The Egg Whisperer Show

Embryo donation is an incredible path to parenthood, offering hope to those who may not have other options. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Paula Amato, a reproductive endocrinologist and professor at Oregon Health & Science University, to discuss her personal and professional experiences with embryo donation. Dr. Amato shares her unique perspective as both a fertility doctor and someone who has gone through the process herself.

We talk about the medical and ethical considerations of embryo donation, who it can benefit, and how families can navigate this journey. Dr. Amato also discusses the emotional aspects of embryo donation, including what it means for donors and recipients, and how transparency can play a role in shaping the future of donor-conceived children.

In this episode, we cover:

• Dr. Paula Amato’s professional background and personal connection to embryo donation
• The medical, ethical, and legal aspects of embryo donation
• Who embryo donation can help and what the process involves
• Emotional considerations for both donors and recipients
• The role of transparency and disclosure in donor-conceived families
• The future of embryo donation in reproductive medicine

Read the full show notes on my website.

You can read her article here: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(21)02289-5/fulltext

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach me: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I’m so excited to have Maya, Jen, and Gina of EM•POWER with Moxi back for part two of our discussion about embryo donation! Today, we’re talking all about becoming a parent through embryo donation. Maya became a mother through embryo donation, and she is sharing about the emotional shift that comes with choosing to become a parent to a baby that doesn’t share your DNA. She also talks about some things to consider when you’re deciding if embryo donation is the right choice for you to grow your family.

We also talk about genetic counseling, Empower with Moxi’s “Moxi Matching” service, and other ways that Empower with Moxi is supporting the community. The journey of becoming a parent through embryo donation is very special, and I’m so honored to have Maya, Jen, and Gina back to share more about the options, considerations, and beauty of embryo donation. 

Read the full transcript of our conversation on the website.

Check out part one of this conversation.

Learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi.

In this episode, we cover:

• What embryo donation is and how it works
• Who can benefit from embryo donation and what makes someone a good candidate
• The medical screening and preparation process
• Legal and ethical factors to consider when donating or receiving embryos
• The emotional and psychological impact of embryo donation for both donors and recipients

Read the full show notes on my website.

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach me: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I had the pleasure of discussing embryo donation with a guest from Empower with Moxi. In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about donating embryos, including the medical process, legal and ethical considerations, and the emotional impact of this fertility option. I share my experiences and insights on how embryo donation can offer hope for families and empower both donors and recipients in their fertility journey.

In this episode, we cover:

• What embryo donation is and who can donate or receive donated embryos
• The detailed process of screening and preparing embryos for donation
• Legal and ethical considerations surrounding embryo donation
• The emotional aspects and decision-making involved in donating embryos
• How embryo donation serves as an empowering option for those looking to build or expand their families

Read the full show notes on my website.

You can find EM•POWER with Moxi's website here. 

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach me: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Fertility treatment can be an emotional rollercoaster, impacting mental health, relationships, and a sense of self. In this episode, Rachel Goldberg, a licensed therapist specializing in infertility and reproductive health, shares practical tips for building resilience, coping with grief, and maintaining connection with partners. She provides insights into navigating the emotional complexities of fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, and family planning while offering actionable strategies to support overall well-being.

In this episode we cover:

• Common emotional challenges people face during fertility treatment 
• How fertility treatment affects relationships with partners and oneself 
• Coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety 
• Prioritizing mental health while staying focused on treatment goals 
• When to seek support from a mental health professional

Read the full show notes on my website.

Find Rachel Goldberg's website here. 

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to connect:

Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Professor René Almeling, a Yale University sociologist and author of Guynecology: The Missing Science of Men’s Reproductive Health, joins to discuss the overlooked history of male reproductive health and why it has not received the same medical attention as female reproductive health.

Professor Almeling shares insights from her research on how societal and medical perceptions of male fertility have evolved over time. The conversation explores disparities in reproductive care between men and women, the role of cultural expectations in shaping these differences, and how medicine has historically focused on female fertility while largely ignoring the reproductive contributions and risks for men.

Topics discussed include:

• The historical reasons why male reproductive health has been under-researched and underfunded
• How scientific advancements in fertility have primarily focused on women, despite evidence that male fertility is equally important
• The long-standing assumption that reproduction is a female responsibility and how that impacts fertility treatments today
• How sperm health is influenced by environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and overall health
• What needs to change in the medical field to ensure men receive proper reproductive care

Read the full show notes on my website.

Find Professor Almeling's website here. 

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to connect:

Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Shanna Swan, a renowned environmental and reproductive epidemiologist and author of Count Down: How Our Modern World is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race. We delved into the alarming decline in sperm counts and male fertility rates over the past few decades, exploring the environmental factors contributing to this trend and its implications for reproductive health.

In this episode, we cover:

• The significant decline in sperm counts and male fertility rates observed globally.
• The role of environmental chemicals, such as phthalates and BPA, in disrupting endocrine function and impacting reproductive health.
• Lifestyle factors, including smoking, binge drinking, stress, obesity, lack of exercise, and heat exposure, that can adversely affect sperm quality.
• The importance of preventive measures and lifestyle changes men can adopt to improve their fertility.
• The broader implications of declining fertility rates on population health and future generations.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Find Dr. Shanna Swan's website and book information here.

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.

Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

When we think about fertility, we often focus on women—but what about men? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Turek, one of the world’s leading experts in male reproductive health, to talk about the male biological clock and why preventive fertility care for men is just as important as it is for women. We discuss how age affects sperm quality, the lifestyle factors that can improve (or harm) male fertility, and the best ways men can take charge of their reproductive health.

In this episode, we cover:

• Do men have a biological clock? The truth about how aging affects sperm health
• Why preventive fertility care matters for men, not just women
• Sperm quality and lifestyle: How diet, sleep, and avoiding toxins can improve fertility
• Common causes of male infertility and how to address them
• The TICKR checklist: Five key areas men should focus on for better fertility
• Groundbreaking treatments for male infertility, including sperm mapping and stem cell research

Read the full show notes on my website.

Find Dr. Paul Turke's website here.

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to connect:

Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates.

Join Egg Whisperer School.

Request a Consultation with me.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Choosing the right sperm for fertility treatment is a crucial decision, and there’s more to consider than just basic sperm counts. In this episode, Dr. Aimee is joined by embryologist Angelo Allard to break down what makes sperm “the right” sperm. They discuss sperm selection techniques, the role of DNA fragmentation, and how advanced technology is improving the selection process to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Key factors to consider when selecting sperm
• How embryologists assess sperm quality in the lab
• The impact of DNA fragmentation on fertility and embryo development
• Advanced sperm selection techniques, including PICSI and Zymot
• What to ask your doctor about sperm health and testing

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find Angelo Allard, and the Seattle Sperm Bank here.

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach Dr. Aimee: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Join Egg Whisperer School Request a Consultation with Dr. Aimee

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Geoffrey Sher, a pioneer in reproductive medicine. We delved into the history and evolution of intrauterine insemination (IUI), discussing its early promise and the limitations discovered over time. Dr. Sher provided insights into when IUI is most effective and common misconceptions surrounding this fertility treatment.

In this episode, we cover:

• The origins and development of IUI as a fertility treatment
• The initial expectations and subsequent findings about IUI's effectiveness
• Specific scenarios where IUI is most beneficial
• Common misunderstandings and myths about IUI
• Advancements in reproductive medicine related to IUI

Read the full show notes on my website.

Visit Dr. Sher's website: Sher Fertility Solutions.

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach me: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Join Egg Whisperer School

Request a Consultation with me

I am one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. My success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. I pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/mary-coleman-allen-atlanta-ga/128980In this episode, I'm joined by fertility psychologist Dr. Mary Coleman Allen to discuss the complex relationship between stress and fertility. We explore how stress can affect hormonal balance, ovulation, and overall reproductive health, and offer practical strategies to manage stress effectively during the journey to conception.

In this episode, we cover:

• The physiological effects of stress on the reproductive system
• How chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation
• The role of the hypothalamus in regulating hormones and its sensitivity to stress
• Practical stress management techniques to support fertility
• The importance of a balanced lifestyle in enhancing reproductive health

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Check out Dr. Coleman Allen's website.

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach Dr. Aimee: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Join Egg Whisperer School

Request a Consultation with Dr. Aimee

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I had the pleasure of joining Amanda Casgar, co-founder of Hysterical, for a deep dive into fertility, perimenopause, and what’s possible when it comes to having babies later in life. We covered a lot—my own journey into reproductive endocrinology, my family’s background in OB-GYN, and why I’m so passionate about empowering women with knowledge about their reproductive health.

In this conversation, I walk through my TUSHY Method for fertility testing, the emotional side of fertility treatments, and the importance of having a strong sense of purpose throughout the process. We also explored cutting-edge procedures like ovarian PRP, the impact of endometriosis, and the latest innovations in reproductive medicine.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to assess your fertility with my TUSHY Method
• The latest on egg freezing—costs, viability, and how many eggs you really need
• What perimenopause means for your fertility and hormone health
• The emotional toll of fertility treatments and how to support your mental health
• Innovations in reproductive medicine, including ovarian PRP and egg donation options

Read the show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Visit Amanda's website, This is Hysterical.

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach Dr. Aimee: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Join Egg Whisperer School Request a Consultation with Dr. Aimee

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Angela Thyer and Judy Simon, authors of Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fertility Plan to Improve Your Odds and Shorten Your Time to Pregnancy. We discussed how nutrition and lifestyle play a critical role in optimizing fertility, and why taking a “food-first” approach can be a game-changer for those trying to conceive.

In this episode, we explore how food, stress management, and overall health impact fertility, along with actionable strategies to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Dr. Thyer and Judy share their expert insights on balancing Eastern and Western medicine, the best foods for reproductive health, and how small daily changes can make a big difference in your journey to parenthood.

In this episode, we cover:

• The “food-first” fertility approach and why nutrition matters for conception
• How stress and lifestyle choices impact fertility and how to manage them
• The best fertility-boosting foods and key nutrients to focus on
• How Eastern and Western medicine can work together for reproductive health
• Practical steps you can take today to improve your fertility naturally

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find 'Getting to Baby' on this website.

Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach Dr. Aimee: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Join Egg Whisperer School

Request a Consultation with Dr. Aimee

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Navigating fertility challenges can be emotionally overwhelming, but there are proven strategies to help manage stress along the way. In this episode, Dr. Aimee is joined by mindfulness and fertility coach Josephine Atluri to discuss the best techniques for reducing anxiety and finding balance during your fertility journey. Josephine shares insights on mindfulness, meditation, and how to cultivate resilience when facing uncertainty.

In this episode, we cover:

• How stress impacts fertility and overall well-being
• Practical mindfulness techniques to ease anxiety
• The power of meditation and breathwork in fertility journeys
• How to reframe challenges and cultivate resilience
• Tips for staying present and hopeful throughout the process

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Visit Josephine Atluri's website.

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach Dr. Aimee: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Join Egg Whisperer School Request a Consultation with Dr. Aimee

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Did you know that pregnancy after menopause is possible? In this episode, Dr. Aimee dives into everything you need to know about menopausal pregnancy, including the science behind it, the role of egg donation, and how women over 50 are growing their families. She also shares important considerations for those thinking about this path to parenthood.

In this episode, we cover:

• How pregnancy is possible after menopause
• The role of donor eggs in menopausal pregnancy
• Health risks and considerations for pregnancy at an older age
• Success rates and advancements in reproductive technology
• Emotional and social aspects of becoming a parent later in life

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.

Other ways to reach Dr. Aimee: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Join Egg Whisperer School

Today on The Egg Whisperer podcast, my dear friend Dr. Jenna McCarthy is joining me to talk all about the most common IVF mistakes. Our intent is to share as much information as we can with you so you’ll go into an IVF cycle aware, empowered and feeling comfortable with what is going on. We want people to avoid these mistakes and also hear that they're common, they happen, and there’s always something you can do if you’re dealing with an issue.⠀

We’re talking about troubleshooting needle and syringe issues, the importance of not eating or drinking before your egg retrieval, timing of the trigger shot, sperm emergencies, and medication dosage issues and more. We’re basically talking about everything we’ve seen in our combined 20+ years of doing IVF. ⠀

Read the full show notes here. 

I may not be your fertility doctor, but it doesn’t matter where you live. If you’re thinking about or actively preparing for In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) then I’m so glad to have you here.

My intention is to help you get ready for IVF — regardless of who your doctor is or where you live. These are the tips you can apply to your situation to take an active role in your fertility care.

Step 1: Know your diagnosis Step 2: Assemble your team Step 3: Get organized & keep track of your files Step 4: Understand medication side effects Step 5: Understand your semen collection options Step 6: Decide if you are going to do IVF with or without ICSI or PICSI Step 7: Decide if you will genetically test the embryos Step 8: Understand if you will be at risk for OHSS Step 9: Prepare for the transfer

Read all of the show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/fertility-facts-for-anyone-over-35-hosted-by-liz-moody

In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing a conversation that aired on The Liz Moody Podcast. Liz asked a ton of questions that took the interview in a lot of fun directions. Plus she'd polled her own audience for questions, and you know I LOVE a good "Ask The Egg Whisperer" session.

In this engaging episode, we dive into the increasing rates of infertility, the innovative technology of egg freezing, and provide practical advice for your fertility journey. We'll debunk common myths, share emotional support tips, and present real-life success stories. Plus, discover how you can join my monthly live IVF classes, designed to be accessible and informative.

Here's some of what we covered: 

1. Are infertility rates really going up? 

2. How technology and lifestyle changes can impact your fertility journey 

3. The best time and ways to freeze your eggs 

4. Practical tips for preconception prep and staying positive during your fertility journey

5. Super fun lightning round of "does this impact fertility?" where we talk about breast implants, non-organic food, laptop usage for men, and the sperm killing truth about some lubricants!

The full conversation on The Liz Moody Podcast

Liz Moody's Instagram

The Live Sperm Show, where we tested sperm and lubricants.

Today on the Egg Whisperer Show, I’m answering one of the most common questions I get from all of you: How can I improve embryo quality? And, I also very often get the questions of how could I improve egg and sperm quality too? I’m really excited to talk about this with you today!!

The thing is this, there are three factors that influence egg, sperm and embryo quality that I want you to know about. Once you know about it, then you can do something about how these three things come into play in your life. And the three factors that I want you to know about are age, genetics, and environment.

This episode is all about how to care for yourself, and includes loving tips on how family and friends can support someone in fertility treatment, too.

Self-care is anything but selfish. It can come in the form of setting healthy boundaries in relationships, having clear communication or simply giving ourselves a break. As a fertility patient when we prioritize these things it helps us bring forward our best selves for every situation and makes the journey more supportive.

In this Egg Whisperer show, I share suggestions for patients and friends and family members of patients to help their fertility journey be one where they feel supported and loved.

My hope is that you’re able to apply this, no matter your situation, and find your fertility journey is better as a result.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

I’m so excited to share my latest episode of The Egg Whisperer Show with you! This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Schuman, a leading therapist, award-winning researcher, and author who specializes in family building, donor conception, and surrogacy.

Lisa and I dive deep into the critical role mental health plays in fertility treatments, especially when third-party reproduction, like egg or sperm donation and gestational carriers, is involved. She shares her personal journey and decades of professional expertise, introducing us to The Center for Family Building and its new expert-guided community platform.

In this episode, we cover:

• What inspired Lisa to specialize in family building and fertility counseling.
• The mission behind The Center for Family Building and its resources for patients.
• Why mental health support is essential for individuals and couples navigating fertility treatments, surrogacy, or adoption.
• Unique ways Lisa supports diverse family structures, including LGBTQIA+ and single-parent families.
• Lisa’s five-step process for choosing a donor and why it’s so important to consider the psychological and genetic aspects of family building.

Read the full show notes and transcript on Dr. Aimee's website. You can find Lisa Schuman's site: The Center for Family Building

Amanda Troxler has been practicing family formation law since 2013. She represents hundreds of Intended Parents, Donors, and Surrogates a year. Additionally, Amanda has personal experience in third party assisted reproduction, having been an egg donor. In today’s show we are going to explain what family formation law is. As a fertility patient, it’s important that you understand some of the basic legal pieces that you might want to have in place for your journey, whether that be for IVF, or if you’re going to be using donor eggs, donor sperm, or using a gestational carrier. I very much love Amanda’s thoughtful and caring approach to making family formation law approachable. As she says, “healthy families are formed through honest communication and centering the needs of the future child." Amanda received her J.D. from UCLA law on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship in 2012. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University in 2008. Amanda is a member of the Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers (“ACAL”), Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (“SEEDS”), and American Society of Reproductive Medicine (“ASRM”). Thank you for joining me, Amanda!

Read the full show notes and transcript on Dr. Aimee's website. You can find Amanda's site at troxlaw.com

Hosted by Dr. Ban, I'm sharing everything you need to know about getting precision fertility care.... in ten minutes. You'll hear all about the TUSHY Method, the specifics of the BALLS Method, along with the Egg Whisperer DIET and your fertility TEAM.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Find Dr. Ban at Weightless 4 Life: https://www.weightless4life.com/

I have patients that come to me from all over the world. There’s one question I always ask when reviewing their IVF cycle history.

What was your embryo quality?

I hear time and time again from patients that they don’t know it because their doctor told them embryo quality doesn’t matter with IVF. That’s simply not true!

Just like diamonds in a jewelry store. Quality matters. Just like there is a grading system for diamonds, there is also a grading system for embryos. It’s important for you to know that this exists and to ask for your embryo grade.

When it comes to getting pregnant and IVF, the implantation rate is determined by the embryo quality and rating. 

Read the full show notes at Dr. Aimee's website.

IVF is a very emotional journey. It can be riddled with fear, doubt, and is full of periods of waiting and wondering. For my patients, I want to reduce any emotional or physical burdens by creating an IVF checklist for them. It covers the core essentials of everything we need to do, so there are no conversations that begin with, “I wish I would have…” down the road.

I don’t want you to have to wonder if you’ve done everything you can to have a successful IVF outcome. This is true if you’re my patient, or you live half-way across the world.

I want to equip you with a complete IVF checklist. I want you to feel prepared going into IVF so there is less chance of having any regrets if things don’t pan out as you hope they will. Of course, this can’t serve as your only guidance during IVF. Please discuss anything and everything with your doctor!

Read all of the show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

In this episode, I'm sharing all of the details about IVF, including debunking some of the common misconceptions about it. (like the myth that it causes early menopause or is linked to birth defects, cancer, or autism). I also walk you through the IVF process step by step, from egg retrieval to embryo transfer, and share insights on what really impacts success, like antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, and sperm health.

I also talk about how IVF can impact future fertility and share tips to help you ask the right questions during your fertility consultations.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about IVF, this episode is for you. Tune in now to feel informed, empowered, and ready to take the next step on your fertility journey!"

I'm so excited to share this episode with Dr. Roxanne Pero, an OB-GYN who blends Western medicine with integrative lifestyle and functional medicine to support women’s reproductive health. Dr. Roxanne opens up about her personal journey, including her own fertility challenges and how she became a mother through both biological means and adoption.

We talk about the importance of taking a holistic approach to fertility, from non-toxic lifestyle choices and hormone balance to building emotional resilience. Dr. Roxanne also gives us a closer look at her practice and how she combines Western and holistic methods to optimize health—focusing on nutrition, stress management, and personalized care.

She shares her adoption journey as well, offering an inspiring perspective on the resilience and dedication it takes to grow your family. I think you’re going to love hearing her story and learning from her insights!

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

You can Find Dr. Roxanne Pero at her website, or on Instagram.

Dr. Pero is an OB/GYN from Louisiana with an incredible combination of expertise in western medicine, integrative lifestyle, and functional medicine. In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of holistic healthcare for women’s reproductive health. Dr. Pero shares her own deeply personal fertility journey, including her experiences with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and hormone imbalances. Her story is one of resilience and determination, and it’s shaped her approach to patient care.

She focuses on empowering her patients by reintegrating them into their care plans, emphasizing non-toxic lifestyle choices, emotional resilience, and hormone balance.

In this episode we cover:

• Dr. Roxanne Pero’s expertise in blending western and holistic medicine.
• The importance of humility, empathy, and thorough diagnoses in patient care.
• How non-toxic lifestyle choices and food as medicine can support fertility.
• The role of functional medicine in fertility treatments.
• Dr. Pero’s personal journey to motherhood and how it influences her care approach.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website. 

Learn more: Dr. Roxanne Pero's website: https://aliveandwell.health/roxanne-pero-md/

Dr. Roxanne Pero on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroxannepero/

I'm excited to have Dr. Allen joining me today on the Egg Whisperer Show podcast to talk about surrogacy and how to have an emotionally healthy journey. She is a licensed professional counselor who focuses on working with fertility patients, and has a lot of experience counseling people who have chosen a surrogate as part of their journey.

Surrogacy is for everyday people who want to grow their family, but they are unable to do that with their own uterus for a number of reasons. In this interview, Dr. Allen and I talk about how we help patients focus on ways to keep the surrogacy relationship peaceful and harmonious. While any relationship can have challenges, this discussion will teach you everything you need to know to keep this special relationship special and beautiful for everyone involved. 

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Join Egg Whisperer School Checkout the podcast Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I get asked questions about IVF daily, from my patients and from those seeking treatment elsewhere in the United States and beyond. While the steps involved in IVF are generally the same, the factors to consider and the patient’s needs are all unique. While I can’t cover all scenarios in a single show (or blog post), I do want to recap some of the most common questions I get and answer some specific inquiries that were emailed to me. There’s a chance you have the same question as someone else.

Read all of the show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Whitney Bischoff Angel is joining me to talk all about Egg Freezing. Whitney is a fertility nurse and patient advocate at Ova: Egg Freezing Specialty Center specializing in fertility ppreservation for women. 

Whitney made the personal decision to freeze her own eggs in 2013, which she credits for making her an even stronger fertility nurse. In 2015, Whitney joined ABC’s The Bachelor, and since then she has used her platform to promote egg freezing, educating women around the world to be proactive versus reactive when it comes to their reproductive health. She's appeared on ABC’s Nightline, Good Morning America, Extra TV, People Magazine, Women's Health magazine and many other publications. Today we’re covering 8 great reasons to freeze your eggs. These include helping your future self, how freezing eggs can be an insurance policy, the genetic reasons you may want to freeze your eggs, and why you might want to freeze your eggs even if you aren’t sure if you want to have children or haven’t found the right partner. I hope you’ll tune in as we walk through all eight reasons. Thank you for joining me, Whitney!

Read the full transcript on my website.

You can find Whitney Bischoff Angel and OVA Egg Freezing online by clicking here.

Subscribe to this podcast by clicking here.

On this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m excited to welcome Dr. Karen Tang, a gynecologist with over 15 years of experience and the author of It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health, But Were Never Told.

In our conversation, we tackle some of the biggest myths surrounding women’s reproductive health, from conditions like endometriosis and fibroids to chronic pelvic pain and menopause. Dr. Tang explains the historical roots of the term "hysteria" and how the normalization of women’s pain continues to impact healthcare today.

Dr. Tang also shares practical tools from her book, including tips on how to advocate for yourself during medical appointments. We talk about the importance of early diagnosis and the steps patients can take to ensure they’re getting the care they deserve.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Get Dr. Tang's book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250894151/itsnothysteria/

Visit Dr. Tang's website: https://thrivegyn.com/

Dr. Aimee's Fertility Essentials: https://www.draimee.org/fertility-essentials

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm joined by Dr. Karen Tang, a renowned gynecologist and advocate for women's health. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Tang specializes in endometriosis, fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, menopause, and gender-affirming care. She is the founder of Thrive Gynecology in Philadelphia, where she provides expert care to patients nationwide. Dr. Tang shares insights from her new book, It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health, which educates and empowers women by dispelling myths and addressing common issues like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids. The discussion also delves into systemic barriers in healthcare, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical tips for making the most of your doctor’s visits.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Get Dr. Tang's book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250894151/itsnothysteria/

Visit Dr. Tang's website: https://thrivegyn.com/

Dr. Aimee's Fertility Essentials: https://www.draimee.org/fertility-essentials

I'm so excited to share my conversation with Dr. Ramy Ghayda, the Chief Medical Officer of Legacy, in this episode! We dive into the benefits and process of freezing sperm and discuss the incredible range of services Legacy provides, including sperm analysis, DNA fragmentation testing, and sperm storage.

Dr. Ramy emphasizes the importance of male involvement in fertility planning and explains how freezing sperm can be a game-changer—not just for individuals with low semen parameters, but also for those with optimal semen quality who want to plan ahead. We also explore how Legacy supports individuals emotionally through their fertility journey with telehealth services designed to make the process easier.

If you’ve ever wondered about the effectiveness of frozen sperm in IVF or how long sperm can be stored, we’ve got you covered in this episode. I can’t wait for you to hear Dr. Ramy’s insights!

You can find the full show notes on my website.

Visit GiveLegacy.com to learn more about Legacy Sperm products.

I’m thrilled to welcome Anne Matthews, a renowned acupuncturist and founder of Energy Tree Studios in Toronto, to the show! Anne is known for her humorous and down-to-earth approach, and in this episode, we dive into how endometriosis impacts the immune system and how acupuncture can be a powerful tool in managing this condition—especially for women trying to conceive.

We also explore the science behind acupuncture, lifestyle changes that can make a difference, and the importance of a holistic approach to fertility treatments. Anne even shares her personal wellness routines and answers common questions I hear all the time, like how often you should get acupuncture during an IVF cycle.

Our conversation is full of laughter, insightful anecdotes, and practical tips, making this episode as entertaining as it is informative.

Read the full show notes on my website: https://www.draimee.org/endometriosis-acupuncture-and-improving-immune-function-with-anne-matthews

You can find Anne Matthew here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energytreeanne/

"Trying to be Positive" podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trying-to-be-positive-with-anne-matthews/id1732926093

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m thrilled to welcome Anne Matthews, a renowned practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and the founder of Energy Tree Studios in Toronto. We’re diving into an important topic: endometriosis. This pro-inflammatory condition can significantly impact fertility, and Anne shares how acupuncture can play a role in supporting immune function and improving fertility outcomes. 

What I love is that Anne does an amazing job of explaining the science behind the immune challenges linked to endometriosis, and she's sharing some recent studies that offer new ideas about how acupuncture can help manage endometriosis. We talk about the roles of cytokines and macrophages, and she highlights how personalized diet plans and exercise routines can make a big difference for fertility patients.

In this episode, we cover:

• Understanding endometriosis: What it is, how it affects fertility, and its connection to immune challenges like cytokines and macrophages.
• The role of acupuncture: How it supports immune function and improves fertility outcomes for those with endometriosis.
• Personalized approaches: Tailoring diet plans and exercise routines to manage endometriosis and boost overall health.
• Inspiring success stories: How a patient with severe endometriosis achieved her dream of becoming a mother through a multidisciplinary approach.
• Empowering tools for healing: How holistic practices, like vision boards and integrative care, can support your fertility journey.

Read the full show notes on my website: https://www.draimee.org/endometriosis-acupuncture-and-improving-immune-function-with-anne-matthews

You can find Anne Matthew here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energytreeanne/

"Trying to be Positive" podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trying-to-be-positive-with-anne-matthews/id1732926093

1. Unhealthy BMI
2. Abnormal Sleep Patterns
3. Fibroids
4. Endometriosis
5. Blocked Fallopian Tubes
6. Abnormal Semen Parameters
7. Autoimmune Diseases
8. Reproductive Toxins

I'm honored to have Genetic Counselor Meaghan Doyle on The Egg Whisperer Show for a fascinating and vital discussion about mosaic embryos. If you’re going through IVF, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.⁠ ⁠ Plus, we dive into the importance of detailed genetic testing and working with a genetic counselor to make the best decisions for your embryo transfers.⁠ ⁠ Here are 5 key questions we answer during the episode:⁠ 1️⃣What are mosaic embryos?⁠ 2️⃣How do you know if you have a mosaic embryo?⁠ 3️⃣Are all mosaic embryos the same, or are there different kinds?⁠ 4️⃣How can a mosaic embryo become a healthy baby?⁠ 5️⃣Can you go back and request your embryo report?⁠ ⁠ Let’s bust some myths, share the science, and empower you with the knowledge you need.⁠

Tune in on my website: https://www.draimee.org/genetics-mosaic-embryos-and-your-fertility-with-guest-meaghan-doyle

When you’re doing IVF, it’s important to be prepared. I want you to have the best outcome possible, and for me that includes making sure you have everything you need on hand to support your physical, mental, and emotional health as you go through the process.

I’m thrilled to host Marc Sherman, founder of Organic Conceptions  to The Egg Whisperer Show. We’re diving into the essential role mental health plays in fertility—whether you're trying naturally, through IVF, or IUI. 

Marc shares his personal story and insights on the emotional stages couples experience, and how understanding these stages can help you find balance, resilience, and even joy during this challenging time.

Fertility journeys can feel all-consuming, and I was blown away by the wisdom Marc shares on today's episode, "we get to the root of our experience and give people the tools to really change the way in which they're interpreting their journey and the meaning they give it, and the life they created around it. A lot of people allow the fertility journey to consume them. And I want to tell them, 'Keep living fully, even while it may feel like you're living to try."

Read the full transcript on Dr. Aimee's website.

You can find Marc Sherman's site, Organic Conceptions, here.

In this episode, we discuss the comprehensive guide 'The Expert Guide to Fertility: Boost Your Chances for Pregnancy' by Dr. Artie Kumar and Dr. Sanfilippo. The book provides crucial information on navigating the challenging journey to fertility.

Dr. Kumar shares the background and vision behind the book, recounting how it was shaped by her and Dr. Sanfilippo's experiences and conversations with patients. The discussion covers diagnostic tests for fertility, treatment for endometriosis, and the importance of understanding medical, emotional, and financial aspects of fertility.

Additionally, Dr. Kumar offers insights into how the book aims to educate and empower readers by giving them the vocabulary to better communicate their experiences and needs.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Get The Expert Guide to Fertility: https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Guide-Fertility-Chances-Pregnancy/dp/1421447061/

I’m thrilled to have Dr. Sanfilippo and Dr. Kumar join me on this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show to discuss their easy to read, and patient friendly new book, The Expert Guide to Fertility: Boost Your Chances for Pregnancy. This comprehensive guide is designed to support individuals and couples on their fertility journeys, offering an in-depth look at the human reproductive system, identifying common barriers to conception, and exploring medical, surgical, and lifestyle interventions to improve the chances of pregnancy.

In this episode, we cover:

• An introduction to Dr. Sanfilippo and Dr. Kumar and their motivation for writing this essential fertility guide.
•  The personal experiences that shaped their approach to fertility care and inspired their book. - Practical recommendations, from lifestyle changes to medical and surgical interventions, to enhance fertility.
• Fertility preservation strategies for cancer patients and tailored solutions for LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents, and military families.
• How to navigate the financial side of fertility treatments, including working with insurance and accessing affordable care options.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Get The Expert Guide to Fertility: https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Guide-Fertility-Chances-Pregnancy/dp/1421447061/

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Meivys Garcia, a fertility specialist who brings both personal and professional insights to the world of infertility care. Together, we dive into a range of topics, including IVF, embryo transfers, and infertility treatment options. Dr. Garcia shares her background, her unique approach to patient care, and provides detailed answers to your most pressing questions about IVF outcomes, embryo grading, and tailored treatment protocols.

We also explore some of the most frequently asked questions about autoimmune issues, endometriosis, and how conditions like endometrial cancer impact fertility treatment.

This episode covers:

• Day five versus day six embryos
• Using mosaic embryos
• Autoimmune issues and miscarriages
• Endometriosis and implantation
• Natural killer cells

On this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Carol Curchoe, an amazing clinical embryologist and reproductive physiologist, for a fascinating Q&A all about embryology. Dr. Curchoe brings her wealth of experience to answer your questions on everything from embryo grading to the factors that impact egg and sperm quality.

We dive into topics like embryonic development, genetic testing, embryo transfer strategies, and even explore cutting-edge technologies like AI for sperm selection and the use of embryo glue. Dr. Curchoe also shares insights from real-world patient scenarios and discusses challenging cases, offering valuable perspectives on fertility treatments and embryology practices.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Learn more about Dr. Carol Curchoe.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Join Egg Whisperer School Checkout the podcast Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein, a renowned expert in endometriosis and minimally invasive gynecology. Together, we dive into the challenges of diagnosing and treating endometriosis, a condition that is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Dr. Goldstein shares her expertise on why endometriosis frequently goes undiagnosed for years, the differences between surgical approaches like robotic and laparoscopic surgery, and the connection between endometriosis and infertility.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• The complexities of diagnosing endometriosis and why it’s often delayed
• Advances in minimally invasive gynecology for treating endometriosis
• The critical role of fertility preservation for patients with endometriosis
• A comparison of robotic and laparoscopic surgical techniques
• The link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Resources:

Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein's website: Esse Care

Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein on Instagram

Get Dr. Aimee's Fertility Essentials

In this live Fertility Expert Q and A , I'm joined by Dr. Andrea Vidali. I had the honor of interviewing him about Pregmune, a platform for patients to receive a Reproductive Immunology work-up with him. We dove into the 6 categories that are part of a reproductive immunology work-up: HLA testing, NK activity, Systemic Inflammation, Thrombophilia, Regulatory T-cell, and Autoimmunity. It was so fascinating to learn from the best today. I hope you will listen in!

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Pregmune's website.

In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Meredith Provost, a highly accomplished reproductive endocrinologist, to talk about common fertility challenges and solutions. We dive into her extensive experience and explore fertility treatments like IUI, IVF, and ways to address both male and female infertility.

Together, we answer a variety of audience questions, covering topics like sperm count, egg quality, endometriosis, and more. Dr. Provost also shares valuable advice on preparing for fertility treatments, managing stress, and understanding hormonal profiles.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Dr. Meredith Provost at Indiana Fertility Institute

Dr. Amy Beckley, the founder of The Proov Test, shares her personal journey with infertility and how it led to the invention of a home ovulation tracking test.

Dr. Beckley experienced infertility issues due to a progesterone deficiency. She explains how recognizing this problem and supplementing progesterone helped her conceive naturally. The Proov Test enables women to track their progesterone levels conveniently at home, providing valuable insights to discuss with their doctors.

This episode covers the importance of progesterone, the functionality of The Proov Test, and lifestyle changes that can enhance progesterone levels naturally.

Read the full show notes on my website.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Get The Proov Test for 20% off.

Learn more about The Proov Test.

In this episode, Dr. Dylan Cutler, a PhD specialist in obstetrics and gynecology from Victoria, BC, discusses how lifestyle modifications can aid in managing and healing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Dr. Cutler emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and sleep in reducing PCOS symptoms. She also touches on advocacy in healthcare settings, the benefits of forest bathing, and misconceptions about certain foods and supplements for those managing PCOS. Additionally, she shares her personal experiences with PCOS and its mental health impacts, offering practical tips and resources for viewers.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find Dr. Cutler's website here. 

I’m thrilled to share my latest episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, where I sit down with the inspiring Alison Beder Solway. Alison is a fitness expert, author, and mother of four who has a unique and beautiful perspective on perseverance, self-advocacy, and hope. In this episode, we dive into her journey of expanding her family through surrogacy 25 years ago and her more recent experience of training for the New York City Marathon.

These two life-changing experiences inspired her memoir, The Miles We Run, where she shares how surrogacy and marathon running are deeply connected through themes of endurance, discipline, and resilience.

In this episode, we cover:

• How surrogacy and marathon training both teach endurance and resilience.
• The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and personal journeys.
• Alison's reflections on hope and perseverance during life's challenges.
• Lessons from blending mental and physical strength to overcome obstacles.
• The inspiration behind Alison’s memoir, The Miles We Run.

Resources:

You can find Alison’s memoir, The Miles We Run, wherever books are sold. To learn more about her fitness programs, visit ABS Fitness, where Alison helps women over 40 build strength and resilience. Find Dr. Aimee's Fertility Essentials

Join The IVF Class

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m joined by the amazing Dina Kupfer, CBS 13 News anchor and advocate for normalizing conversations around fertility. Dina shares her deeply personal fertility journey, including the heartbreak of experiencing three missed miscarriages over the past three years and how it shaped her perspective on the importance of support and education. She opens up about her decision to share her story publicly, the outpouring of encouragement she received, and how it’s inspired her to help others feel less alone.

We also dive into the role mental health plays in navigating fertility challenges. Dina talks about the tools that have helped her, from therapy to meditation and staying active, and how they’ve supported her healing and resilience. Together, we explore the need for greater awareness, early intervention options, and the power of community in fertility care. Dina’s courage and openness are truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful to have her on the show.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find Dina Kupfer on Instagram. 

Other ways to follow Dr. Aimee:

Yesterday, Dr. Renée Hilliard and I talked all about Sex, Love, and Relationships - and I received SO many questions from all of you that I'm having her back for part two. We'll be talking about how to best cope with the stressors of life that negatively affect intimacy. I'm also asking her some of the questions you sent in about how to better enjoy sex, how to improve intimacy, and how to drop into your body to be open to receiving pleasure. ⠀

In this episode, Dr. Aimee welcomes Dr. Nitu Bajekal, a renowned Ob-Gyn and women's health expert, to discuss her two insightful books, Living PCOS Free: How to Regain Your Hormonal Health with PCOS and Finding Me in Menopause. Dr. Bajekal shares her personal journey through menopause, debunks common myths, and emphasizes the power of medical knowledge for self-empowerment.

She also introduces six lifestyle pillars to optimize health: quality sleep, stress reduction, regular exercise, avoiding risky substances like alcohol and tobacco, building a supportive social network, and following a nutritious diet.

Dr. Bajekal addresses navigating perimenopause and early menopause, focusing on fertility concerns and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

For further resources, links to her books, and educational fact sheets, you can connect with Dr. Bajekal on these platforms:

• Instagram: Dr. Nitu Bajekal on Instagram
• TikTok: Dr. Nitu Bajekal on TikTok
• Website: Dr. Nitu Bajekal’s Official Website

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Nitu Bajekal, an incredibly experienced obstetrician and gynecologist with nearly 40 years in clinical practice. Known by many as "Dr. Magical Bajekal," she brings invaluable insights into the world of menopause, PCOS, endometriosis, and complex vulval issues. We dive deep into the topics of perimenopause and menopause, discussing why recognizing these phases is so essential for women’s health.

Dr. Bajekal shares how menopause is diagnosed and highlights the powerful role of lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition in managing symptoms. And, we discuss her new book, Finding Me in Menopause: Flourishing in Perimenopause and Menopause using Nutrition and Lifestyle.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Dr. Bajekal's website

Dr. Nitu Bajekal's book: Finding Me in Menopause: Flourishing in Perimenopause and Menopause using Nutrition and Lifestyle

Dr. Dana McQueen at RMA San Francisco

Dr. Dana McQueeen on Instagram

It seems like everyone is doing IVF. You hear about it in the news. You hear about it in different articles. You hear about it from your neighbors, your friends, so many different people are doing IVF. Everyone is giving different bits of information, but what are you supposed to believe? Today, I want to talk about the risks of IVF so that you know what you’re getting yourself into. IVF allows you to preserve embryos for the future, genetically test embryos, and it offers the highest pregnancy rate of current fertility treatments.   In this episode, I'm sharing: - The basics of IVF: fertility preservation and genetic testing - Managing the stress and emotional side of IVF treatment - The physical impact of IVF on your body - OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) - The chances of pregnancy with IVF

- IVF and chance of a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets) - Myths about IVF 

Read the full transcript on Dr. Aimee's website.

With women waiting to have children later in life, one of the most commonly asked questions I hear is "How Old is "Too Old" to have a Baby?" I'm excited to talk about this topic in this week's show, so you have all the #fertilityfacts you need to plan your fertility future.

Regardless of your age, it is smart to get your fertility levels checked. We now live in a world where tests that can help paint a picture of your fertility levels and diagnosis are both more accessible and affordable. It’s for that reason that I recommend to anyone that thinks they may want a family someday to get their TUSHY checked. Read the full transcript on my website.

Dr. Aimee invites board-certified genetic counselor Natalie Richeimer to discuss the crucial intersection of genetic counseling, IVF, and cancer. Natalie explains the role of genetic counselors in the fertility space, particularly how they assist patients in understanding their risk for genetic conditions stemming from family history, personal health, or ethnicity.

Dr. Aimee and Natalie talk about the important work done by JScreen, an organization providing accessible genetic testing for cancer and carrier screening. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding whether cancer is hereditary or sporadic, the implications of genetic predispositions, and how early genetic testing can impact fertility planning and treatment options.

Natalie shares insights on the different types of genetic tests available, including those for embryos, and emphasizes the evolving nature and expanding role of genetic testing in family planning. They also discuss common misconceptions about genetic testing, especially among patients with a family history of cancer, and offer practical advice on how to access genetic counseling and testing through JScreen.

Read the the full article on Dr. Aimee's site. 

JScreen’s website

JScreen on Instagram

Today on The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m so thrilled to welcome the insightful and compassionate Dr. Stacia Mills, a reproductive psychiatrist joining us from Oakland, California! Dr. Mills has a passion for supporting patients’ mental wellness on their fertility journey, and she’s here to share invaluable tips on how to keep your mental health strong while trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, and throughout the postpartum period.

One of the best parts?

Dr. Mills shares wisdom from her ebook, A Brief Guide to Mental Wellness While Family Planning, packed with practical advice for lifestyle changes that can lift your mood and support reproductive health. From the importance of a good support network to the big benefits of balanced nutrition, exercise, and quality sleep, Dr. Mills explains how these factors all play a role in mental well-being.

She also emphasizes that no matter what your journey to family looks like, you deserve mental health care that’s just as unique as you are. So tune in, prioritize your wellness, and let’s take some steps together toward a happier, healthier you!

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find Dr. Stacia Mill’s Website here.

Download your free copy of “A Brief Guide to Mental Wellness While Family Planning” by Stacia Mills, MD

Today on the podcast, I'm sharing part two of a two part series of interviews with the founders of The Chick Mission which is a national foundation that is working together to preserve hope, sanity, and choice for women battling cancer. They are focused on making sure that all women diagnosed with cancer have the financial support, educational information, and legislative advocacy to preserve their fertility. After personal experiences, founders Amanda Rice and Tracy Weiss came together to make sure that all cancer patients have a full life with options to grow a family, after they beat the disease. Tracy Weiss is the Executive Director of Chick Mission. She is also a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with cancer at the age 30. Her insurance company denied her claim to preserve her fertility, describing it as an ‘elective’ procedure. Tracy partnered with Amanda to start The Chick Mission to help other women facing the same challenges.

This is a thought-provoking conversation that originally aired on Sunday Soulday with the incredible Damesha Craig and Alli Johnstone.

We talk about:

• fertility myths
• the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatment
• navigating the fertility journey
• the intersection of fertility and mental health
• depression and resilience
• the emotional side of being a fertility doctor

It's a vulnerable and heartfelt discussion, and I can't wait for you to hear it. I'm grateful to have been invited to join Damesha and Alli on their show, and appreciate that they are normalizing real talk about many of the things we all encounter in life.

Find the full show notes for this episode on Dr. Aimee's website.

You can find Sunday Soulday on YouTube by clicking here.

I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of The Egg Whisperer Show where I had the honor of chatting with Dr. Justin Thompson, one of the most inspiring and dedicated OB-GYNs I know! 

Justin joins me to share his incredible journey through the medical field: early on, he made an unexpected shift from oncology to obstetrics, inspired by personal experiences. He’s crafted an innovative practice focused on personalized patient care, and we share similar views on the importance of building close-knit relationships with patients. 

Our conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of starting his own practice, the importance of selecting the right obstetrician, and his hopes for the future of obstetrics. Dr. Thompson's passion for his work and his dedication to his patients underscore every topic, making this episode a must-listen for those starting or already on their pregnancy journey. Join us as we explore the profound impact of compassionate and personalized medical care in obstetrics.

Here is what we are talking about in this brand new episode:

• Dr. Thompson shares his inspirational journey from medical school to becoming a beloved OB-GYN.
• We talk about the importance of building a relationship with your obstetrician before pregnancy.
• Dr. Thompson discusses the unique needs and care considerations for IVF patients.
• Insightful advice for couples and individuals starting their pregnancy journey.
• Our discussion on the future of obstetrics and how personalized care can make all the difference.
• I hope you’ll tune in and hear our thoughts about patient care. You can find the link in my profile.

Resources:

Dr. Justin Thompson's website: Dedicated Pregnancy Care

Dr. Justin Thompson on Instagram

Join Dr. Aimee's IVF Class by clicking here

Get Dr. Aimee's Fertility Essentials and Supplement List

I’m thrilled to share a special episode of The Egg Whisperer Show that originally aired on Pregnantish with Andrea Syrtash. In this episode, Andrea interviews the incredible Clare Crawley from The Bachelor about her fertility journey. Clare has been so brave in sharing her story, and as one of my patients, it’s been a privilege to support her along the way. She opens up about her struggles with fertility, her decision to pursue surrogacy, and the ups and downs of finding love while navigating these challenges.

In the second part of the episode, I talk about a supplement I recommend to all my patients—TruNiagen—and the powerful benefits of NAD+ for fertility and overall health. This is a must-listen if you're on your own fertility journey or want to learn more about how to support your body! And, it was such an honor to be included on Pregnantish :)

Tune in now to hear Clare’s emotional story and my insights on optimizing fertility health.

Find the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Follow Pregnantish, hosted by Andrea Syrtash

Follow Clare Crawley on Instagram

Learn more about TruNiagen

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Resources:

The Seed Scout’s website

The Seed Scout on Instagram

I’m talking all about the benefits of known sperm donation with Danielle Winston of The Seed Scout @theseedscout on today’s brand new episode of The Egg Whisperer Show.⁠ ⁠ When Danielle and her partner, practicing pediatrician Dr. Paige Kennedy-Winston, were looking to build their own family, they quickly realized the space of sperm banking was riddled with roadblocks for most families.⁠ ⁠ The process was highly impersonal, the anonymity and lack of diversity adding to the problem, and options seemed extremely limited. That’s when Danielle and Dr. Kennedy-Winston took matters into their own hands and found their own donor. ⁠ ⁠ They got the idea for their sperm donor matchmaking concierge service, The Seed Scout, from their own first-hand experience. With Danielle’s business and law background and Dr. Kennedy-Winston’s pediatric experience, they made The Seed Scout a reality by taking a human-centered, ethical approach to known sperm donation that’s founded on the belief that it’s a basic human right to know the identity of one’s donor and genetic origins.⁠ ⁠ In this conversation, Danielle and I talked all about:⁠ ⁠ 💙How The Seed Scout is different from traditional sperm banks⁠ 💙The extensive screening process used to make sure donors are aligned with their clients⁠ 💙Why it was so important to learn about and build from the perspective of donor-conceived individuals⁠ 💙How The Seed Scout guides families through the legal and logistical aspects of donor conception to ensure a smooth, ethical process⁠ 💙How they balance the seriousness of family planning with creating a fun and fulfilling experience for their clients⁠ ⁠ If you’re curious about sperm donation and want to understand the process, your most ethical options, and how you can actually make this fun, you’re not going to want to miss this episode!⁠

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Resources:

The Seed Scout’s website

The Seed Scout on Instagram

Discover all the answers to some of the most common questions you may have about your menstrual cycle, hormones in your menstrual cycle, ovulation, implantation, and the 2ww (two week wait). 

If you are trying to get pregnant, you may have heard the term—two week wait, the often nervous time of waiting between ovulation and taking a pregnancy test. For many, this is a dreaded time because it’s hard to know exactly what is happening. But by learning more about your cycle, you can have more knowledge about what might happen. 

The implantation window is during the two week wait. Since progesterone is the hormone responsible for supporting implantation, it must be present during the entire implantation window. You can track your progesterone during this window by tracking PdG, progesterone in urine. 

Proov has unique testing capabilities to test PdG during the implantation window to confirm successful ovulation. 

Studies show PdG levels are incredibly important for implantation and pregnancy success, for example, women with high PdG during the implantation window were 75% more likely to get pregnant. In contrast, women with low PdG had a miscarriage rate of 90%. 

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

You can find more about tracking your implantation window and PdG at Proov: https://proovtest.com/products/proov-test-strips

Amy Klein is the author of the new book, "The Trying Game: Get Through Fertility Treatment and Get Pregnant Without Losing Your Mind." As a former fertility patient, she did 9 rounds of IVF on her road to becoming a parent, and wrote about all of it for the New York Times Motherlode blog in her "Fertility Diary" column. This week on the podcast, Amy and I are talking about fertility, her journey, and the advice she has for others.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!

Join Egg Whisperer School Checkout the podcast Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

I’m thrilled to have Dr. Dana McQueen from RMA in San Francisco join us for this episode of our IG Live series. Dr. McQueen is a renowned reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN, recognized for her work in IVF research and recurrent pregnancy loss. We discussed the latest findings and treatments in this challenging area, offering hope and solutions to patients navigating this journey.

We covered the common causes of recurrent pregnancy loss, the emotional support patients need, and how IVF may play a role. Dr. McQueen also shared insights from recent studies and answered audience questions about genetic factors, immune testing, and chronic endometritis.

Main Highlights:

• Common causes of recurrent pregnancy loss: genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, and anatomic factors.
• Emotional support and validation for patients.
• The role of IVF in treating recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Recent studies, including NIH research on miscarriage genetics.

Q&A Topics:

• MTHFR mutation, endometriosis diagnosis, chronic endometritis treatment, and immune testing.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Dr. Dana McQueen at RMA San Francisco

Dr. Dana McQueeen on Instagram

I’m excited to welcome Dr. Dana McQueen, a highly knowledgeable reproductive endocrinologist and board-certified OB/GYN from Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA). We dive into the topic of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), a deeply emotional and complex issue that many couples face. Dr. McQueen sheds light on the latest research, potential causes, and the treatments available to help couples navigate this challenging journey.

Dr. McQueen also highlights chronic endometritis, a condition that is often overlooked but could be an important factor in miscarriage. She explains how it differs from endometriosis and why diagnosing it is crucial for some patients. In addition to the science, we cover practical guidance for couples, including what male partners can do to check their sperm health and the importance of identifying conditions like chronic endometritis.

In this episode, we cover:

• The latest advancements in understanding the causes of miscarriage, including chromosome errors and male factors.
• The role of sperm DNA fragmentation and how male partners can get tested.
• Chronic endometritis: what it is, how it's diagnosed, and why it matters.
• The differences between chronic endometritis and endometriosis.
• New research and treatment options, including genetic testing for embryos during IVF.

Read the full show notes for this episode on Dr. Aimee's website.

Today on The Egg Whisperer Show podcast, I’m honored to be sharing a conversation all about endometrial analysis. Originally hosted by Tiffany Stankewicz and Nasser Al Asmar of Igenomix / Vitrolife Group, this interview included Dr. Allison Rodgers and Dr. Aimee 

We did a deep dive on how endometrial analysis works, and the tools that are available for fertility patients to get a better understanding of what may be happening with their endometrial lining. We also talk about how endometrial receptivity testing can lead to better outcomes for patients. The truth is that up to 30% of women have pathogenic bacteria in their endometrial lining that can negatively affect an embryo’s ability to implant, and the good news is that there are simple antibiotics that can improve the lining.

Dr. Rodgers and I have both had a lot of experience using the tools that Igenomix has created to test the endometrium, and we have both found that they can improve a patient’s chance for a successful pregnancy. They call the trio of tests “Endometrio” and it includes EMMA, ALICE, and ERA. These three tests do the following:

ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) - The ERA test evaluates the stage of an endometrium to determine if a receptive or non-receptive genetic profile is present at the time of biopsy.

EMMA (Endometrial Microbiome Metagenomic Analysis) - A screening test to evaluate the endometrium at the microbiological level.

ALICE (Analysis of Infectious Chronic Endometritis) - ALICE detects the bacteria causing chronic endometritis to improve your patient’s reproductive prognosis.

Tune in to learn more about endometrial analysis and how these tests, and the science behind them, can give fertility patients more insights about their endometrium, implantation, and chances for pregnancy.

Thank you for hosting, Tiffany and Nasser, and thank you for the great discussion, Allison!

You can tune in to all of the discussions hosted by Igenomix at ASRM on YouTube.

You can find Igenomix here.

You all know that I talk about gathering a fertility TEAM when you are a fertility patient. TEAM stands for 

T: Therapist

E: Eating and Exercise

A: Acupuncture

M: Mindfulness and meditation

I’m speaking with two Egg Whisperers visiting with us from Seattle, Washington, Stephanie Gianarelli and Dr. Lora Shahine. They are experts in all aspects of fertility.  I invited them on to discuss the A of TEAM = ACUPUNCTURE. Stephanie is a fertility acupuncturist in downtown Seattle. Dr. Lora Shahine is a reproductive endocrinologist specializing in infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss at Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists in Seattle. Together, they have written a book called Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy.  We are talking about the role that Chinese Medicine plays in fertility treatment, and they will share the benefits of acupuncture during treatment, as well.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

You can learn more about Dr. Lora Shahine and find her book by clicking here.

Stephanie Gianarelli at Acupuncture Northwest

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Join The Egg Whisperer School  and ask Dr. Aimee your question about IVF live on October 21, 2024. Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

When it comes to DOR, aka Diminished Ovarian Reserve, I will forever be reminding you, your friend, your friend’s mom and anyone else who will listen: “diminished” does not mean “zero”!

That’s why I’m so happy to have Dr. Geoffrey Sher back on the show to talk all about egg stimulation specifically for women with a diminished ovarian reserve. 

I know when patients hear “diminished” when it comes to their eggs, they think it’s all over. They imagine they’ve gone from having a whole bunch of gorgeous, high-quality eggs right to having none at all.

The truth is, every ovulating human on earth is going to go through DOR. And when it happens, it happens slowly, over time. There’s no emergency "eggs-it" that all your eggs run through all of a sudden, taking all your fertility journey goals with them.

Just because you may have gotten a DOR diagnosis does not mean your fertility journey ends here. In fact, there are still many ways that you can work with your doctor to give your remaining eggs the best chance at success. Like I always say: all it takes is one good egg!

Dr. Sher had so many excellent insights to share in this episode. Here are just a few things we talked about in this amazing conversation:

What you need to know about egg quality and how it declines over time

What we can do to give eggs the best chance during IVF

Why you might choose birth control (you read that right!) in this situation

If you or someone you care about is wondering what to do after a DOR diagnosis, tune in to this episode of the podcast at the link in my profile. I promise, there’s still so much hope for you and your dreams

Thank you once again for a great conversation, Dr. Sher!

In today's episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, we're "cracking open" the world of fertility with warmth, education, and a touch of fun. Today's episode is a special one featuring the incredible Dr. Erica Bove, a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist.

Dr. Bove brings a unique perspective to the fertility world. As a certified life coach through The Life Coach School, she's passionate about integrating the same approach into coaching relationships as she does as a fertility specialist, emphasizing the importance of seeing and understanding the whole person.

In today's conversation, we delve into Dr. Bove's expertise in the fields of sex, intimacy, embodiment, and mindful self-compassion. She firmly believes that the best outcomes are achieved when the entire person is acknowledged and supported. Join us as we explore her mission to heal and support healers while creating a legacy that she can be truly proud of.

Key Takeaways:

1. Navigating All Holidays with Infertility: Dr. Bove shares insightful tips on navigating holidays with infertility, including dealing with those nosy questions from Aunt Lucy. Learn how to gracefully handle these situations while preserving your own emotional well-being.

2. Infertility in the Professional World: As a professional woman herself, Dr. Bove discusses the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating infertility while managing a career. Discover practical strategies for balancing professional aspirations with the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments.

3. Keeping Intimacy Alive: Dr. Bove offers advice on maintaining intimacy throughout the fertility journey. Sometimes the logistics of being in treatment can make sex feel less magical, and Dr. Bove has ideas on how to spice it up.

4. Reasons for Authentic Hope: Explore the reasons for holding onto authentic hope during the fertility journey. Dr. Bove sheds light on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, finding joy in the journey, and cultivating resilience.

Find Dr. Erica Bove's website here.

We’re talking all about donor conception and infertility advocacy on today’s podcast episode with my wonderful guest, Victoria Nino. Victoria is the creator of Expecting Anything, a blog where she candidly shares her journey through infertility, IVF and motherhood through donor eggs. She is also the founder of Infertility Unfiltered, a platform dedicated to sharing raw, honest stories about infertility without the pressure of a positive outcome.

Victoria has just published her first children’s book, Our Hearts Match, which helps parents have important conversations with their donor-conceived children and to emphasize the bond that parents share with their children outside of DNA. She is on a mission to normalize donor conception, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on the show. Her work offers a message of hope, resilience, and understanding for those on their own fertility journey.

During our conversation, we talked about:

💙Why it's important to hear unfiltered narratives about infertility

💙Victoria’s fertility story, including what led her to consider donor eggs and what happened when she was ready to have a second child

💙Her inspiration for writing Our Hearts Match

💙What people should know about donor conception and third party reproduction

I’m excited to be joining Dr. Lorne Brown on the Conscious Fertility Podcast to dive into a fascinating topic—Rapamycin. While it’s started to be used as an anti-aging drug, I’ve been exploring its potential for reproductive health, especially in improving fertility and delaying menopause. 

In this episode, I share my personal experience taking Rapamycin, including how it’s affected my skin, menstrual cycles, and overall health. We’ll also get into the science behind it and how it may be beneficial for women going through menopause or undergoing fertility treatments like IVF. 

While I’m passionate about this topic, I want to emphasize that this is not medical advice—always consult your doctor before considering any new treatments. I also share how my alcohol-free lifestyle supports my approach to healthy aging and fertility.

Key points covered include:

• How Rapamycin may help delay menopause, reverse its effects, and support fertility treatments.
• Some of the potential side effects, like cystic acne and mouth sores.
• Why I started using and prescribing Rapamycin for longevity and helping women improve fertility later in life.
• My personal experience with Rapamycin, including smoother skin, regular cycles, and no gray hair at 48.
• The importance of consulting your doctor before trying Rapamycin, as this podcast is informational and not meant as medical advice.

Get the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Listen to Dr. Aimee interview Dr. Lorne Brown about about conscious fertility and psychoneuroimmunology.

You can find Dr. Brown here

Conscious Fertility Podcast

Dr. Lorne Brown On Instagram

Dr. Aimee’s list of supplements

If you know me, you know that I believe hope is an important part of anyone’s fertility journey. 

And, as a doctor, I feel it’s very important to explore every option that is out there with a patient so that they can become a parent. I loved getting to talk to Amanda Casgar of Hysterical about what the TTC journey looks like as we age, and speaking about the possibilities that open up when someone is ready to consider donor eggs. 

On the one hand, I believe in the fertility of every patient that I meet. I know that you may have been to other doctors, and for many people, your hope is to have a pregnancy with your own eggs.

And on the other hand, I know that there may be a time after a patient has tried different protocols or done several transfers that they are ready to try something else. They may know that beyond anything else, they want to be a parent, and for their own heart they need to have tried every thing possible with their own eggs before choosing other paths.

The truth is that any pregnancy is a miracle. 

DNA is not required to become a parent. 

And if your heart is set on it: you will become a mother, one way or another.

So thank you for having this very open and transparent conversation with me, Amanda. I love that you’re asking all sorts of questions about pregnancy, and menopause, and donor eggs. I loved our discussion so much that I’ve asked to re-air it on my own podcast today.

For more information and content about menopause, check out Hysterical.

I'm honored to be hosting Tara Lipinski for a conversation about her fertility journey. You likely know Tara as an Olympic figure skater, winning gold in 1998. She's also been a commentator for NBC, and at 41 she and her husband Todd are now sharing the story of their journey towards parenthood.⁠ ⁠ In People, Tara shared that "In the last five years, I've been under anesthesia 24 times, had four miscarriages, four D&Cs [dilation and curettage], six failed transfers, eight retrievals and was diagnosed with endometriosis with two subsequent major surgeries."⁠ ⁠ While she's lived a good deal of her life in the spotlight, she is just now ready to step into sharing about this journey with others. She and her husband have started their own podcast, "Unexpecting." I know you'll be inspired by her strength, her openness, and her determination. ⁠ ⁠ As she shared in People, " To get through this has really shown me how strong I am. You think as an athlete, 'Oh, I'm so strong and am able to get through anything,' and little did I know that this journey would actually teach me that I could do that. I was really put up to the test so many times where I thought, 'Oh, I have fallen down so hard I don't know how I'm going to get back up.'" ⁠ ⁠ Through it all, I haven't given up," she says. "My urge to become a mother is what had gotten me through and has kept me going. I've never wanted anything more."⁠

You can watch our conversation on Instagram, here.

And, you can find Unexpecting here.

There are so many important processes in our bodies that are controlled or affected directly by the health of our gut microbiome, and fertility is one of them. In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m joined by Josh Dech to talk about improving gut health for fertility. 

Josh is an ex-paramedic and Holistic Nutritionist, specializing in Crohn’s, Colitis and other related gut issues. He’s helped to reverse over 250 cases of Crohn’s and colitis, and is a medical lecturer at Priority Health Academy, helping educate doctors on the holistic approach to gut health, and inflammatory bowel disease. He’s also the host of ReversABLE, a top podcast about gut health.

I often talk about how important it is to fuel your body for it to feel the strongest it can as you go through your fertility journey, (that’s why the E in fertility TEAM stands for “eating and exercise”,) and gut health is a big part of the equation.

This episode covers:

• How gut health specifically impacts fertility, and what are the key connections between the two.
• The role the gut plays in regulating hormones.
• Some of the ways that poor gut health can negatively impact fertility and what to watch out for.
• How gut health plays into caring for conditions like PCOS and endometriosis
• The steps you can take to improve gut health and boost your chances of conception.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find Josh Dech online: https://gutsolution.ca

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshdech.health/

I’m excited to share that today on The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m airing an interview where Dr. Susan Fox hosted me on her podcast!  We dive into a topic I’m passionate about—egg freezing—and Dr. Fox asks whether I involve acupuncturists during egg freezing cycles. The answer is YES! 

I truly believe that building a "Fertility TEAM" is essential for a joyful and supported fertility journey. For me, TEAM stands for Therapy, Eating, Exercise, Acupuncture, Mindfulness, and Meditation. It’s not just about getting through tough moments; it’s about feeling supported and empowered throughout the entire process.

As you’ll hear me share, there’s no better time to build your fertility TEAM than at the beginning of your journey. The time to build it isn’t when you have a devastating result. It’s important to be supported throughout the process because it’s not easy, and I want the journey to be one of joy.

Acupuncture plays a huge role in helping patients feel more relaxed, improve recovery, and even feel stronger in early pregnancy. The right acupuncturist, with a true specialty in fertility, can be a game-changer.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

Find Dr. Susan Fox's podcast here. 

I may not be your fertility doctor, but it doesn’t matter where you live. If you’re thinking about or actively preparing for In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) then I’m so glad to have you here.

My intention is to help you get ready for IVF — regardless of who your doctor is or where you live. These are the tips you can apply to your situation to take an active role in your fertility care.

Step 1: Know your diagnosis Step 2: Assemble your team Step 3: Get organized & keep track of your files Step 4: Understand medication side effects Step 5: Understand your semen collection options Step 6: Decide if you are going to do IVF with or without ICSI or PICSI Step 7: Decide if you will genetically test the embryos Step 8: Understand if you will be at risk for OHSS Step 9: Prepare for the transfer

Read all of the show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm welcoming back renowned fertility specialist Dr. Geoffrey Sher to talk all about the causes and prevention of poor embryo quality in IVF. With over 36 years of experience and more than 17,000 IVF babies born through his work, Dr. Sher offers valuable insights into the factors that influence embryo quality and shares strategies to help improve IVF outcomes.

Read the full show notes on Dr, Aimee's website.

You can find Dr. Sher at Sher Fertility Solutions.

Key Topics:

1. Embryo Competency: Exploring the critical role of embryo competency in IVF success rates and miscarriages.
2. Factors Affecting Egg Quality: A closer look at how age, ovarian reserve, and the ovarian hormonal environment affect egg quality.
3. Impact of Environmental Pollutants: How pollutants like bisphenol A can impact egg quality and overall reproductive health.
4. Personalized Treatment Protocols: The importance of individualized ovarian stimulation protocols for optimal egg development.
5. Sperm Quality's Role: How sperm quality impacts embryo development and ways to improve it.
6. Emerging Technologies: New advancements in IVF, such as PGT and video screening for embryo development, that are shaping the future of fertility treatments.

Guest Information: Dr. Geoffrey Sher is the founder of Sher Fertility Solutions and a pioneer in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). He has authored multiple books and over 200 scientific articles and has been instrumental in advancing fertility treatments worldwide.

Resources:

• Dr. Sher’s book: In Vitro Fertilization: The Art of Making Babies
• Download Dr. Sher’s free ebook “From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions“
• Download Dr. Sher’s Free ebook: “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link” (on immunology and recurrent pregnancy loss).
• Contact Dr. Sher’s assistant Patti at [email protected] or call 702-533-2691 for inquiries.

I’m so excited to have Maya, Jen, and Gina of EM•POWER with Moxi back for part two of our discussion about embryo donation! Today, we’re talking all about becoming a parent through embryo donation. Maya became a mother through embryo donation, and she is sharing about the emotional shift that comes with choosing to become a parent to a baby that doesn’t share your DNA. She also talks about some things to consider when you’re deciding if embryo donation is the right choice for you to grow your family.

We also talk about genetic counseling, Empower with Moxi’s “Moxi Matching” service, and other ways that Empower with Moxi is supporting the community. The journey of becoming a parent through embryo donation is very special, and I’m so honored to have Maya, Jen, and Gina back to share more about the options, considerations, and beauty of embryo donation. 

Read the full transcript of our conversation on the website.

Check out part one of this conversation.

Learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi.

I am dedicating this whole week to sharing stories and  information about embryo donation, and the beautiful role embryo donation has played in so many patients' lives. From what to think about if considering donating your embryos, to stories of how families have decided to embrace embryo donation to grow their families, I'm know this will give you new insights and inspiration around this option in growing a family. I hope you'll tune in and share these stories with others, too.

In early 2019, Gina, Jen, and Maya came together as mamas on a mission to transform the landscape of embryo donation. Each of them had a different fertility journey that had a connection to embryo donation, and wanted to make embryo donation better understood, more inclusive, and more accessible. And, they wanted to bridge the gap between reproductive medicine and child well being. I'm so excited to have them on the show. In this episode (which is Part 1 of 2), we're covering donating embryos. Gina and Jen will be talking about options for people who want to donate their embryos, including the psychological considerations, and what patients should know before donating embryos to another family.

I love what EM•POWER with Moxi does, and  I am delighted to have partnered with EM•POWER with Moxi to help guide patients through the things to consider if you are looking at embryo donation as a disposition option or a family building choice. You can click here to learn more.

Read the full transcript of this conversation on Dr. Aimee's website.

I am dedicating this whole week to sharing stories and  information about embryo donation, and the beautiful role embryo donation has played in so many patients' lives. From what to think about if considering donating your embryos, to stories of how families have decided to embrace embryo donation to grow their families, I'm know this will give you new insights and inspiration around this option in growing a family. I hope you'll tune in and share these stories with others, too.

Purchase "Getting to Baby:" https://amzn.to/3VRJMfN

Dr. Angela Thyer: https://angelathyermd.com/

Judy Simon, RDN: https://www.mind-body-nutrition.com/

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Judy Simon and Dr. Angela Thyer back to the podcast to talk all about their brand new book, Getting to Baby.

Dr. Angela is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, and Judy is a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in reproductive health. They’ve developed a practical, food-based fertility blueprint that helps fertility patients improve their odds of success and shorten their time to pregnancy.

If you’ve heard me talk about assembling your fertility TEAM, you know that E stands for “exercise and nutrition.” What you fuel your body with during this journey makes a difference, and based on Dr. Angela and Judy’s work, that difference can be huge. 

They’ve already helped thousands of women who were struggling with infertility thanks to this blueprint, and I know they’re going to help so many more with this book. 

Getting to Baby makes it easier to understand exactly what to eat and how to make those dietary changes in a simple, straightforward way with the science to back it up.

During our conversation, we talked about:

• How food supports fertility
• The research-based science behind their plan
• Using food to support specific fertility diagnoses, like PCOS and endometriosis
• Practical tips and ways to make this transition easier
• Their course, Food for Fertility

If you’re looking for things that you can do yourself to create a more supportive lifestyle around your fertility goals, with the science and results to prove they actually work, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Tune in on Dr. Aimee's website.

Purchase "Getting to Baby:" https://amzn.to/3VRJMfN

Dr. Angela Thyer: https://angelathyermd.com/

Judy Simon, RDN: https://www.mind-body-nutrition.com/

Stephanie Levich is an author, and founder and president of Family Match Consulting, an egg donor and surrogacy agency in Los Angeles. Her recent book is titled "From the Start: A Book About Love and Making Families." I'm excited to have her join me on the show today to talk about how to find the best surrogate and egg donor. In this conversation, Stephanie and I are talking about adoption, surrogacy, and egg donation. We discuss how to navigate the process of finding egg donors and surrogates, and different ways intended parents manage their emotions and the mental health side of modern family building.

Listen on Dr. Aimee's website. Find Stephanie Levich and Family Match here. Purchase Stephanie's book, "From the Start" here.

Today, I'm excited to be talking to Dr. Diane Tober about egg and sperm donation, and the making of modern families. Diane has done an inspiring amount of research about all things egg and sperm donor, and I'm delighted she's sharing her wealth of knowledge with us. In this episode, we talk about:

Subscribe to this podcast by clicking here.

Dr. Aimee interviews Dr. Lorne Brown, founder of Acubalance Wellness Center in Vancouver about conscious fertility and psychoneuroimmunology. They discuss how tools like acupuncture, hypnosis, and various mind-body techniques can support fertility patients on their journey to pregnancy. 

Dr. Brown explains his 'Notice, Accept, Choose Again' (NAC) approach for developing emotional resilience and improving cellular health. They also cover the benefits of specific herbal supplements and how a positive mindset can influence fertility outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and integrating a holistic approach for reproductive health.

Listen to my interview on Dr. Brown's show: https://youtu.be/NG9eOuVbMks?si=AyRBUyJFTRzh5nAD

You can find Dr. Brown here: https://acubalance.ca/

Conscious Fertility Podcast: https://lornebrown.com/conscious-fertility-podcast/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorne_brown_official

Dr. Aimee's list of supplements: https://www.draimee.org/fertility-essentials

I encourage all of my patients to work with an acupuncturist during fertility treatment. ⁠ ⁠ Acupuncture is the "A" in my TEAM (Therapist, Eating well, Acupuncture, and Meditation), and there are many evidence based reasons to consider doing acupuncture during treatment. On the blog, I'm sharing a conversation with Judy Tognetti, a local acupuncturist. ⁠ ⁠ Here's her explanation of how acupuncture works for fertility patients:⁠ ⁠ "Fertility acupuncture is based on the concept of using the nervous system, lymphatic system, and balancing hormones. By utilizing certain points in the body, we’re able to adjust the hormones. If we use electrical stimulation, we’re able to secrete neurotransmitters. At certain amplitudes, we can secrete serotonin, dopamine, whatever it is that we’re trying to secrete.⁠ ⁠ Other than that, we’re using needle points that are selected over the ovaries or over the uterus to drive blood flow, increase lymphatic circulation, and balance the hormones. Basically, in a nutshell, that’s what it’s doing while we’re doing it."⁠ ⁠ Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Visit Judy Tognetti at her website. 

In this episode, the host is joined by Natalie Lampert, author of 'The Big Freeze,' a comprehensive guide on egg freezing. Natalie shares insights from her seven years of research, offering advice for women considering egg freezing. The discussion covers the importance of being well-informed about the process, the societal pressures impacting decisions related to fertility, and the need for open conversations about reproductive health.

The episode also highlights key takeaways from her book, emphasizing that while egg freezing can provide assurance, it is not a guaranteed insurance for future fertility. Listener comments underscore the book's impact, and Natalie shares where her book can be found for those interested.

Purchase Natalie Lampert’s book, “The Big Freeze: A Reporter’s Personal Journey Into The World of Egg Freezing and The Quest to Control Our Fertility.”

Visit Natalie Lampert’s website.

Watch and subscribe on YouTube.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:03 Discussing 'The Big Freeze' Book 01:14 Advice for Women Considering Egg Freezing 03:33 Personal Insights and Learnings 06:12 Societal Pressures and Egg Freezing 08:14 Key Takeaways from the Book 09:40 Audience Comments and Conclusion

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, Dr. Aimee interviews Natalie Lampert, award-winning journalist and author of ‘The Big Freeze: A Reporter’s Personal Journey Into The World of Egg Freezing and The Quest to Control Our Fertility.’

Natalie shares her personal journey and professional insights into egg freezing, highlighting the psychological, ethical, and practical aspects. She emphasizes that egg freezing is a backup option that offers assurance but not insurance. They discuss the broader implications of fertility preservation, societal pressures, and the importance of thorough education on the subject. Natalie also touches upon the landscape shifts in fertility preservation over the past decade and how fem tech and regulatory changes have impacted the industry.

Purchase Natalie Lampert’s book, “The Big Freeze: A Reporter’s Personal Journey Into The World of Egg Freezing and The Quest to Control Our Fertility.”

Visit Natalie Lampert’s website.

Watch and subscribe on YouTube.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Reality of Egg Freezing 00:32 Meet Natalie Lampert: Author of The Big Freeze 01:18 Natalie’s Personal and Professional Journey 03:00 The Broader Context of Egg Freezing 04:28 Advice for Women Considering Egg Freezing 07:24 Surprising Discoveries About Fertility 09:59 The Changing Landscape of Fertility Preservation 15:58 Societal Pressures and Fertility Decisions 20:25 Pros and Cons of Modern Fertility Technology 27:39 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Carol Curchoe, who is a reproductive biologist practicing clinical embryology. Her active research interests span reproductive biology, from basic embryology to cutting edge artificial intelligence applications for IVF. She is the founder of ARTCompass, which is a free open source image based embryology survey tool, and she is the recent author of The Thin Pink Line: Regulating Reproduction.

Her book is truly all about empowering people by educating them about present-day drivers of access, structural inequality, and quality of care issues in reproduction. I am glad that Dr. Burton is bringing them to light so we can address them and change things. No discussion of infertility would be complete without this discussion.

Read the full article on Dr. Aimee's website.

Dr. Camran Nezhat is world renowned for his work in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and he specializes in treating people with endometriosis. He is best known for inventing video-assisted endoscopy and was the first to perform groundbreaking advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures that have helped millions of patients around the globe. Without his contributions, we would not have video-assisted laparoscopy as we know it. To say that it's an honor to have him on the show is an understatement! In 2020, Dr. Nezhat was chosen by the AMA as an exceptional innovator whose contributions have revolutionized modern day surgery, and for that work he received the Distinguished Service Award for meritorious service in the science and art of medicine. He's joining me today to talk about endometriosis, its treatment, and the role that minimally invasive surgery plays in assisting patients.

Dr. Deborah Simmons provides specialized counseling for infertility-related trauma and pregnancy loss. She works with clinics around the country. She is passionate about helping fertility patients (she calls them "pre-parents") as they work through the journey of becoming a parent, whether that be through IUI, IVF, donor eggs, donor sperm, donor embryos, or surrogacy. She shares so many great insights about how to handle the mental-wellness side of things when you're going through fertility treatment. Here are few key items she shares: For yourself: Find compassion for yourself throughout treatment If partnered: Looking to your partner and acknowledging their feelings about the journey With friends: Let them know what you need while also honoring what you need With Co-workers: Let them know you're having "medical problems" and don't feel you have to share everything.

Tune in on Dr. Aimee's website. You can find Deborah's website here: https://www.drdeborahsimmons.com/

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-deal-with-pregnancy-anxiety-after-a-miscarriage-or-infertility

Just being pregnant can put your anxiety into overdrive—even if you haven’t had any fertility issues or faced a pregnancy loss. Everything in your world is changing, including your body, your relationships with other people, and of course, your future!

It can be nerve wracking, and it’s also an amazing and wonderful time to embrace.

I know that for women who have faced a pregnancy loss or infertility that pregnancy, especially the first trimester, can be really really challenging. Today on The Egg Whisperer Show podcast, I'm sharing an interview with Dr. Alice Domar. She is a cognitive behavior psychologist and a pioneer in the field of Mind/Body medicine. As executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF, and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, she conducts on-going ground-breaking research which focuses on the relationship between stress and infertility.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-sync-your-mind-and-body-for-fertility-with-guest-lucy-grace-yaldezian

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-make-sure-your-fertility-journey-is-your-doctors-priority-with-dr-rahi-victory

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-be-emotionally-resilient-during-fertility-treatment-with-guest-abbe-feder

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/healing-pcos-with-lifestyle-changes-with-guest-dr-dylan-cutler

Today on The Egg Whisperer Show podcast, I’m delighted to be joined by Dr. Dylan Cutler to talk about healing PCOS with lifestyle changes.

You guys, we just said “healing” PCOS. We're not talking about treating, we're talking about healing and there's no better person to talk about this than Dr. Dylan. As a PCOS Wellness Consultant, Dr. Cutler focuses her work on nutrition , lifestyle changes, and meditation. She encourages patients to add more stress management to their routine, to get exercise, and to get away from the diet culture mentality that so many people with PCOS have been conditioned into. I hope you’ll learn as much as I did from Dr. Dylan.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Visit Dr. Dylan's site: https://phruitfuldish.com/

I’m excited to be joined by Dr. Nidhee Sachdev from OC Fertility. We are going to talk about fertility support for the South Asian community. In this conversation, we’re talking about PCOS and diabetes, cultural views about sex, reproduction, and sexual dysfunction. We also talk about how to talk about fertility and fertility treatment with family members when cultural bias is present. Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

I'm talking about everything you need to know about being an egg donor. If you are a young woman who is considering donating your eggs, first, I want to say thank you for considering embarking on this altruistic journey. Your gift will change the lives of a family for generations. Your gift is truly the gift of life.

I also want you to be well informed about how the process works. I want you to think about having eggs frozen for you at the same time. I hope you'll watch, or, share this episode with someone who may be considering donating their eggs and consider my freeze and share program. ⠀

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website.

In this episode of the Egg Whisper Show, I’m joined by Judy Simon and Dr. Angela Thyer to discuss how to support fertility through dietary choices. They share the insights they also teach in their program 'Food for Fertility,' the benefits of plant-based diets, and how specific nutrition can aid women and men on their fertility journey. Additionally, they delve into common misconceptions about certain foods and fertility, and offer practical advice for integrating healthy eating habits into daily life.

And! Judy and Dr. Thyer also have a new book out, "Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fertility Plan to Improve Your Odds and Shorten Your Time to Pregnancy." I can't wait to have back on the show to talk about all about this amazing book. You can find it here: https://angelathyermd.com/getting-to-baby-book/⁠

Here is part of what we cover:

1. Introduction to the 'Food for Fertility' program: Judy Simon and Dr. Angela Thyer discuss their collaboration on a program that offers cooking classes, meal planning, and community support to women on their fertility journey.

2. Dietary Recommendations: Discussion of how plant-based, Mediterranean diets can improve fertility, and the benefits of specific foods for reproductive health.

3. Nutrition for Men: Insight on how diet and certain nutrients like Omega-3s and Vitamin D can improve sperm quality.

4. Common Fertility Food Myths: Addressing misconceptions about foods like soy, dairy, caffeine, wheat, and sugar, and their effects on fertility.

5. Practical Advice: Tips on how to maintain a balanced diet, how different fertility conditions require different dietary needs, and recommendations on prenatal vitamins and supplements.

Read, watch, or listen to this episode on my website: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-support-fertility-with-food

Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fertility Plan to Improve Your Odds and Shorten Your Time to Pregnancy by Dr. Angela Thyer and Judy Simon RDN: https://angelathyermd.com/getting-to-baby-book/⁠

Dr. Angela Thyer's website: https://angelathyermd.com/

Judy Simon, RDN's website: https://www.mind-body-nutrition.com/

Today, we’re talking about “Everything you need to know about progesterone” with the CEO and Founder of Proov test, Dr. Amy Beckley. With a PhD in pharmacology, and a history of infertility, Dr. Beckley created a test to confirm successful ovulation at home by tracking PdG. She founded MFB Fertility, Inc. and invented the Proov test in her own basement. Now women can purchase this test, and get results in just five minutes at home.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website: https://www.draimee.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-progesterone-with-guest-dr-amy-beckley-of-proov-test

What is PGT? In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm sharing all about Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). PGT is a revolutionary test we can use as part of IVF, and it analyzes the genetic makeup of embryos before implantation. This screening helps patients identify genetic abnormalities in embryos, ensuring that only embryos with the correct number of chromosomes and no detectable genetic issues are selected for transfer. PGT can be particularly beneficial for couples with a known history of genetic disorders, recurrent miscarriages, or those undergoing IVF treatment who want to increase their chances for a successful, healthy pregnancy. By testing embryos at this critical early stage, PGT offers hopeful parents a snapshot of their embryos' potential health and viability. While no test is 100% infallible, PGT is a helpful tool. Key Takeaways:  - What is PGT? Understanding the basics and the role it plays in IVF.  - Who should consider PGT and when is the right time?  - The risks and benefits associated with PGT.  - Insights into the process of embryo biopsy and genetic testing.  - Pro tips on how to navigate PGT and make informed decisions. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to PGT! You can listen to, or watch, this episode on my website: https://www.draimee.org/what-is-pgt

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/london-is-the-reason-with-kristin-mcquaid

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/fertility-support-everything-you-need-to-know-for-yourself-and-others

This episode is all about how to care for yourself, and includes loving tips on how family and friends can support someone in fertility treatment, too.

Self-care is anything but selfish. It can come in the form of setting healthy boundaries in relationships, having clear communication or simply giving ourselves a break. As a fertility patient when we prioritize these things it helps us bring forward our best selves for every situation and makes the journey more supportive.

In this Egg Whisperer show, I share suggestions for patients and friends and family members of patients to help their fertility journey be one where they feel supported and loved.

My hope is that you’re able to apply this, no matter your situation, and find your fertility journey is better as a result.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/reaching-your-peak-fertile-potential-with-guest-dr-lorne-brown

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-get-pregnant-the-egg-whisperer-way

Read the full show notes: https://draimee.org/ivf-failure-and-recurrent-pregnancy-loss-with-guest-dr-geoffrey-sher

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Geoffrey Sher of Sher Fertility Solutions. He is an internationally renowned fertility expert. He trained under “The Fathers of IVF, ” Drs. Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards in the UK. In 1982 he established the 1st private (non-university based) IVF program in the US. Over a career spanning almost 40 years Dr. Sher has been influential in the births of over 17000 IVF babies and has helped fashion the entire field of ART. He is the author of “ In Vitro Fertilization, the A.R.T. of Making Babies” and (more recently), “Unexplained IVF failure and Recurrent pregnancy loss: The Immunologic Link”." Today he's joining me to talk about Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID), which may be a factor in unexplained IVF failure and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). He will be talking about how the endometrial lining plays an important role in embryo implantation, because as he shares, "you can't put a good seed in bad soil, or a bad seed in good soil."

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/trailblazing-the-sperm-donor-industry-with-dylan-morgan-of-cascade-cryobank

Join me on the latest episode of the Egg Whispers Show as I dive deep with Dylan Morgan from Cascade Cryobank! 

Cascade Cryobank is revolutionizing the sperm banking industry with the first Early Disclosure program in the United States. This groundbreaking initiative allows consenting donors to connect with recipient families once a live birth is reported, setting a new standard for the industry. By facilitating these early connections, it helps children born through donor sperm understand their genealogy from an early age and alleviates any uncertainty about future contact for the donors.

In addition to this innovative approach, Cascade Cryobank is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of donors. They conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations and offer the most expansive gene panel in the industry. With a fresh and diverse donor catalog and a commitment to transparency, Cascade Cryobank is not only redefining industry norms but also leading the way in fostering open and honest donor-recipient relationships.

Here’s a little bit about what Dylan and I cover in this episode:

• Breaking barriers with the Early Disclosure program in the sperm banking industry.

• The journey and motivations behind founding Cascade Cryobank.

• Insight into the screening and selection process for sperm donors.

• Advice for individuals and couples considering sperm donation.

• The importance of mental health in donor selection.

• The future of sperm banks and the impact of Cascade Cryobank's innovative approaches.

Don't miss this fascinating discussion, especially if you're interested in the latest advancements in reproductive technology and donor programs.

Cascade Cryobank stands out in the sperm banking industry due to its groundbreaking Early Disclosure program, which allows consenting donors to connect with recipient families after a live birth is reported. This innovative approach not only helps children born through donor sperm understand their genealogy from an early age but also mitigates the uncertainty of future contact for the donors. Furthermore, Cascade Cryobank employs comprehensive mental health evaluations and offers the most expansive gene panel in the industry, ensuring the highest quality of donors. With a fresh and diverse donor catalog and a commitment to transparency, Cascade Cryobank is redefining the norms and leading the way in promoting open and honest donor-recipient relationships.

Resources:

Website: www.cascadecryobank.comContact: [email protected]

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 The Early Disclosure Program

01:50 History and Motivation Behind Cascade Cryobank

02:52 Dylan's Background and Experience

04:13 Selecting and Screening Sperm Donors

06:35 Advice for Prospective Parents

07:21 Inspiration and Implementation of Early Disclosure

10:19 Challenges and Future of Sperm Banking

13:36 Unique Aspects of Cascade Cryobank

15:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/exploring-platelet-rich-plasma-prp-for-ovarian-rejuvenation

In the latest episode of 'The Egg Whisperer Show,' I had the pleasure of diving deep into the revolutionary use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in ovarian rejuvenation in a webinar originally hosted by Pete Freeman of Paragon Biologics, and also featuring Dr. Peter Everts of Insight. Here's a glimpse of what we explored:

1. Introduction to PRP: Discover how PRP is transforming women’s health, especially in reproductive endocrinology.

2. Success Stories: Hear real-life success stories from my practice that showcase the life-changing potential of PRP in fertility treatments.

3. Procedure Insights: Get a detailed walk-through of the PRP procedure—from the initial blood draw to the infusion of PRP into the ovaries.

4. Scientific Perspectives: Understand the science behind PRP, including how it stimulates ovarian function and boosts fertility outcomes.

5. Q&A Session: We answered your questions on PRP, its efficacy, and its role in modern fertility treatments.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in fertility treatments and the future of reproductive medicine.

Resources:

Pete Freeman of Paragon Biologics: https://www.instagram.com/prpfertility/

Dr. Peter Everts of Insight Global: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteraeverts/

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/pregnancy-after-ivf

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/when-it-comes-to-your-fertility-what-is-fact-vs-fiction

I know there are a lot of fertility myths out there, and some can be downright perplexing if you’re trying to do everything you can to have a successful pregnancy. And, when you’ve been a fertility doctor for a while, let me tell you, you will hear it all.⁠ ⁠ So in this episode, I’m tackling TWENTY of the most common fertility myths in a little thing I like to call “Fertility: Fact or Fiction.”⁠ ⁠ I love talking about these types of things because once you know the truth, you also have a better idea of what may be happening in your own body. I think most people now realize that sperm does in fact matter when you’re TTC.⁠ ⁠ But, do you need both of your fallopian tubes?⁠ ⁠ Is marijuana safe when you’re TTC?⁠ ⁠ Can someone born without a uterus have a uterine transplant?⁠ ⁠ Is an ovarian cyst something to be concerned about?⁠ ⁠ Of course, these questions matter, and I want everyone to feel comfortable asking their doctor about them (and for answers to the above: no, no, yes, no).⁠

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/family-formation-law-with-guest-amanda-troxler

Amanda Troxler has been practicing family formation law since 2013. She represents hundreds of Intended Parents, Donors, and Surrogates a year. Additionally, Amanda has personal experience in third party assisted reproduction, having been an egg donor. In today’s show we are going to explain what family formation law is. As a fertility patient, it’s important that you understand some of the basic legal pieces that you might want to have in place for your journey, whether that be for IVF, or if you’re going to be using donor eggs, donor sperm, or using a gestational carrier. I very much love Amanda’s thoughtful and caring approach to making family formation law approachable. As she says, “healthy families are formed through honest communication and centering the needs of the future child." Amanda received her J.D. from UCLA law on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship in 2012. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University in 2008. Amanda is a member of the Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers (“ACAL”), Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (“SEEDS”), and American Society of Reproductive Medicine (“ASRM”). Thank you for joining me, Amanda!

Read the full show notes and transcript on Dr. Aimee's website. You can find Amanda's site at troxlaw.com

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-live-a-happier-healthier-life-with-samantha-harris

I'm so excited to be interviewing Samantha Harris on The Egg Whisperer Show podcast. Samantha is an Emmy-winning TV host, and the author of the bestselling book Your Healthiest Healthy: 8 Ways to Take Control, Help Prevent and Fight Cancer, and Live a Longer, Cleaner, Happier Life. She is also a certified health coach and trainer, cancer survivor and thriver. She is a proud mom of two, and an unstoppable optimist dedicated to being your cheerleader and guide toward your healthiest healthy life! You may know her from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and Entertainment Tonight. She is also a national ambassador for both Susan G. Komen and the American Cancer Society. 

She is now empowering women to ignite sustainable lifestyle changes with her just launched wellness membership group called Your Healthiest Healthy: Community. I am thrilled to have her on the show.

Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website

You can find Samantha's website by clicking here.

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/dor-decreased-not-depleted-ovarian-reserve

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/getting-the-most-our-of-your-first-visit

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/guiding-you-through-infertility-with-the-infertility-doulas-tia-chapinski-and-daniella-virijevic

In this compelling episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh welcomes Tia Chapinski and Daniella Virijevic, co-authors and Infertility Doulas, to share their powerful stories of navigating infertility.

From personal journeys and medical challenges to the creation of a supportive community and the writing of a transformative book, Tia and Daniella offer invaluable insights and hope. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about infertility, the importance of support systems, and alternative paths to parenthood.

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/5-novel-treatments-for-pcos

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. Many people interpret it to mean you have big cysts on your ovaries, but that's not true at all. When I hear PCOS I think of it as a call to, &ldquoPlease Confirm this Ovary Syndrome."

So much is misunderstood about PCOS! Women are often told, “oh you don’t need to worry about it until you’re ready to have babies.” That could not be further from the truth. Today on the podcast, I'm talking about 5 novel treatments for PCOS.

Today on the Egg Whisperer Show podcast, Dr. Geoffrey Sher joins me again to talk about his approach to care when it comes to IVF. We are discussing how he individualizes IVF protocols to optimize egg and embryo quality, giving his patients the best chance of IVF pregnancy. As he shares, there is no "one size fits all" approach to choosing the best protocol for IVF. It's no surprise that I agree with him. Protocols need to be customized, and are dependent on the woman's age and her ovarian reserve. Tune in as we talk about how to pick a protocol, the role of the trigger shot, the importance of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and EZ-IVF versus mini IVF.

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/4-things-ivf-will-teach-you

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/fertility-facts-for-anyone-over-35-hosted-by-liz-moody

In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing a conversation that aired on The Liz Moody Podcast. Liz asked a ton of questions that took the interview in a lot of fun directions. Plus she'd polled her own audience for questions, and you know I LOVE a good "Ask The Egg Whisperer" session.

In this engaging episode, we dive into the increasing rates of infertility, the innovative technology of egg freezing, and provide practical advice for your fertility journey. We'll debunk common myths, share emotional support tips, and present real-life success stories. Plus, discover how you can join my monthly live IVF classes, designed to be accessible and informative.

Here's some of what we covered: 

1. Are infertility rates really going up? 

2. How technology and lifestyle changes can impact your fertility journey 

3. The best time and ways to freeze your eggs 

4. Practical tips for preconception prep and staying positive during your fertility journey

5. Super fun lightning round of "does this impact fertility?" where we talk about breast implants, non-organic food, laptop usage for men, and the sperm killing truth about some lubricants!

The full conversation on The Liz Moody Podcast

Liz Moody's Instagram

The Live Sperm Show, where we tested sperm and lubricants.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:41 Meet Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh

01:48 Infertility Rates and Age

03:11 Egg Freezing and Technology

05:32 Emotional Aspects of Egg Freezing

12:42 Fertility Testing and Assessments

20:39 PCOS and Endometriosis

29:51 Advanced Fertility Treatments

36:24 Understanding Ovulation Augmentation

36:51 Natural Modified Protocol for IVF

38:09 Impact of Changing Laws on Frozen Embryos

39:49 Mental Health and Fertility

42:32 Supporting Someone on a Fertility Journey

46:08 Preventing Early Miscarriages

49:19 Fertility Myths and Facts

59:38 Practical Tips for Fertility

01:01:05 Financial Aspects of Fertility Treatments

01:03:22 Dr. Aimee's Offerings and Final Thoughts

Read the Show Notes: https://www.draimee.org/genetics-mosaic-embryos-and-your-fertility-with-guest-meaghan-doyle

Meaghan Doyle is the owner and genetic counselor at DNAide Genetic Counselling. She specializes in infertility, preimplantation genetic testing, and preconception genetic counselling. After seeing patients who came from other clinics where access to a genetic counsellor was not available, she saw the negative impact this had on their care. She has since joined Instagram to help provide education on fertility genetics to help bridge this gap. Meaghan is passionate about genetics, and works together with patients so they can feel empowered to make decisions about their fertility treatment that are best for them. I'm delighted to have her join me on the podcast today to discuss mosaic embryos, genetics, and your fertility. We are going to discuss the success rates of transferring mosaic embryos, understanding the different rankings of mosaic embryos, and the misconceptions about mosaics. Listen on Dr. Aimee's website Visit Meaghan's website

See the full show notes: https://draimee.org/is-it-time-to-see-a-fertility-specialist

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-handle-anxiety-as-a-fertility-patient-with-guest-dr-ellen-vora

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/pcos-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-cysts

• PCOS does not equal infertility. 
• You may have a harder time getting pregnant if you have PCOS, because you may not be ovulating frequently or regularly. It's difficult only because it's hard to know when you're ovulating.
• When you do ovulate with PCOS, you are likely to ovulate multiple eggs, making you very fertile!
• Every time you ovulate, you make a cyst of ovulation.  Ovulating multiple eggs is what creates multiple cysts, which is where you get the name: Poly (multiple) cystic (cystic).
• Some symptoms may include: hair loss of the scalp, hirsutism (or hair on your body in areas like the chin, upper abdomen, lower abdomen or back), high testosterone levels, high insulin levels, higher estrogen levels, and higher BMI. 
• You can help manage PCOS by a paleo-like or mediterranean diet, taking birth control pills which can lower testosterone, or other testosterone-lowering drugs, and supplements.