Ep 328: Planned Egg Freezing

Ep 328: Planned Egg Freezing

Fertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/about-us/carrie-bedient/] from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/], Dr. Susan Hudson [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/susan-hudson-md/] from Texas Fertility Center [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/], and Dr. Abby Eblen [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-us/fertility-specialists/abby-eblen-md/] from Nashville Fertility Center [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/], 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.

Ep 327: Speak Life: Prayers for Fertility Patients

Fertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/about-us/carrie-bedient/] from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/], Dr. Susan Hudson [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/susan-hudson-md/] from Texas Fertility Center [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/], and Dr. Abby Eblen [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-us/fertility-specialists/abby-eblen-md/] from Nashville Fertility Center [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/]. 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.

Ep 326: Where Endometriosis and Surgery Intersect in IVF

Fertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/about-us/carrie-bedient/] from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/], Dr. Susan Hudson [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/susan-hudson-md/] from Texas Fertility Center [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/], and Dr. Abby Eblen [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-us/fertility-specialists/abby-eblen-md/] from Nashville Fertility Center [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/]. 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.

Ep 325: The Influence of Nutrition and Genetics on Reproduction

Fertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/about-us/carrie-bedient/] from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/], Dr. Susan Hudson [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/susan-hudson-md/] from Texas Fertility Center [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/], and Dr. Abby Eblen [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-us/fertility-specialists/abby-eblen-md/] from Nashville Fertility Center [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/]. 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.

Ep 324: Emotional and Subconscious Aspects of Infertility

Fertility Docs Uncensored Today’s episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/about-us/carrie-bedient/] from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas [https://fertilitycenterlv.com/], Dr. Susan Hudson [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/susan-hudson-md/] from Texas Fertility Center [https://www.fertility-texas.com/new-braunfels-fertility-center/], and Dr. Abby Eblen [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-us/fertility-specialists/abby-eblen-md/] from Nashville Fertility Center [https://www.nashvillefertility.com/], 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.