Fertility + Hormones + Health + Lifestyle
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Ovulation Q&A - Spotting, Ovulation Induction, Prolactin, and TTC
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail question about ovulation.
Fertility Fact or Fiction
Dr. Natalie Crawford aims to separate fertility fact from fiction and provide women with accurate, evidence-based information to take charge of their reproductive health. She addresses common myths, like birth control permanently damaging fertility, women not being able to get pregnant on their period, and the existence of a definitive "fertility test."
Cycle Tracking and Natural Family Planning
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.
Navigating Reproductive Health Post-Election
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.
Abortion is Healthcare
As a reproductive health provider, I've seen firsthand how abortion is an essential part of comprehensive healthcare. It's not a political issue, it's a medical one - and one that is critical to protecting the health and wellbeing of people who can become pregnant.
IVF: Top Tips For Traveling for Fertility Treatments From A Fertility Doctor
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, gives her top tips and warning signs if you plan to travel for fertility treatments. Whether you are traveling to another country or another city for IVF or egg freezing, there are things you should know. You should have all of the information to be able to make an informed decision.
Unexpected Outcomes After Fertility Treatments - What Next?
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.
What Your Fertility Says About Your Overall Health
Dr. Crawford discusses how your fertility can be linked to your overall health and well-being. So often, people view fertility and reproductive health as a separate entity, unconnected to the rest of their body and wellbeing. But the reality is that your hormones, your menstrual cycle, and your fertility are deeply intertwined with your whole-body health.
Uterus Q&A - TTC, Infertility, Uterine Lining, and Hysteroscopy
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers common questions about the uterus.
Questions answered:
What are the implications of having uterine scarring now that I am done having children?
What are your thoughts about finding fluid in your uterus after beginning your IVF cycle?
How long does it take for the body recover and go back to its normal period after hysteroscopy?
Could having a tight uterus be a factor in unexplained infertility?
Should I consider surrogacy after multiple failed transfers?
Using Basal Body Temperature To Track Your Cycle
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses basal body temperature or BBT for tracking your cycle. While it may seem old-fashioned in our digital age, BBT can provide incredibly valuable insights into your reproductive health.
Egg and Embryo Donation: Introducing Era Embryos
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.
The Guide To Cycle Tracking
As a fertility doctor, I've dedicated my career to helping women understand their bodies and optimize their reproductive health. One of the most important aspects of this is learning to track your menstrual cycle and pinpoint ovulation. This information is invaluable whether you're trying to conceive or simply want to be more in tune with your natural rhythms.
Fertility Q&A - Prolactin, TTC, Endo, PCOS, and More!
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”?
Low Progesterone and Fertility
One of the most common concerns I hear from patients is about low progesterone levels and how that might be impacting their ability to get pregnant or maintain a healthy pregnancy. It's an understandable worry, as progesterone plays such a crucial role in fertility and early pregnancy. However, the reality of low progesterone is often more nuanced than many realize. Let me break it down for you.
Fertility Q&A - Exclusive Newsletter Episode Part 2
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers fertility questions from newsletter subscribers
Preparing For The Embryo Transfer
Preparing for an embryo transfer, whether fresh or frozen, requires a comprehensive medical workup, attention to lifestyle factors, and realistic emotional expectations. Open communication with your fertility team is crucial, as is allowing yourself to grieve a failed transfer while also remaining proactive about next steps. By taking a holistic approach to physical and mental preparation, you can increase your chances of a successful embryo transfer and pregnancy.
Age and Infertility: Does Age Impact Egg Quality? Can You Improve Egg Quality?
Double board-certified REI and OBGYN, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains how the aging process impacts the chromosomes and health of our eggs. As we get older, many women worry about their "biological clock" and fear they are running out of eggs. However, the real issue with age-related infertility is not just the quantity of eggs, but the quality. She provides insights on evaluating ovarian reserve, the role of inflammation and lifestyle factors, and strategies to optimize fertility as you get older. Whether you're just starting to think about family planning or navigating fertility challenges, this video offers essential information to better understand the complex relationship between age and fertility.
Should You Take Clomid? Ovulation Induction and Unexplained Fertility
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.
Personalized Fertility Care: The Key to Your Fertility Journey
As a fertility doctor, I have the privilege of guiding patients through one of the most important and personal journeys of their lives - building a family. Each person who walks through my clinic doors has a unique story, unique needs, and unique goals. That's why I'm so passionate about providing personalized fertility care - because a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work when it comes to something as complex and delicate as human reproduction.
Ovarian Reserve: Understanding Your Ovaries and Egg Count From Birth to Menopause
Double board certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains the development and depletion of eggs in the ovaries. She discusses the role of hormones and the brain-ovary-adrenal gland axis during puberty. Dr. Crawford also covers how hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding impact egg loss, as well as the changes seen in the menstrual cycle as women approach menopause, including shorter cycles and irregular periods. Lastly, she explains ovarian reserve testing and what the results mean about your fertility.