Fertility Docs Uncensored

In this episode, hosts Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center discuss the process of using a gestational carrier. They break down who might need a gestational carrier, the medical and legal aspects to consider, and how to navigate the journey from start to finish. The discussion also covers the difference between a traditional surrogate and a gestational carrier, explaining why modern surrogacy almost always involves a gestational carrier—someone who carries a pregnancy without a genetic connection to the baby. The docs also address common questions about choosing a carrier, working with an agency, and the emotional and financial aspects of the process. Whether you’re considering surrogacy due to medical conditions, infertility, or other personal reasons, this episode provides valuable insights into how a gestational carrier can help individuals and couples grow their families.

In this episode, hosts Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas speak with Richard Kellner, founder of the Polycystic Kidney Disease-Free Alliance, and Natasha Rogina, the organization’s chief spokesperson. Together, they discuss polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and how pre-implantation genetic testing-monogenic (PGT-M) can help families prevent passing this genetic condition to their children. Natasha, who has PKD herself, shares her personal decision to pursue IVF with PGT-M to ensure her children would not inherit the disease. PKD is a progressive condition that typically leads to kidney failure by midlife, often requiring dialysis or a transplant. Because many insurers do not cover genetic testing, the PKD-Free Alliance offers grants to help families access PGT-M to prevent passing the trait to their children. The PKD-Free Alliance’s goal is to raise awareness and let couples know this option exists. This insightful conversation explores genetic inheritance, reproductive choices, and the future of PKD prevention, offering hope to families facing this challenging condition.

What are the must-have tests when trying to figure out infertility? In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, we’re joined by Anate Brauer, MD, a physician at RMA New York, to break it all down with our trio of fertility gurus—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. Together, they dive into the top 4 tests you shouldn’t skip when facing infertility. We’re talking AMH (antimullerian hormone) to evaluate egg quantity. They discuss egg quantity vs. quality (yes, there’s a difference!), why age really does matter (ugh, we know), and what tests like TSH, FSH, and estrogen levels can tell us. They get into the nitty-gritty of semen analysis—because guys, you’re half the equation—and the dynamic duo of uterine evaluations: HSG and saline sonogram to check for polyps, fibroids, and make sure your fallopian tubes are open. And just when you thought we were done, we throw in a little genetic twist with carrier screening, explaining why matching mutations isn’t as romantic as it sounds. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or deep in the diagnostic weeds, this episode is packed with laughs, knowledge, and more than a few “aha!” moments. Don’t miss it!

Join hosts Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas as they dive into the role of three key hormones in pregnancy: thyroid hormone, prolactin, and insulin. In this episode, we discuss the thyroid’s function and why it’s problematic if it works too fast or slow. We explore common thyroid tests, how thyroid issues can impact pregnancy, and their connection to prolactin levels. We also break down prolactin’s role, what affects its levels. We discuss the difference between a micro- and macro-adenoma and treatment for both. Additionally, we touch on galactorrhea, a condition causing unexpected breast discharge, and the importance of discussing it with your doctor. We then shift to insulin and its link to diabetes. We explain type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune condition) and type 2 diabetes (where insulin doesn’t work effectively), along with the importance of hemoglobin A1C testing. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels before pregnancy is crucial, as poorly controlled diabetes can lead to birth defects, pregnancy complications, and delivery risks. Tune in for expert insights on optimizing hormonal health for pregnancy.

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and RMA of New York.

In this episode, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center are joined by special guest Dr. Ida Eden, a reproductive psychiatrist in private practice and an adjunct faculty member at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Eden shares valuable insights on coping with infertility. She explains how anxiety is common for many and can be managed positively. Sometimes it can manifest in unexpected ways such as anger or intellectualization (doing lots of Google searches) and how different defense mechanisms—good and bad—play a role. She discusses the importance of recognizing whether anxiety serves a purpose and emphasizes optimizing mental health through simple but effective strategies, such as exercise, social connections, and proper sleep. We explore the use of medications for mental health during pregnancy and how doctors assess whether to continue or adjust treatment. Finally, the conversation delves into the cost of mental health care, resources for those without insurance coverage, and the availability of telemedicine options. Tune in for an insightful discussion on mental well-being and practical ways to manage anxiety.

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and IVF Florida.

Join Dr. Laurice Bou Nemer from IVF Florida along with hosts Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center for a crucial topic: how age impacts fertility. As women age, both the number and quality of eggs decline, especially after 35. By 40, fertility is significantly reduced, and after 45, natural conception is rare. The doctors break down what happens to egg quality with age, including how older eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the risk of miscarriage or genetic issues. They also tackle the common myth that healthy living can override the biological clock and shed light on the misleading narratives around celebrity pregnancies. This honest conversation is essential listening for anyone considering their fertility future—don’t miss it!

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and IVF Florida.

In this episode, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas discuss potential challenges during an IVF cycle. We cover issues that may prevent you from starting, such as ovarian cysts or improperly suppressed hormones. We also discuss cycle cancellations due to a dominant follicle and when a cycle may still continue. Medication adjustments during IVF, possible ovulation before retrieval, and side effects from stimulation medications are explored. We break down complications that can arise during egg retrieval, including difficulties accessing the ovaries and why eating after midnight could lead to cancellation. Additionally, we discuss ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but serious condition, and what to watch for. Finally, we examine potential setbacks in embryo development, including cases where no embryos are available for genetic testing. IVF is a complex process, and while challenges can arise, understanding these possibilities can help you feel more prepared. Tune in to learn what to expect and how your fertility team works to navigate these obstacles.

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and IVF Florida.

Getting ready for your first appointment at the fertility clinic? Join Dr. Carrie Bedient at the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen  at Nashville Fertility Center, and Dr. Susan Hudson at Texas Fertility Center for an informative episode reviewing the best way to prepare for your first visit at the fertility clinic. The docs review records and items to gather prior to your appointment. They discuss questions to review with your primary care physician. Tune in to get firsthand advice on preparing for your appointment!

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and IVF Florida.

Join Abby Eblen MD, M.D. of the Nashville Fertility Center, Susan Hudson MD, M.D. of the Texas Fertility Center, and Carrie Bedient MD, M.D. of the Fertility Center of Las Vegas as they speak with their guest, Julie Lindholm, Executive Director of the Fertility Foundation of Texas. In this episode, we dive into the world of fertility grants—how to find them, how to apply, and what it takes to increase your chances of receiving funding. Many grant programs require detailed personal and financial information to ensure recipients can complete an IVF cycle, even if the grant doesn’t cover the full cost. We discuss how to write a compelling personal statement, gather the necessary financial documents, and navigate the limitations that often come with these grants. Julie shares insider tips on what grant agencies look for in applicants and how to improve your chances of securing funding. If you’re searching for ways to finance your fertility journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you take the next step.

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and Shady Grove Fertility. 

In this episode,Abby Eblen MD from Nashville Fertility Center, Susan Hudson MD from Texas Fertility Center, and Carrie Bedient MD from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas talk with Lauren Roth, MD who is the Medical Director of the Shady Grove Rockville Fertility Center. During the podcast we discuss the benefits of egg freezing. We explore who might consider freezing their eggs, the ovarian stimulation process, and how frozen eggs can be used in the future. Our conversation covers ovarian reserve, the advantages of freezing eggs at a younger age versus after 35, and the monitoring process before egg retrieval, including AMH, antral follicle count, FSH, and estrogen levels. We also walk through what happens when a woman returns to use her frozen eggs to create embryos for conception. Tune in for an informative discussion on this important fertility option!

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and Shady Grove Fertility.