After a disappointing IVF retrieval, it is tempting to change everything. But does a new protocol actually explain a better next cycle—or is biology doing some of the talking?

In this episode, Dr. Mark Amols explains why IVF protocols absolutely matter, but why there is no single “perfect” protocol that can guarantee a certain number of eggs or mature eggs. Using the analogy of an Olympic runner and the right running shoes, he breaks down the physician’s role: optimize the medication plan, timing, trigger, and safety—without pretending we can fully control ovarian biology.

Dr. Amols reviews a 2026 Fertility and Sterility study of 801 consecutive IVF cycle pairs showing substantial cycle-to-cycle variation even when patients used the same stimulation protocol and dose. He also discusses why mature eggs matter more than total egg count, when a protocol change is purposeful, and why retrieval and lab workflow can influence the final egg number too.

If your last IVF cycle did not go as hoped, this episode will help you ask the better question: not “What can we change?” but “What did we learn, and what are we trying to improve?”

Referenced studies: Hochberg et al., Fertility and Sterility (2026); Mutlu et al., Nature Medicine (2026).

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

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Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.