukee.
Transcribe →Ep 327: Speak Life: Prayers for Fertility Patients
2w ago00:25:53Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, the hosts welcome author Kathy DeGraw, who, along with her daughter Lauren DeBoer, wrote the book Speak Life. Kathy shares her personal journey through fertility challenges, including miscarriage and a molar pregnancy, and explains how her faith-based perspective shaped the creation of this book. Designed as a source of encouragement, the book focuses on prayer, hope, and scriptural truth, drawing from biblical stories of women who experienced infertility and ultimately found strength through faith. The discussion explores how speaking prayers out loud can provide comfort and a sense of connection during infertility, IVF, and pregnancy. What role can faith and prayer play in coping with infertility? Can structured prayer declarations help patients feel more empowered during IVF or pregnancy? The book is organized into sections that guide readers through preparing the body for pregnancy, addressing both female and male infertility, and offering continued support after conception. A unique feature includes 40 weeks of prayer declarations designed to accompany patients throughout pregnancy. Listeners will hear how Kathy’s personal experiences shaped their message and how their approach may resonate with patients seeking emotional or spiritual support alongside medical fertility care. This episode highlights the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of fertility journeys. This podcast was sponsored by IVF Florida.
Transcribe →Ep 326: Where Endometriosis and Surgery Intersect in IVF
3w ago00:40:35Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, our guest, Dr. Zoran Pavlovic of IVF Florida in Boca Raton and Jupiter, discusses the role of reproductive surgery in managing endometriosis. He takes a practical, patient-centered look at endometriosis, focusing on when surgical intervention may help improve fertility outcomes and quality of life. He discusses the goals of surgery, such as pain relief and fertility improvement. He explains how dynamic ultrasound helps determine whether pelvic structures are fixed or adherent and guides surgical planning. Other questions discussed include what types of procedures reproductive surgeons perform. Treatments include excision of endometriosis, fibroid removal, and fallopian tube surgery. What are the benefits of surgery, such as reducing pelvic pain, improving pain with intercourse, removing endometriomas, and restoring normal pelvic anatomy? What are the risks, including bleeding, scarring, and potential reduction in ovarian reserve, when removing ovarian cysts? When is surgery necessary, particularly in patients with severe, life-limiting pain? What medical management options exist, including continuous oral contraceptives, progestins, GnRH antagonists, and IUDs? Why is endometriosis considered a chronic condition requiring ongoing management? What are recurrence rates, and why do 25–40% of patients require additional treatment within two years? Finally, how do patients know when it’s time to see a reproductive surgeon? This episode offers clear, actionable guidance for managing endometriosis and preserving fertility. This episode is sponsored by IVF Florida.
Transcribe →Ep 325: The Influence of Nutrition and Genetics on Reproduction
May 500:47:42Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, we explore how targeted nutrition and genetics intersect to influence reproductive health, highlighting emerging science that may change how we approach fertility optimization for both men and women. Today, we welcome Dr. Steven Zeisel, PhD, MD, founder of SNP Therapeutics and a leader in research on one-carbon metabolism and fertility. What is one-carbon metabolism and how does it affect egg and sperm quality? Which nutrients—such as folate, choline, and vitamin B12—are essential for reproductive success? How do genetic variants impact the body’s ability to produce or utilize these nutrients? We discuss the Genate test, designed to identify which genes related to nutrient metabolism are active or impaired. Why shouldn’t patients simply take all fertility supplements? Dr. Zeisel explains how excess supplementation may be unnecessary or even harmful without personalized insight. How does choline support fetal brain development and early childhood growth? What happens when men have genetic variants that impair ATP production in sperm, affecting motility and fertilization? Could targeted nutritional supplementation improve sperm function and reduce the need for IVF in some cases? We also review data showing that 9–10% of men may have these metabolic variants. This episode provides a personalized, science-based approach to fertility nutrition. This episode is sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility.
Transcribe →Ep 324: Emotional and Subconscious Aspects of Infertility
Apr 2800:34:36Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, and in this episode, they welcome Anne-Marie Pereira, a fertility and wellness therapist practicing in Portugal. She explores the emotional and subconscious aspects of infertility and how they can influence treatment experiences and outcomes. What emotional patterns are common in infertility patients? Many women are conditioned to be highly independent, making it difficult to ask for help, which can affect how they navigate fertility challenges. How can subconscious beliefs impact fertility decisions? Through techniques such as hypnotherapy, Anne-Marie helps patients uncover past experiences that may shape current behaviors, such as delaying childbearing due to early family dynamics. Why do hormonal transitions trigger emotional responses? Major hormonal shifts and fertility treatment failures can bring unresolved subconscious thoughts to the surface. What is the goal of fertility-focused therapy? Her aim is for patients to gain emotional independence within 90 days, improving both well-being and potentially fertility outcomes. How do couples process infertility differently? Women tend to be more expressive, while men may be less communicative, which can lead couples to cope separately. She emphasizes the importance of positivity, limiting negative online influences, and fostering connection. Practical tools such as brief daily meditation, simplifying routines, reconnecting with enjoyable activities like painting, and spending time in nature can help patients create a healthier emotional environment while pursuing fertility treatment. Information about her practice can be found at freeinfertility.com This episode is sponsored by Reproductive Science Center.
Transcribe →Ep 323: Success Rates by Age with Pregnancy
Apr 2100:50:09Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, they are joined by guest Dr. Michael Homer of RSC Bay Area in Los Gatos and Menlo Park. The discussion focuses on natural conception success rates compared to IUI and IVF, with a strong emphasis on the impact of age. Patients under 35 have the highest chance of conceiving naturally, while success declines with age, making early evaluation important. Patients are considered to have infertility if they have tried to conceive after unprotected intercourse for one year. The doctors discuss when you should see a fertility doctor sooner. The group highlights earlier evaluation for patients over 36, those with endometriosis, prior pelvic surgery, irregular ovulation, or a partner with low sperm count. What are realistic success rates with IUI? IUI success is largely age-based and generally brings patients close to their natural baseline but does not exceed it. Who are the best candidates for IUI? Ideal candidates include those who ovulate or respond to oral medications, have open fallopian tubes, and have a partner with adequate sperm parameters. When is IVF a better option? IVF may be more effective for patients seeking a faster path to pregnancy or those with lower chances using less aggressive treatments. Younger patients may achieve multiple embryos from one retrieval, while older patients benefit from quicker feedback and the ability to repeat cycles if needed. IVF success rates for patients under 35 are often around 65%, though many patients underestimate their chances for success. This episode is sponsored by Reproductive Science Center.
Transcribe →Ep 322: Answering your Questions about Pregnancy Loss
Apr 1400:28:44Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this question-driven episode, we take a deep and thoughtful look at pregnancy loss, especially for patients who feel stuck after “normal” test results. We explore what additional evaluation options exist when standard workups don’t provide answers and discuss how thinking outside the box can uncover overlooked causes. What testing can be considered after recurrent pregnancy loss with normal results? We discuss sperm DNA fragmentation testing, uterine evaluation with saline sonogram, and when to consider less obvious causes such as tubal factor, particularly in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss of unknown location or repeated very early losses. Could some early losses represent undiagnosed tubal pregnancies? We walk through that possibility and when it should be investigated. How does endometriosis impact implantation and miscarriage risk? We review the role of the Receptiva assay and BCL6 as a marker of inflammation that may contribute to failed implantation or early pregnancy loss, particularly in IVF cycles. We also explain how IVF can shift the “tipping point” by helping identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, which are common due to egg-related factors and increase with age. Why does time matter more as women get older? Each miscarriage can take months to resolve, delaying future attempts and compounding age-related fertility decline. Finally, we address the emotional toll of recurrent pregnancy loss and the importance of building resilience through counseling, journaling, and support systems. This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility.
Transcribe →Ep 321: All About Fertility Ultrasound
Apr 700:34:36Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, the hosts explain why vaginal ultrasounds are a cornerstone of fertility care, highlighting how they provide more detailed and accurate imaging than abdominal ultrasounds for evaluating reproductive anatomy and guiding treatment. The discussion reviews the use of transvaginal ultrasound in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings. The physicians describe saline infusion sonography (also called hydrosonogram) as a key test to evaluate the uterine cavity and assess whether the fallopian tubes are open, noting that tubes are typically only visible when abnormal, such as when blocked and dilated. They outline how ultrasound allows visualization of the uterus, measurement of the endometrial lining, and confirmation of a trilaminar pattern prior to embryo transfer. Structural findings such as fibroids and adenomyosis are discussed, including when fibroids may require surgical removal due to distortion of the uterine cavity or large size. The episode also explains how ultrasound is used to evaluate the ovaries, including identifying common cysts. Functional cysts such as follicles, corpus luteum cysts, and hemorrhagic corpus luteum are described as normal, benign, and self-resolving. Other cysts, including endometriomas and dermoid cysts, are reviewed with a focus on when surgical management is appropriate versus when observation is preferred to preserve ovarian reserve. The hosts also highlight how ultrasound is essential for monitoring follicle development during IVF cycles and is used in real time during egg retrieval procedures, emphasizing its central role throughout fertility treatment. This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility.
Transcribe →Ep 320: How Fertility Treatment Plans are Personalized for You
Mar 3100:44:09Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. Today, their guest is Dr. Alex Quaas from Shady Grove Fertility in San Diego. In this episode, the group discusses how physicians develop individualized fertility treatment plans, using real-world scenarios to highlight how age, ovarian reserve, reproductive goals, and emotional considerations all shape decision-making in reproductive medicine. The discuss a 36-year-old patient with a high antral follicle count, elevated AMH, irregular cycles, and otherwise normal testing who desires two children. Dr. Quaas explores treatment options such as ovulation induction and timed intercourse as a reasonable first-line approach, while also addressing how advancing maternal age increases the risk of genetically abnormal embryos. He explains when in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be advantageous, particularly for embryo banking to support future family building. The case is then reframed to consider diminished ovarian reserve, prompting a shift toward recommending earlier IVF to maximize the likelihood of obtaining genetically normal embryos. Additional factors influencing treatment planning are reviewed, including the impact of endometriosis severity on fertility potential and how mental health, emotional resilience, and tolerance for uncertainty may guide patients toward more or less aggressive approaches. The physicians also explain how IVF protocols can be customized, including decisions around stimulation intensity, the number of eggs fertilized, and whether to pursue genetic testing. Throughout the episode, the emphasis remains on shared decision-making, in which physicians provide guidance and patients ultimately choose the path that best aligns with their goals and values. This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility.
Transcribe →Ep 318: Age and Lifestyle: How They Interact
Mar 2400:35:17Tap to summarizeFertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, titled Age and Lifestyle: How They Interact, the doctors tackle one of the most common and emotionally loaded questions in fertility care: does age matter more than lifestyle when it comes to getting pregnant?The discussion starts with a clear answer—female age is the single most important predictor of fertility outcomes. While lifestyle choices absolutely matter, age plays the dominant role, especially as women move into their late 30s and early 40s. The doctors explain why maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, and exercising regularly are all recommended when trying to conceive. But how much can lifestyle really offset age related fertility decline?The episode also explores whether lifestyle changes have a bigger impact once pregnancy occurs. Why do heavier patients face higher risks of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth? And can weight loss before pregnancy reduce those risks?The doctors then address what happens in the early to mid-40s, when age often overwhelms lifestyle efforts due to declining egg number and increasing genetic abnormalities. Why do women at 42 or 43 struggle to conceive even when they are otherwise healthy? What role do egg genetics play at that point?Finally, the episode answers whether chromosomal abnormalities are driven more by age or lifestyle, and why age particularly over 35 has the greatest impact, while lifestyle has minimal influence on egg genetics. This podcast was sponsored by Fertility Centers of Illinois at Milwaukee.
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