Today’s episode is one of the most eye-opening fertility conversations we’ve ever had — and honestly, it’s the one we wish every woman could hear in her 20s. This is not fear-based, not medical-jargon-heavy, and not judgmental. It’s a raw, honest, compassionate conversation about fertility preservation, egg freezing, AMH, ovarian reserve, and the real options women have — if they get the information early enough.

We talk openly about what’s happening biologically, socially, and clinically, and why so many women are blindsided by fertility challenges in their 30s… even the healthiest ones.

You’ll hear real patient stories (anonymized), real numbers, real frustrations, and real hope.

Get ready for an incredible episode! 🎙️

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Jaime Knopman — a powerhouse in reproductive endocrinology and one of the leading experts in IVF, IUI, PCOS treatment, gestational surrogacy, and so much more.

Jaime M. Knopman, M.D., is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist with years of experience in IVF treatment, IUI treatment, PCOS treatment, gestational surrogacy, and many other areas. She serves as the Director of Fertility Preservation for CCRM Fertility of New York. Dr. Knopman received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she was elected to the AOA honor society.

You won’t want to miss this conversation — packed with insights, expertise, and inspiration for anyone on their fertility journey! 💛✨

 

🌿 What We Cover in Depth

• Why fertility challenges are becoming more common
• Why women aren’t taught the basics of AMH, ovarian reserve, or reproductive aging
• How OB/GYNs often delay testing — and how that impacts women’s choices
• The emotional frustration many women feel once they finally get their numbers
• The surprising effects of long-term birth control on ovarian appearance & AMH
• How fertility doctors interpret ultrasounds, follicle counts & hormone panels
• What makes someone an ideal candidate for egg freezing vs someone who urgently needs it
• How many eggs do you realistically need to freeze for 1, 2, or 3 future children
• Medication protocols: why some women need more meds than others
• The truth about over-medication & whether it’s harmful
• How lifestyle, supplements, and underlying health can support egg quality
• Why some women with very low AMH may need donor eggs — and how to emotionally reframe that
• Success rates: How many frozen eggs = one live birth
• The role of a good lab & embryology team
• Why fertility education is empowerment, not pressure

🌱 A Powerful Case Study

We discuss a 25-year-old whose AMH was already low, what her options were, and how early testing changed her entire timeline.

We also walk through a 39-year-old patient who waited too long — and the heartbreaking reality of trying to “pause fertility” when ovarian reserve is already nearly gone.

These stories matter because they reflect thousands of women’s experiences.

 

💡 The Big Question: Why aren’t we testing earlier?

We challenge the outdated model of waiting a full year of trying before allowing hormone testing — and why this harms women who just want to make informed decisions.

🌸 For anyone considering donor eggs…

We break down the stigma, the genetics, the epigenetics, and why donor conception is far more biologically connected than people think.

 

⏱️ Extended Timestamps

00:00 – Opening music: Red Life, Green Life

01:20 – Why we’re passionate about fertility preservation

04:10 – Why fertility challenges are rising

07:55 – How delayed education impacts women

10:48 – The AMH conversation EVERY woman should have

14:32 – Birth control suppression: what doctors see on ultrasound

19:21 – AFC, ovarian size & hormone interpretation

22:45 – When egg freezing is a “good idea” vs “essential”

26:10 – The cost breakdown: meds, retrieval, storage

30:50 – Embryo freezing: when it’s the better option

34:25 – Case study: AMH 0.2 at 39 years old

39:18 – Can supplements improve egg quality?

45:12 – Should low-AMH women still try multiple retrievals?

48:55 – Donor eggs: reframing the conversation

53:02 – Success rates for frozen eggs (age-specific)

57:15 – What we wish every woman in her 20s knew

01:00:10 – Final thoughts & takeaways

Follow Dr Knopman on:

https://www.instagram.com/drjaimeknopman/?hl=en

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

- any guests you want me to bring on

- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!

Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.

Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.

If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!