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. In this episode, they are joined by Ravi Agarwal, MD, from Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area in San Ramon. In this episode, they discussed the unique fertility challenges for women over 40 trying to conceive. Challenges include changes in egg number and egg quality that can affect their chances of conception and carrying a pregnancy. The hosts and their guest discuss how age impacts fertility, how testing guides treatment decisions, and why a personalized approach is essential. During this episode, the docs answered the following questions: What are the biggest fertility challenges women face after age 40? Women over 40 commonly experience both a decreased number of eggs and declining egg quality. As eggs age, they are more likely to have genetic abnormalities, which can make conception more difficult and increase the risk of miscarriage. Why does egg quality decline with age? Egg quality declines due to age-related genetic changes. A higher percentage of eggs become chromosomally abnormal over time, making it harder to achieve a healthy pregnancy. What fertility testing is recommended for women over 40? Testing often includes: AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) to estimate ovarian reserve. Antral follicle count via ultrasound to assess how many eggs are present in the ovaries. These tests help predict treatment response and guide next steps. Can having more eggs help offset poor egg quality? In some women over 40, a higher egg number may partially compensate for reduced egg quality, increasing the likelihood of finding a genetically healthy egg. Do all women over 40 need IVF? No. Not every woman over 40 requires IVF. Some women can conceive without treatment, some are good IVF candidates, and others may not benefit from IVF at all. How do doctors decide which treatment is best after age 40? Treatment decisions are individualized and based on age, egg reserve, egg quality, medical history, and personal goals. This podcast was sponsored by U.S. 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 with special guest Lauren Makler, Founder of Cofertility. In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, the Docs welcome back Lauren Makler for a deeper dive into how to choose an egg donor—and why selecting a reputable, ethical organization matters. Lauren explains that not all donor agencies operate with the same standards, so intended parents should ensure the group they partner with strictly follows guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. These include essential criteria such as donor age (typically 21–34) and comprehensive medical, psychological, and lifestyle screening. Lauren also highlights a recent study showing that donors over age 25 often have better outcomes, potentially due to increased emotional maturity and readiness for the medical demands of the process. She emphasizes the importance of reviewing a donor’s anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level to predict egg yield and notes that nicotine, marijuana, and excessive alcohol use can disqualify a donor because of their impact on fertility. Further screening, including family medical history and genetic carrier testing, ensures compatibility between donor and intended parents. The Cofertility team recognizes that families have different pathways; some prioritize speed and choose frozen donor eggs, while others prefer to wait for the ideal donor match. Cofertility enhances this process by offering donor videos, giving families a more personal connection beyond written profiles so that both parties have the best possible experience. 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.  This episode answers key patient questions about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. We answer:

· How is PCOS diagnosed? Using the Rotterdam criteria: irregular cycles, more than 12 microfollicles per ovary, or elevated male hormones. Two of three confirm the diagnosis.

· Does stopping birth control pills help fertility? No. PCOS cycles return to baseline because the hormonal system does not reset.

· Why don’t patients with PCOS ovulate regularly? The brain does not release enough FSH to trigger ovulation.

· What fertility treatments work? Oral ovulation-induction medications succeed in about 80% of patients.

· Do patients with PCOS have ovarian cysts? No. Small follicles are normal; true cysts are a different condition.

· Does weight affect PCOS? Yes. Weight gain or loss can influence hormone balance and ovulation.

We also clarify why the name “polycystic ovary syndrome” is misleading. Patients with PCOS do not have true ovarian cysts. Instead, they have many small follicles, each containing an immature egg, which are a normal part of ovarian anatomy. True ovarian cysts, such as desmoids or endometriomas, represent entirely different medical conditions and are not part of PCOS. This episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance on PCOS diagnosis, myths, and effective fertility treatment.

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.