Fertility Docs Uncensored

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. This episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored tackles one of the most common fertility questions patients ask: When should I seek care for infertility? We answer key questions including: When do I need to see a reproductive endocrinologist? In general, patients under 35 should seek fertility care after one year of unprotected intercourse without conception, while patients age 35 and older should seek care after six months. What conditions should prompt earlier evaluation by a fertility specialist? These include irregular menstrual cycles, blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, and medical conditions like autoimmune disease or endometriosis, all of which may have an impact on infertility. We also discuss when to see a fertility doctor if additional factors are involved, such as the need for donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier. These situations vary in complexity, with gestational carrier arrangements typically requiring earlier and more specialized planning, while donor eggs or sperm may be more straightforward. This episode helps patients understand when waiting is reasonable—and when seeing a fertility specialist sooner rather than later can make a critical difference. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, the docs cover everything patients should consider if they plan to start IVF in the next couple of months. They begin with practical but essential advice, especially at the start of a new year, such as re-verification of insurance to ensure the coverage you expect is still in place. They review important lifestyle considerations: diabetes and high blood pressure should be well controlled, weight-loss efforts should begin sooner rather than later if needed, and now is the time to adjust habits or foods that may not support fertility. The doctors discuss the importance of starting supplements early, especially prenatal vitamins, vitamin D, and folic acid, since these nutrients play a critical role even before pregnancy is detected. The team also reviews the value of an up-to-date physical exam and age-appropriate screenings, including mammograms for women over 40. They stress the importance of evaluating the male partner as well, including semen analysis and routine infectious disease testing required by most fertility clinics. Finally, they highlight key pre-IVF testing, such as saline sonograms to assess tubal patency, to ensure patients are ready to begin treatment without delay. Shady Grove Fertility sponsored this podcast. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, the docs welcome visiting physician Dr. Shelley Dolitsky from Shady Grove Fertility in Towson, Maryland, for an in-depth conversation about recurrent pregnancy loss. Dr. Dolitsky begins by reviewing how different professional organizations define recurrent pregnancy loss. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine considers two or more losses—including very early biochemical losses—to be recurrent pregnancy loss, while the American College of OB/GYN defines it as two clinical losses under 20 weeks. The docs discuss how age dramatically affects miscarriage risk, with up to 75% of women over 40 experiencing miscarriages, compared with an overall rate of three to five percent. They walk through the full evaluation, which includes assessing the uterine cavity for abnormalities such as scar tissue, polyps, or congenital malformations; ensuring the fallopian tubes are normal and ruling out tubal damage; and performing chromosome analysis on both partners. Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies and lupus anticoagulant is also essential, as these can contribute to placental clotting issues. The conversation highlights the importance of screening for chronic medical issues that might be undiagnosed. About half of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss will have an identifiable and often treatable cause. Finally, the team discusses recommendations for patients whose workup is normal but who continue to experience losses. This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. Today we welcome special guest Lauren Makler, Founder of Cofertility. In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, the doctors sit down with Lauren Makler to explore why transparency is essential in modern egg donation. For years, donor conception carried an unnecessary layer of secrecy. Parents often felt shame discussing the use of an egg donor, and donor-conceived children sometimes internalized guilt or discomfort, feeling that the process was transactional, or that the donor was excluded from any meaningful connection. Lauren explains how the Cofertility model aims to reshape this narrative entirely. Prospective egg donors undergo extensive medical and psychological screening before being accepted. Those who qualify complete an extraordinarily detailed profile allowing families to choose a donor whose values, background, and goals align with theirs. The donor is empowered too since she keeps half of her eggs for future use. Only a limited number of families can match with each donor, and together, donors and recipient families determine their preferred level of ongoing contact. At minimum, recipients receive identifying information, but many matches opt for deeper communication, shared updates, or even in-person meetings over time. This thoughtful, relationship-centered approach helps ensure that donor-conceived children grow up with honesty, openness, and pride in their origin story. Transparency removes shame, strengthens family identity, and honors the donor’s contribution in a meaningful, human way. At its core, every child’s conception however it happens, should be embraced with joy, not secrecy. This podcast was sponsored by Cofertility. 

Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, our docs take a deep dive into one of the most pivotal decisions in an IVF cycle: when and how to trigger for egg retrieval. They break down the thought process behind choosing between an HCG trigger and a Lupron trigger, explaining why the choice isn’t one-size-fits-all. One of the biggest advantages of a Lupron trigger is its ability to dramatically reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a key consideration for patients with a high response to medication. But Lupron doesn’t work for everyone. The docs explain why patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea must use HCG to ensure proper follicle release, and why a fresh embryo transfer also requires an HCG trigger for optimal luteal support. The docs also discuss the many clinical clues that guide trigger timing. These include a patient’s historical response to stimulation, whether they’re planning a fresh or frozen transfer, and crucial hormonal cues such as a drop in estrogen that can signal impending ovulation. They even share how sometimes they bring patients into the office for an ultrasound on retrieval day to confirm that spontaneous ovulation hasn’t occurred. Finally, they cover the selective use of combined HCG + LH triggers, and which patients benefit most from this approach.  This is a must-listen for anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how reproductive endocrinologists make one of the most important calls in an IVF cycle. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility.