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.