Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center.  This episode answers key patient questions about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. We answer:

· How is PCOS diagnosed? Using the Rotterdam criteria: irregular cycles, more than 12 microfollicles per ovary, or elevated male hormones. Two of three confirm the diagnosis.

· Does stopping birth control pills help fertility? No. PCOS cycles return to baseline because the hormonal system does not reset.

· Why don’t patients with PCOS ovulate regularly? The brain does not release enough FSH to trigger ovulation.

· What fertility treatments work? Oral ovulation-induction medications succeed in about 80% of patients.

· Do patients with PCOS have ovarian cysts? No. Small follicles are normal; true cysts are a different condition.

· Does weight affect PCOS? Yes. Weight gain or loss can influence hormone balance and ovulation.

We also clarify why the name “polycystic ovary syndrome” is misleading. Patients with PCOS do not have true ovarian cysts. Instead, they have many small follicles, each containing an immature egg, which are a normal part of ovarian anatomy. True ovarian cysts, such as desmoids or endometriomas, represent entirely different medical conditions and are not part of PCOS. This episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance on PCOS diagnosis, myths, and effective fertility treatment.

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. This episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored tackles one of the most common fertility questions patients ask: When should I seek care for infertility? We answer key questions including: When do I need to see a reproductive endocrinologist? In general, patients under 35 should seek fertility care after one year of unprotected intercourse without conception, while patients age 35 and older should seek care after six months. What conditions should prompt earlier evaluation by a fertility specialist? These include irregular menstrual cycles, blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, and medical conditions like autoimmune disease or endometriosis, all of which may have an impact on infertility. We also discuss when to see a fertility doctor if additional factors are involved, such as the need for donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier. These situations vary in complexity, with gestational carrier arrangements typically requiring earlier and more specialized planning, while donor eggs or sperm may be more straightforward. This episode helps patients understand when waiting is reasonable—and when seeing a fertility specialist sooner rather than later can make a critical difference. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, the docs cover everything patients should consider if they plan to start IVF in the next couple of months. They begin with practical but essential advice, especially at the start of a new year, such as re-verification of insurance to ensure the coverage you expect is still in place. They review important lifestyle considerations: diabetes and high blood pressure should be well controlled, weight-loss efforts should begin sooner rather than later if needed, and now is the time to adjust habits or foods that may not support fertility. The doctors discuss the importance of starting supplements early, especially prenatal vitamins, vitamin D, and folic acid, since these nutrients play a critical role even before pregnancy is detected. The team also reviews the value of an up-to-date physical exam and age-appropriate screenings, including mammograms for women over 40. They stress the importance of evaluating the male partner as well, including semen analysis and routine infectious disease testing required by most fertility clinics. Finally, they highlight key pre-IVF testing, such as saline sonograms to assess tubal patency, to ensure patients are ready to begin treatment without delay. Shady Grove Fertility sponsored this podcast. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, the docs welcome visiting physician Dr. Shelley Dolitsky from Shady Grove Fertility in Towson, Maryland, for an in-depth conversation about recurrent pregnancy loss. Dr. Dolitsky begins by reviewing how different professional organizations define recurrent pregnancy loss. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine considers two or more losses—including very early biochemical losses—to be recurrent pregnancy loss, while the American College of OB/GYN defines it as two clinical losses under 20 weeks. The docs discuss how age dramatically affects miscarriage risk, with up to 75% of women over 40 experiencing miscarriages, compared with an overall rate of three to five percent. They walk through the full evaluation, which includes assessing the uterine cavity for abnormalities such as scar tissue, polyps, or congenital malformations; ensuring the fallopian tubes are normal and ruling out tubal damage; and performing chromosome analysis on both partners. Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies and lupus anticoagulant is also essential, as these can contribute to placental clotting issues. The conversation highlights the importance of screening for chronic medical issues that might be undiagnosed. About half of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss will have an identifiable and often treatable cause. Finally, the team discusses recommendations for patients whose workup is normal but who continue to experience losses. This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. Today we welcome special guest Lauren Makler, Founder of Cofertility. In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, the doctors sit down with Lauren Makler to explore why transparency is essential in modern egg donation. For years, donor conception carried an unnecessary layer of secrecy. Parents often felt shame discussing the use of an egg donor, and donor-conceived children sometimes internalized guilt or discomfort, feeling that the process was transactional, or that the donor was excluded from any meaningful connection. Lauren explains how the Cofertility model aims to reshape this narrative entirely. Prospective egg donors undergo extensive medical and psychological screening before being accepted. Those who qualify complete an extraordinarily detailed profile allowing families to choose a donor whose values, background, and goals align with theirs. The donor is empowered too since she keeps half of her eggs for future use. Only a limited number of families can match with each donor, and together, donors and recipient families determine their preferred level of ongoing contact. At minimum, recipients receive identifying information, but many matches opt for deeper communication, shared updates, or even in-person meetings over time. This thoughtful, relationship-centered approach helps ensure that donor-conceived children grow up with honesty, openness, and pride in their origin story. Transparency removes shame, strengthens family identity, and honors the donor’s contribution in a meaningful, human way. At its core, every child’s conception however it happens, should be embraced with joy, not secrecy. This podcast was sponsored by Cofertility. 

Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, our docs take a deep dive into one of the most pivotal decisions in an IVF cycle: when and how to trigger for egg retrieval. They break down the thought process behind choosing between an HCG trigger and a Lupron trigger, explaining why the choice isn’t one-size-fits-all. One of the biggest advantages of a Lupron trigger is its ability to dramatically reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a key consideration for patients with a high response to medication. But Lupron doesn’t work for everyone. The docs explain why patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea must use HCG to ensure proper follicle release, and why a fresh embryo transfer also requires an HCG trigger for optimal luteal support. The docs also discuss the many clinical clues that guide trigger timing. These include a patient’s historical response to stimulation, whether they’re planning a fresh or frozen transfer, and crucial hormonal cues such as a drop in estrogen that can signal impending ovulation. They even share how sometimes they bring patients into the office for an ultrasound on retrieval day to confirm that spontaneous ovulation hasn’t occurred. Finally, they cover the selective use of combined HCG + LH triggers, and which patients benefit most from this approach.  This is a must-listen for anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how reproductive endocrinologists make one of the most important calls in an IVF cycle. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility.

  Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center to learn what to do after a failed embryo transfer. We discuss 20 steps to take if your transfer was unsuccessful. A failed embryo transfer can be heartbreaking, but it’s not the end of your journey. In this episode, the docs share the top 20 things to do—and not do—after a failed cycle. They discuss why it’s important to give yourself grace, seek emotional support from close friends and family, and take a break if you need one. The doctors explain how a brief pause between cycles can help you reset physically and mentally, and why even a few months away from treatment often makes no real difference in the long run. You’ll also hear about the value of getting a wellness checkup, optimizing your health before trying again, and consulting with your doctor about new options. After a failed transfer, you may now qualify for additional testing that wasn’t previously recommended. The docs caution against reflexively transferring more than one normal embryo—since twins or triplets can pose serious risks to both mother and babies—and encourage exploring different protocols if you’ve used the same regimen multiple times. Finally, they cover when to consider a second opinion, the benefits of embryo genetic testing, and how to make the most of your insurance coverage. Most importantly, they remind listeners to be kind to themselves and take the time they need to heal before moving forward. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility. 

  Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. Today, they had a special Guest: Phillip Romanski, Associate Research Director of US Fertility. He is also an Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director of the reproductive endocrinology fellowship at Mount Sinai. In this episode, the docs explore how research shapes the future of fertility care. As Associate Research Director for US Fertility, Dr. Romanski shares how the organization leverages its extensive national data to support studies that directly influence patient outcomes. With eight to nine active clinical studies, patients can visit the US Fertility website to learn about current opportunities to participate, helping advance science, even if the immediate benefits are for future patients. Dr. Romanski highlights a recent study examining development in embryos that initially appeared to have abnormal fertilization. Surprisingly, many of these embryos progressed to the blastocyst stage, and a significant number were genetically normal. This information may help increase the number of viable embryos for future transfer. He also discusses a recent study with unexpected results: a comparison of fertilization outcomes between ICSI and conventional insemination with frozen sperm. Traditionally, eggs are fertilized with ICSI when using frozen sperm. By dividing eggs from individual patients and comparing ICSI with conventional insemination, the team found no difference in fertilization outcomes. This finding could reduce unnecessary embryo manipulation, minimize risk, and decrease costs for patients. This episode takes a fascinating look at how research today is improving the fertility treatments of tomorrow. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. This week, the docs welcome Dr. Nadine Al Kaisi, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Eggcellent Fertility, who brings an international perspective to the fertility field. Dr. Al Kaisi has practiced reproductive medicine across Germany, Spain, Belgium, and London, giving her a unique understanding of how fertility care differs around the world. In Germany, for example, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is not routinely performed and is used only in specific cases, such as when both partners carry a genetic condition or when sperm morphology is abnormal. Unlike in the US, much of fertility treatment in Germany is covered by insurance, creating a hybrid system that includes both public and private options. German laws impose strict limitations on fertility options outside of IVF. Egg freezing is restricted to married individuals, and same-sex couples are not eligible for treatment. Sperm donation is permitted but tightly regulated, with minimal information about the donor. At age 16, the donor-conceived child is able to contact the donor. Dr. Al Kaisi also explains how clinics in Germany perform natural cycle IVF, freeze embryos at the pronuclear stage, and transfer only one embryo per cycle. Other European countries, such as Spain and the Czech Republic, have more liberal practices—similar to the United States—though surrogacy remains prohibited. This is an interesting perspective on the different ways IVF is done in other countries. This podcast was sponsored by RMA New York. 

 Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this listener question episode, the Fertility Docs take on some of the most common and complex questions about endometriosis and fertility treatment options. Patients often wonder whether to pursue testing like the ReceptivaDx assay, when to consider IVF over other treatments, and how many IUI cycles to try before taking a more aggressive approach. The docs discuss how the right path depends on factors such as the severity of disease, the presence of endometriomas or deep implants, and each patient’s family-building goals. They also talk about surgery for endometriosis—when it can help, and when it might cause more harm than good. While surgery may relieve pain, it can sometimes reduce ovarian reserve by damaging nearby eggs. For patients whose main goal is conception, moving toward IVF may be the best option. Chronic pain, however, can often be managed with medications like Depo-Lupron. Ultimately, the Fertility Docs emphasize that for those with endometriosis who want children, timing and strategy are everything. Acting sooner rather than later can improve the chances of success and make room for definitive treatment later on. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility.