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).
41episodes
Episodes
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Ep 307: When Do I Need to See a Fertility Doctor?
Dec 3000:44:01Tap to summarizeFertility 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. This episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored tackles one of the most common fertility questions patients ask: When should I seek care for infertility? We answer key questions including: When do I need to see a reproductive endocrinologist? In general, patients under 35 should seek fertility care after one year of unprotected intercourse without conception, while patients age 35 and older should seek care after six months. What conditions should prompt earlier evaluation by a fertility specialist? These include irregular menstrual cycles, blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, and medical conditions like autoimmune disease or endometriosis, all of which may have an impact on infertility. We also discuss when to see a fertility doctor if additional factors are involved, such as the need for donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier. These situations vary in complexity, with gestational carrier arrangements typically requiring earlier and more specialized planning, while donor eggs or sperm may be more straightforward. This episode helps patients understand when waiting is reasonable—and when seeing a fertility specialist sooner rather than later can make a critical difference.
Transcribe →Ep 283: Sperm QT: A Game-Changer in Male Infertility Testing
Jul 15, 202500:35:23Tap to summarizeToday, you will hear information about testing your male partner with a relatively new test called SpermQT. This week, the Fertility Docs, 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 welcome a groundbreaking guest: Dr. Kristen Brogaard, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of Path Fertility. Kristen joins the Docs to discuss SpermQT, one of the first major innovations in male fertility testing in years. SpermQT goes beyond a traditional semen analysis to assess sperm DNA and determine whether sperm is capable of fertilizing an egg. If the SpermQT test is abnormal, it strongly suggests that natural conception or IUI will likely fail, making IVF the recommended next step.Kristen shares how Path Fertility is conducting multiple studies to evaluate pregnancy outcomes when the SpermQT test is applied to men whose partners conceive naturally or through IUI and aims to track pregnancy through delivery. Future analysis in the IVF lab will evaluate fertilization and embryo development in men with normal versus abnormal testing. SpermQT is helping to redefine how we understand male fertility, challenging the outdated assumption that a normal semen analysis equals fertility. If you order the test the DISCOUNT CODE is FDU. ReceptivaDx sponsored this podcast.
Transcribe →Ep 282: "Shape, Swim, and Count: A Deep Dive into Sperm Health "
Jul 8, 202500:42:00Tap to summarizeFertility 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 docs welcome special guest Dr. Sam Ohlander, a reproductive urologist and the Head of Urology at the Fertility Centers of Illinois, University of Illinois at Chicago. Together, they take a deep dive into one of the most common and foundational tests in male fertility: the semen analysis.Dr. Ohlander explains why timing is everything—specifically, the importance of an abstinence period of 2 to 5 days before testing. More is not better here; longer abstinence can negatively affect sperm motility. The team unpacks the meaning of sperm motility, including the distinction between progressive and non-progressive motility and how this can influence the total motile sperm count. They also discuss agglutination (clumping of sperm) and why it may not be as clinically relevant as once thought. Finally, they tackle the often misunderstood topic of morphology. Even when sperm shape is abnormal, this doesn’t necessarily indicate issues with DNA integrity or a poor overall count. You won’t want to miss this episode sponsored by ReceptivaDx.
Transcribe →Ep 281: PCOS unfiltered: We Answer Your Questions
Jul 1, 202500:41:40Tap to summarizeFertility 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 of Fertility Docs Uncensored, the doctors tackle your most pressing questions about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Many PCOS patients have high AMH levels, and often that means more eggs at retrieval. However, sometimes a high egg count doesn’t always translate into more embryos or more to transfer, and the Docs explain why quantity doesn’t always equal quality. They also dive into IUI cycles for PCOS patients, including the advantages of combining IUI with ovulation induction. The team recommends limiting ovulation induction + IUI attempts to no more than three or four before considering other options. For those with a history of miscarriage, they emphasize the importance of a thorough recurrent pregnancy loss workup, regardless of PCOS status. Should you move to IVF sooner? The docs explore that too—especially for those wanting multiple children, facing recurrent miscarriage, or when male factor issues are in play. The episode wraps with a discussion of medications like metformin and inositols, and when to consider laparoscopy—typically reserved for symptoms like painful periods or signs of endometriosis. This podcast was sponsored by ReceptivaDx.
Transcribe →Ep 280: Intratubal insemination: Another Option in Fertility Treatment
Jun 24, 202500:31:40Tap to summarizeFertility 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 special episode, they are joined by guest Kathy Lee-Sepsick, CEO and founder of Femasys, to discuss a promising innovation in the world of insemination: FemaSeed. FemaSeed is a novel device developed by Kathy and her team, designed to enhance the effectiveness of intrauterine insemination (IUI) by delivering sperm directly to the fallopian tube where ovulation is occurring. Using a specially designed catheter, FemaSeed allows targeted sperm placement—whether that’s the right tube, the left, or both—based on where the eggs are located. While the procedure is typically performed with abdominal ultrasound guidance, Kathy explains that it can be done without it as well. Though FemaSeed may cost more than a traditional IUI, it has shown encouraging pregnancy rates, even in cases where sperm counts are as low as 1 to 5 million, a group that typically sees lower success with standard IUI. It’s a new, accessible technology that fertility centers can adopt easily, offering hope to many patients seeking more effective treatment options. This podcast was sponsored by Femasys.
Transcribe →Ep 279: Eggs: To Give is To Receive
Jun 17, 202500:36:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Carrie Bedient (Fertility Center of Las Vegas), Dr. Susan Hudson (Texas Fertility Center), and Dr. Abby Eblen (Nashville Fertility Center) welcome Lauren Makler, co-founder and CEO of Cofertility, for a powerful conversation about redefining egg donation and fertility preservation.Lauren shares how Cofertility is changing the landscape by giving young women, typically ages 21 to 34, the opportunity to freeze their eggs at the ideal time in life, at no cost, by donating half to intended parents. This fully disclosed, mutual-match model brings transparency and connection to a process that has long existed in the shadows.The group explores how Cofertility empowers intended parents to feel confident and proud in their family-building journey, and how donors find meaning in helping others conceive. The emotional and financial benefits are real—for both sides.Whether fresh or frozen eggs are used, this new approach is providing families with more options, greater openness, and increased hope. Tune in to hear how Cofertility is making egg donation a shared journey worth celebrating.
Transcribe →Ep 278: Structure vs Function: What the Period Tells You about Fertility
Jun 10, 202500:39:33Tap to summarizeJoin Dr. Carrie Bedient (Fertility Center of Las Vegas), Dr. Susan Hudson (Texas Fertility Center), and Dr. Abby Eblen (Nashville Fertility Center) as they welcome their special guest Erika Johnston-MacAnanny from Shady Grove Fertility in Richmond for a candid and informative conversation about what’s really going on with your period. Erika breaks down what’s considered “normal” in terms of cycle length and dives into what heavy or scant bleeding might be telling you about your health. From anatomical issues like fibroids and polyps to hormonal causes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (common in elite athletes), this episode covers it all. Erika also shares insight on how IUDs and uterine scar tissue can affect your flow. The doctors also tackle some common myths—like whether a regular period always means you’re fertile—and explore what it could mean if your once-regular cycle suddenly shortens. Whether you’re just curious or actively trying to understand your fertility, you won’t want to miss this essential episode… period.
Transcribe →Ep 277: Not Just a Numbers Game: Understanding Male Factor Challenges
Jun 3, 202500:31:39Tap to summarizeIn this Q&A episode Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center tackle male factor infertility—an often overlooked but critical part of the fertility equation. They break down the role of sperm morphology in fertilization and explain how it’s assessed and why, even with IVF, poor morphology can make a difference. The discussion also covers what happens when there’s no sperm motility and how testing and treatments, like the use of pentoxyphylline, can help. The docs explore the influence of varicocele, a common condition, and how it can impact sperm health and fertility outcomes. Plus, they dig into how female age and conditions like endometriosis can further complicate fertilization and pregnancy. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or deep into treatment, this episode is full of practical insights and clarity on a topic that deserves more attention.
Transcribe →Ep 276: To Carry or Not To Carry: When to Use a Gestational Surrogate
May 27, 202500:34:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, hosts Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center discuss the process of using a gestational carrier. They break down who might need a gestational carrier, the medical and legal aspects to consider, and how to navigate the journey from start to finish. The discussion also covers the difference between a traditional surrogate and a gestational carrier, explaining why modern surrogacy almost always involves a gestational carrier—someone who carries a pregnancy without a genetic connection to the baby. The docs also address common questions about choosing a carrier, working with an agency, and the emotional and financial aspects of the process. Whether you’re considering surrogacy due to medical conditions, infertility, or other personal reasons, this episode provides valuable insights into how a gestational carrier can help individuals and couples grow their families.
Transcribe →Ep 275: Making a Difference with Genetic Testing: The PKD-Free Alliance and PGT-M
May 20, 202500:37:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, hosts Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas speak with Richard Kellner, founder of the Polycystic Kidney Disease-Free Alliance, and Natasha Rogina, the organization’s chief spokesperson. Together, they discuss polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and how pre-implantation genetic testing-monogenic (PGT-M) can help families prevent passing this genetic condition to their children. Natasha, who has PKD herself, shares her personal decision to pursue IVF with PGT-M to ensure her children would not inherit the disease. PKD is a progressive condition that typically leads to kidney failure by midlife, often requiring dialysis or a transplant. Because many insurers do not cover genetic testing, the PKD-Free Alliance offers grants to help families access PGT-M to prevent passing the trait to their children. The PKD-Free Alliance’s goal is to raise awareness and let couples know this option exists. This insightful conversation explores genetic inheritance, reproductive choices, and the future of PKD prevention, offering hope to families facing this challenging condition.
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