Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of fertility testing and the impact of early testing on reproductive decisions. She emphasizes that while guidelines suggest waiting a year before testing, individual circumstances may warrant earlier evaluation.

Dr. Natalie Crawford takes a deep dive into the science of ovarian reserve testing, exploring key indicators like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and antral follicle count. She walks listeners through the process of egg growth, ovulation, and how these tests offer crucial insights into a woman’s fertility potential.

Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses a listener's question about primary amenorrhea, discussing the absence of periods despite typical puberty signs and normal hormone levels. She explains the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhea, potential causes like ovarian failure, Mullerian aplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and more. Most importantly, she emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause.

Dr. Natalie Crawford gives her advice for navigating infertility during the holidays. Whether you are going through infertility or treatment or you have a family member or friend who is, this episode is for you. You deserve support. Don't be afraid to set boundaries, and communicate why they exist. Make a plan and be prepared if you are spending the holidays with family and know they are going to have questions. Give yourself the gift of education. Control what you can.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about male fertility.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about TTC and fertility.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about various aspects of IVF.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail question about ovulation.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of cycle tracking for reproductive health, emphasizing its relevance in the current political climate. She explains the menstrual cycle, including the roles of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Various cycle tracking methods are detailed, such as the calendar method, rhythm method, standard days method, basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus monitoring, and urinary LH tests. Effectiveness rates for perfect and typical use are provided, highlighting the need for consistent tracking. Dr. Crawford also addresses the impact of hormonal birth control and IVF on cycle tracking accuracy.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the impact of the recent election on reproductive health, focusing on IVF and contraceptive options. She reassures listeners that current IVF practices remain unchanged and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's reproductive health. She also advises against making immediate changes but highlights the need to be informed and prepared for potential future restrictions.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the emotional and practical challenges of unexpected outcomes in fertility treatments, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding. She highlights the need for clear expectations and the role of various treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF. Dr. Crawford shares a case study of a 31-year-old woman with low AMH levels who experienced a failed IVF cycle, explaining the potential causes and next steps. She also addresses common questions about fertility treatments, such as estrogen dosing for frozen embryo transfers and the impact of lifestyle changes on sperm count.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers common questions about the uterus. 

Questions answered:

1. What are the implications of having uterine scarring now that I am done having children?

2. What are your thoughts about finding fluid in your uterus after beginning your IVF cycle? 

3. How long does it take for the body recover and go back to its normal period after hysteroscopy?

4. Could having a tight uterus be a factor in unexplained infertility?

5. Should I consider surrogacy after multiple failed transfers?

Dr. Natalie Crawford provides a comprehensive overview of egg and embryo donation options for those looking to grow their families. She delves into the basics of egg donation, including the IVF process, success rates, and reasons why someone may choose to use donor eggs. Dr. Crawford also explores the complex world of embryo donation, addressing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding this path to parenthood. She introduces Era Embryos, a new program, to bring more transparency and medical soundness to embryo donation.

Dr. Natalie Crawfords answers fertility questions. 

Questions Answered:

Will slightly elevated prolactin levels impact fertility?

If you are married and ready to start a family NOW is it a good idea to freeze eggs for the second and third child, or can freezing eggs interfere with natural fertility?

I have an embryo transfer scheduled for next week. What are things I can do to help the embryo “stick”?

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers fertility questions from newsletter subscribers

Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses a question from an OB/GYN colleague about managing patients with unexplained infertility and high AMH levels. She explains that unexplained infertility is often due to undiagnosed issues, and a full workup is necessary to understand the underlying causes. The episode delves into the mechanisms of ovulation induction medications like Clomid and Letrozole, which are commonly used to induce ovulation in patients with conditions like PCOS. Throughout the episode, Dr. Crawford emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and education, encouraging patients to ask questions, understand the reasons behind treatment recommendations, and seek a second opinion if they feel their current treatment plan is not effective or appropriate.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about cycle tracking and fertility.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the complex relationship between IVF and reproductive rights in the current political landscape. She provides an overview of IVF technology and its importance in helping people build families. She addresses misconceptions about abortion and fetal personhood, and how these issues directly impact the practice of IVF. The episode explores the potential dangers of restricting access to IVF and other reproductive healthcare services, highlighting personal stories and the need for informed decision-making.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers a question from a listener about what the next steps are after freezing your eggs when you are ready to use them. She covers the nuances of the egg freezing process, debunking the misconception that it is an "insurance policy" for fertility. Dr. Crawford then goes through the step-by-step protocol for thawing, fertilizing, and potentially transferring the frozen eggs, including the importance of sperm quality and genetic testing of embryos. The episode emphasizes the need to understand one's long-term family building goals and consider strategies like additional egg retrievals to increase the chances of success.

In this exclusive Q&A episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford answers subscriber questions on a variety of fertility topics, including recurrent pregnancy loss, diet for conception, IVF and implantation issues, CoQ10 supplements, second trimester losses, and hirsutism treatment.