Many people struggling with infertility are curious about the claims that acupuncture will improve fertility and decrease time to pregnancy, but they don’t explore this option because of…needles. 

What if you could get the potential fertility-boosting benefits of acupuncture without the sticks? 

In this episode, doctor of acupuncture, teacher, researcher, and practitioner of integrative East-Asian Medicine Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin talks with Dr. Shahine about the recent research and claims that Laser Photobiomodulation (PBM) (or needleless acupuncture) can improve fertility, PCOS, male factor infertility, and more.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Innovative acupuncture treatment without needles: hooray for the needle-hesitant!

[2:04] Non-invasive acupuncture using laser therapy: what are the benefits?

[5:00] LED and laser therapy for fertility: how does it work?

[9:43] The effectiveness of laser therapy in fertility treatments

[14:46] Some results from laser acupuncture for fertility treatment

[21:25] Regulating hormones for fertility treatment: how laser can help regulate EMH levels for fertility benefits 

• PCOS patients
• Egg quality for IVF cycles

[27:49] Using laser therapy to improve IVF outcomes

[27:58] What about sperm? Does laser affect sperm numbers or motility?

[32:18] Two fertility cases with different outcomes

[37:50] The future of acupuncture for fertility 

Resources mentioned: 

Baby or Bust, Episode 39: Dr. Lee Hullendar Rubin on Acupuncture and Fertitlity drlorashahine.com/podcast/dr-lee-hullender-rubin-on-acupuncture-and-fertility

Dr. Lee Hullendar Rubin’s website: www.rosefinchhealth.com

Dr. Lee Hullendar Rubin on Instagram: @rosefinhhealth

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Many say raising children “takes a village,” but what about the team you create on your family building journey through infertility, miscarriage, IVF and early pregnancy? The “trying to conceive” village can include doctors, nurses, therapists, acupuncturists, friends, family, and maybe a fertility coach. 

If you’re curious about what a fertility coach is and are considering working with one, you’ll learn all about it in this episode in which Dr. Shahine interviews fertility coach Ceire Nevins. 

You’ll finish knowing what’s different about a fertility coach - how they help you meet your goals, support you on the journey, and more. Be sure to pay attention to the red flags Dr. Shahine and Ceire review, so you also know what you DON’T want in a fertility coach.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is fertility coaching and how does it help?

[6:29] Fertility coaching and empowering clients to advocate for themselves 

• Non-medical advice and advocacy for patients undergoing fertility treatments
• Ceire’s personal journey with infertility and how it led her to become a fertility coach

[12:06] Fertility coaching and holistic health

[17:47] How to find a qualified fertility coach 

• Personal experience with infertility and credentials
• Coaches who promise unrealistic results 

[24:01] Fertility coaching and support for individuals undergoing IVF

• The importance of support and self-care 
• Reframing the mindset from goal-oriented to system-based

Resources mentioned: 

Ceire’s Fertility Mama website: www.thefertilitymama.com

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PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR, Carrier Screening, Karyotype — oh my! The options available for genetic screening in fertility testing and IVF treatment can get confusing.

Understanding testing available to you BEFORE treatment as well as DURING the IVF process is key. These tests can decrease risk of disease and miscarriage and improve success rates with a single embryo transfer, but there are pros and cons for every intervention. It can be difficult to keep it all straight and overwhelming to know what to do. 

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine goes in depth on what tests are available, what they are screening for, who is a good candidate for genetic testing, and what your options are when the results come in.

You’ll finish this episode understanding genetic testing and screening in fertility and IVF and knowing what questions to ask your doctor about what’s right for your personal situation.

As always, please share this episode with others on or considering a fertility treatment journey — if you don’t know anyone (or know you know anyone), consider leaving us a review to help others find the podcast.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0.00] Genetic testing of embryos for IVF patients. 

• genetic screening of embryos for infertility patients, including testing for specific mutations and benefits
• genetic testing options for embryos, including PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-S

[3:10] Genetic testing for embryos before IVF

• preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for single gene disorders in IVF
• genetic disorders and the importance of carrier screening before IVF 
• the option to test embryos for specific mutations
• PGT Sr. is preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangement, which requires knowing what to look for before testing embryos

[10.23] Balanced translocations and their impact on pregnancy

• what are balanced translocations and what is their effect on fertility
• what are your management options
• testing embryos for chromosome content to reduce miscarriage risk

[15:58] Genetic testing for embryos during IVF 

• preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
• the risk of chromosomal abnormalities 
• what are your options when the results come in

[21:58] Karyotype test for people having recurrent pregnancy loss

• this week’s fertility story: couple with 10 miscarriages
• both partners should test for a balanced translocation with a karyotype test
• the importance of seeking a second medical opinion and not giving up hope on fertility treatments

Resources mentioned: 

ASRM Committee Opinion of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Conditions 

ACOG summary of Preimplantation Testing 

ACOG FAQ’s about Genetic Carrier Screening 

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Infertility advocate and health enthusiast Adelaide White is an invaluable source of light and hope to so many on TikTok and Instagram, Dr. Shahine included.

In this episode, the tables are flipped as Adelaide interviews Lora on All Things Fertility Journey, from the educational journey of a reproductive endocrinologist to the differences among the fertility treatment choices to the many causes of infertility to the heartbreak of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Through it all, one message is clear: infertility and pregnancy loss are not your fault. Culturally, we have such a tendency to blame infertility on the partner who plans to carry the pregnancy, and that’s both wholly inaccurate and hugely unhelpful. Shame and guilt have no place in this process, and that’s why podcasts like Adelaide’s and Dr. Shahine’s exist, so please share widely to spread the word. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Fertility treatments with a reproductive endocrinologist — what to expect

[8:43] Fertility success rates with IVF

[14:16] Fertility treatments and hormone levels 

[19:12] Fertility treatment options and miscarriage risk 

[22:51] Miscarriage causes, egg retrieval pain, and IVF success and why recurrent pregnancy loss is not your fault 

[28:06] Fertility treatments and when to seek medical help: is one year enough? 

[33:30] Fertility treatment options and why advocating for oneself is so important 

[40:40] Infertility and its impact on various cultures, races, and socio-economic groups

[43:37] The fertility journey and advocacy

Resources mentioned: 

Adelaide’s podcast The Waiting Room: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-waiting-room/id1588061814

Adelaide’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/adelaide_awhite/?hl=en

Dr. Shahine’s books, including Not Broken: drlorashahine.com/books 

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Those undergoing IVF sometimes hear they shouldn’t exercise or they might put the process at risk. However, we know a sedentary lifestyle isn’t healthy for your fertility either.

For many, exercise doesn’t just keep their bodies healthy, it’s also critical to managing stress, aiding with sleep, and managing mental health — which can also impact fertility.

So how much exercise is too much when trying to conceive and in early pregnancy? In this episode, Dr. Shahine helps us understand the facts and decide what is right for your personal situation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Intro

[1:36] The controversy around exercise and fertility 

[2:38] Reviewing the research 

[4:01] Exercise during IVF – what’s the worry?

[7:50] Fertility Story: Exercise extremes, the stress of cutting back for many patients, and the Female Athlete Triad 

[12:09] Outro

Resources mentioned: 

Studies mentioned referenced in these blog posts by Dr. Shahine

My Recommendations on Exercise and Fertility

IVF and Fitness: What You Need to Know

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We considered posting this episode on New Year's Eve, when toasting in the New Year is likely to happen, rather than New Year's Day, when many celebrants are waking up to a sore head, a fuzzy tongue, and second thoughts about that third round of shots.

It's OK to celebrate — but alcohol is a tricky question when it comes to fertility. How much is too much?

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Intro

[2:20] Stopping alcohol in pregnancy message is out but what about while trying

[4:28] Research of female fertility and alcohol intake – studies resources listed below

[8:30] Research of male fertility and alcohol – studies and resources listed below

[10:44] Recap of the evidence for reproductive health

[11:23] What I tell my patients about alcohol and fertility 

[14:23] Fertility Story – alcohol and fertility

Resources mentioned: 

Female reproductive health research:

Eggert, J et al. Effects of alcohol consumption on female fertility during an 18-year period Fert Ster 2004;81:379-383

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028203027171

Anwar MY, et al. The association between alcohol intake and fecundability during menstrual cycle phases. Hum Reprod 2021;36:2538-2538.

https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/36/9/2538/6294415?login=false

Mikkelsen EM, et al. Alcohol consumption and fecundability: prospective Danish cohort study. BMJ 2016;354:i4262

https://www.bmj.com/content/354/bmj.i4262.long

Tolsrup JS, et al. Alcohol use as predictor for infertility in a representative population of Danish women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2003 Aug;82(8):744-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2003.00164.x.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12848646/

What does ASRM say?

In their Optimizing Natural Fertility Practice Committee Guideline:

https://www.asrm.org/globalassets/asrm/asrm-content/news-and-publications/practice-guidelines/for-non-members/optimizing_natural_fertility.pdf

Male reproductive health research:

Finelli R, et al. Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Male Fertility Potential: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan; 19(1): 328.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8751073/

Hassan M, et al. Negative lifestyle is associated with a significant reduction in fecundity. Fert Ster 2004; 384-392.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028203028462

What does ASRM say?

In their Optimizing Natural Fertility Practice Committee Guideline:

https://www.asrm.org/globalassets/asrm/asrm-content/news-and-publications/practice-guidelines/for-non-members/optimizing_natural_fertility.pdf

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If you’ve ever wondered where Dr. Shahine gets her ferocity from, well, meet Charlene. 

Inspired by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Wiser Than Me podcast, Dr. Shahine interviews a woman she truly admires: her mother, Charlene Kelly Ewing. 

Despite being “all of 5 feet,” according to daughter Lora, Charlene meets every challenge head-on and, at age 79, still pushes herself to do what she’s afraid of.

The diminutive Southern belle may have a soft voice, but Dr Shahine knows to listen: her mom has been a guiding force as well as her daughter’s biggest cheerleader. 

Whether she’s impressed by her daughter’s ability to watch gnarly medical procedures and still eat pizza, or her drive to help others through not only health care but also health education, Charlene Ewing is as inspired by her daughter as her daughter is by her mom.

Have a listen, then give yourself the gift of talking with a woman you admire. 

Happy holidays from Baby or Bust!

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro and Why Dr. Shahine admires her Mom

[05:02]2 Mom shares Dr. Shahine’s inspiration to be a physician and why she didn’t think it would really happen

[10:23] Family Fertility Stories – What we share and don’t share and what it means – Mom’s fertility, endometriosis and period struggles 

[16:02] Secondary infertility and the fear of having kids born far apart in age

[19:42] On balancing work and motherhood – Why Mom worked and how she modeled independence

[25:00] Leading with curiosity 

[25:34] Outro

Resources mentioned: 

Wiser Than Me podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416

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“Why didn’t I know all this already?”

       - Pretty much everyone who reads Toni Weschler’s book

 The stigma around women’s reproductive systems isn’t just an inconvenience, it removes a critical way women get insight into their bodies and health overall: period power.

 The menstrual cycle tells us a whole lot more than if we’re pregnant or not, or menopausal or not, says author Toni Weschler. Her seminal (oh, the irony of that adjective!) work, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, is all about understanding and taking charge of your reproductive health and being “cycle savvy.”

 In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine and Toni Weschler talk about the origin of this amazing work. (Hint: it has to do with women being really angry.) And despite the title, it’s not all about helping people who are hoping to become pregnant. It’s about, says the author, “teaching women on a day-to-day basis what is going on with their body on that day” and taking advantage of all the insights into your health charting your cycle can give you.  

 In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro

[02:26] What is ‘Taking Charge of Your Fertility’ and why Toni ‘hates’ the title

[04:44] Toni’s inspiration to write the book

[09:50] The difference between the rhythm method and fertility awareness 

[11:22] The 3 signs of fertility explained 

[14:56] What the menstrual cycle can teach you about your health

[18:51] Being a pioneer: How did Toni research for her book in 1990s?

[26:31] The difficult process of pitching the book – lesson in rejection from Toni

[36:30] The challenges of writing the book – Toni fought for her vision

Fertility Story: 

[41:21] Toni’s ‘Birth Announcement’

[42:23] The responsibility of ‘Taking Charge of Your Fertility’ and what inspires Toni

[44:42] Instagram Questions:

• Nikki: Is there another edition? Yes! 30th anniversary edition out in 2025
• Alexa: What fertility or period apps does Toni recommend?
• Claudia: How can teens learn about their cycles? 

[53:12] Final thoughts: Advocate for Your Care

Resources mentioned:

Toni’s website: www.tcoyf.com

Taking Charge of Your Fertility the book: www.tcoyf.com/taking-charge-of-your-fertility

Toni’s Cycle Savvy Smart Teen’s Guide to Her Body: www.cyclesavvy.com

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No two fertility journeys are alike, but Tara Lipinski’s experience is perhaps even more unique than most. The champion, gold-medal-ice-skater-turned-sports-analyst was 35 and still not necessarily ready to start building her family. So she decided to put her options “on ice” — literally preserving eggs and/or embryos until she and her husband Todd were ready.

However, the process turned out to be more complicated than it appeared when a diagnosis of endometriosis sent them down a different path. 

What followed was two surgeries, four miscarriages, six failed transfers, and five years of treatment, hope, and heartbreak.

Spoiler alert: perfect Georgie was born in 2023, so there is a happy ending, but the picture on Instagram of Tara, curled up on her couch, heart-broken and clutching pregnancy tests, sent waves through the fertility community. Here was a very public figure speaking very publicly about her struggles to build her family.

Please listen and share to help us continue the conversation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro

[07:74] Why Tara and Todd shared their story on their Unexpecting podcast

[13:19] How did Tara’s athletic career prepare her and NOT prepare her for infertility 

[19:51] Reflecting on relationships through infertility, men vs. women on coping

[30:02]When to share and not share the fertility journey 

[34:53] When we are surprised by infertility

[38:01] Misconceptions and reality about surrogacy

[46:12] Instagram Questions

  Amanda: Did you and Todd ever consider giving up?

  Marena: How did you and Todd keep going?

  Dana: Advice to someone who is struggling with infertility?

[55:21] Outro and Finding Tara and her podcast

Resources mentioned: 

Tara on Instagram: @taralipinski

Tara Lipinski: taralipinski.com

Tara Lipinski: Unexpecting Tara and Todd’s podcast

Babyquest Foundation Fertility Grants: babyquestfoundation.org

Sunfish financial solutions for fertility treatment:joinsunfish.com

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The good news: IUIs can work! Intrauterine insemination (sometimes laughingly referred to as “the turkey baster method”), or IUI, can help overcome issues like low sperm count or low sperm motility by getting sperm closer to where it needs to be around the time of ovulation.

This method of dealing with infertility is also less expensive and much less invasive for the person hoping to carry the pregnancy. It can also be a great method if you’re planning on using donor sperm.

The harder news to hear: it may not work the first time. 

That said, there are things you can do to increase your chances of a successful IUI, and in this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Shahine goes into your many options, both medical and behavioral. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro to the Episode

[01:27] IUI review – what it is, how it works, how is it different from IVF

[04:31] Tips BEFORE you do your first IUI

   Tip #1 Get testing before you start 

   Tip #2 Review your family goals with your doctor

   Tip #3 Make a long-term plan – how many IUIs?

[06:10] 5 Tips for Success with IUIs

   [06:10] Tip # 1 Medications used with IUIs

   [07:25] Tip #2 Monitoring with IUI cycle: OPK vs. Ultrasounds

   [08:33] Tip#3 Use of Trigger Shots for timing IUI

   [09:11] Tip#4 Optimize sperm counts for IUI to improve success

   [10:15] Tip #5 Optimize overall health to improve success with IUI

[11:43] Chances of Success with IUI

[12:33] Fertility Story for the week – An indication for IUI that you may not have heard of before

[15:37] Summary and Outro

Resources mentioned: 

Drlorashahine.com

[email protected]

Tips for Timing Trying: Dr. Shahine’s video on Baby-Making Tips

Tips for Ovulation: Dr. Shahine’s video on How to Know When You are Ovulating

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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