I’m thrilled to introduce you to a groundbreaking innovation in fertility care: needle-free IVF. My guest is Dr. Rachel Mandelbaum, a fertility doctor, researcher, and patient advocate who is leading the charge to make IVF more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, especially those who are needle-phobic. Dr. Mandelbaum shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind her work, and how her innovations are changing the landscape of fertility treatment.

In our conversation, we dive deep into the themes of patient empowerment, challenging outdated norms in reproductive medicine, and the importance of offering more compassionate, personalized care. We discuss the science behind needle-free IVF, the impact of patient-centered innovation, and how small changes can make a big difference in the IVF experience. This episode is all about rethinking what’s possible in fertility care and advocating for what patients truly deserve.

In this episode, we cover:

• The inspiration behind needle-free IVF and Dr. Mandelbaum’s personal journey as a patient and physician
• How needle-free IVF works and the technology adapted from diabetes care
• The results of clinical trials comparing needle-free IVF to traditional methods
• Addressing patient fears and anxieties around self-injection and how new options can improve access to care
• The importance of challenging the “just tough it out” mentality in women’s health
• Innovations in progesterone administration and reducing the need for painful injections
• The future of IVF: personalized approaches, patient advocacy, and ongoing research

Resources:

• Dr. Rachel Mandelbaum on Instagram: @rachel.mandelbaum.md
• HRC Fertility: https://www.havingbabies.com/
• The Egg Whisperer Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eggwhisperershow
• Subscribe to The Egg Whisperer Show on Spotify
• Get The "Egg Whisperer Fertility Pants"

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and follow along for more conversations about fertility science, patient support, and taking charge of your reproductive health!

• 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.

Submit your Ask The Egg Whisperer Questions on my website.

I’m so grateful for the brave and thoughtful questions you send in every week. In this episode, we covered important topics around fertility, IVF, egg quality, transfer success, and more. Your stories inspire me, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey. 💛

Here are a few of the questions I answered in this week’s show:

• Should my partner stop taking dutasteride and using the hot tub if his sperm tests are normal?
• What’s the chance of success with an embryo that was re-biopsied and thawed/refrozen?
• For women over 40 with embryos that arrest at day 6 or 7, is a day 3 transfer a better option?
• Can a “lazy ovary” be boosted through supplements or other approaches?
• How should fibroids be addressed before an embryo transfer to improve success rates?

• 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.

In this episode of the Egg Whisperer Show, I have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Abby Eblen, Dr. Carrie Bedient, and Dr. Susan Hudson: board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, co-hosts of the "Fertility Docs Uncensored" podcast, and authors of the new book, "The IVF Blueprint." As clinicians and, in some cases, IVF patients themselves, they bring a wealth of experience and empathy to our conversation about the emotional and practical aspects of fertility treatment.

Together, we dive into the motivations behind writing "The IVF Blueprint," the importance of patient education, and the ever-evolving landscape of IVF care. We discuss our shared mission to demystify the IVF process, provide evidence-based guidance, and empower patients to advocate for themselves. We also explore the emotional journey of infertility, the significance of transparency in the lab, and what the future holds for fertility care.

In this episode, we cover:

• The inspiration and collaborative process behind "The IVF Blueprint"
• Common sources of overwhelm for IVF patients and strategies to manage them
• The importance of patient education and anticipatory guidance throughout the IVF journey
• Evidence-based recommendations for supplements and lifestyle during fertility treatment
• What really happens in the IVF lab and why transparency matters
• Trends in IVF access, family planning, and genetic testing
• How patients can advocate for themselves and find support during fertility care

Resources:

• Fertility Docs Uncensored Podcast & Book
• Dr. Carrie Bedient at Fertility Center of Las Vegas
• Dr. Susan Hudson at Texas Fertility Center
• Dr. Abby Eblen at Nashville Fertility