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.