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IVF terms like back-to-back cycles, DuoStim, double stimulation, and accelerated IVF are often used interchangeably—but they don’t mean the same thing. And confusing them can lead to unrealistic expectations.

In this episode of Taco ’Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what these terms actually mean, how they differ, and—most importantly—when one approach may make sense over another. We talk about why doing IVF twice doesn’t magically improve egg quality, how ovarian biology and timing matter more than buzzwords, and why faster isn’t always better.

You’ll learn:

• The real difference between back-to-back IVF cycles and DuoStim
• Why high egg yield can increase cyst risk and affect next-cycle outcomes
• How early follicle recruitment makes luteal-phase stimulation helpful for some patients
• What the research actually shows about outcomes and success rates
• The one question every patient should ask when a clinic recommends “accelerated” IVF

If you’ve ever wondered whether DuoStim is better, more aggressive, or just IVF on a tighter schedule—this episode clears it up.

Same ovaries. Same egg pool. Different calendars.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

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Fertility tests can look perfect on paper—and pregnancy still doesn’t happen.

In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down why many fertility treatments, especially IUI, are built on assumptions rather than certainty. Tests like the HSG can confirm that fallopian tubes are open, but they cannot prove that the tubes are functional. Semen analysis can look normal, but it cannot confirm that sperm can reach the egg or successfully fertilize it.

This gap between testing and reality is why IUI often requires a leap of faith—and why it works well for some patients but not for others.

In this episode, Dr. Amols covers:

• What fertility tests can—and cannot—tell us
• Why “normal results” don’t guarantee pregnancy
• Why IUI is assumption-based by design
• Who is more likely to succeed with IUI
• Why patients with long-standing infertility face harder decisions
• The difference between assumption-based treatment (IUI) and information-based treatment (IVF)
• Why IVF often provides answers even when it doesn’t lead to pregnancy

If you’ve ever wondered why IUIs fail despite normal testing—or whether it’s time to move on to IVF—this episode explains the logic behind those decisions without pressure or judgment.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

In 2023, we asked a simple question: Should embryo glue be used routinely in IVF?

Since then, more studies have been published, larger analyses have been completed, and the evidence has matured. In this episode, we revisit embryo glue with fresh eyes — separating what hasn’t changed from what actually has.

We discuss why embryo glue is now clearly shown to be non-inferior to standard transfer media, what newer data suggests about small but possible benefits, and why those benefits are often misunderstood. Most importantly, we break down the difference between relative and absolute risk, using real-world examples to explain why a “10% improvement” doesn’t always mean what people think it does.

This episode is about evidence, expectations, and honest counseling — not hype. If you’ve ever wondered whether embryo glue is worth considering, who it may help, and who likely doesn’t need it, this conversation is for you.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.