Fertility Forward

Welcome back to another sneak peek of the upcoming ASRM Conference. Today, we welcome Dr. Erkan Buyuk back to the show to hear about his abstract at the ASRM Conference titled, ‘Time to Undetectable HCG Following Early Pregnancy Loss in ART Pregnancies: A Comparison of Management Strategies.’ Tuning in, you’ll hear about this one-of-a-kind study, the delicate way doctors have to handle miscarriages, the three options patients have after finding out a pregnancy isn’t viable, and so much more! Our guest shares what inspired him to conduct this study before delving into some of its findings. We even discuss how this study has helped us have a better understanding of when HCG levels will reduce after miscarriage. Finally, our guest tells us what we can expect in the future from this study and shares what he is grateful for today. Thank you for listening!  

Is fertility preservation worth it for women over the age of 35? In this episode of Fertility Forward, we welcome Dr. Michelle Bayefsky to discuss her ASRM Abstract, ‘Outcomes for Patients Who Underwent Oocyte Cryopreservation at Age 35 Years and Older: Results from a Large, Multi-Centre Cohort’. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the study, who was involved, what she discovered from it, and how she hopes to further her studies on fertility preservation in women over 35 in the future. We even touch on the power and importance of providing patients with data so they can make decisions for themselves. Finally, and as always, we share what we are grateful for today. Thanks for listening!  

Dr. Jessica Vernon is a board-certified OBGYN who has cared for thousands of people throughout their reproductive journeys over the past 15 years. She is an Associate Medical Director and Director of Mental Health at Oula, a women’s health startup in New York City offering comprehensive maternity care, from expert midwives to board-certified OBGYNs. It was Dr. Vernon’s personal experience that first inspired her to start Oula, and our conversation begins with unpacking the circumstances that followed the birth of her daughter. Next, we unpack the perinatal mental health work that inspired Dr. Vernon’s first book, Then Comes Baby, and the experiences as client and consultant that informed its content. Dr. Vernon shares some fundamentals of her approach to care, all centered around finding grace for yourself and your body after giving birth. Join us today to hear from a truly informed and compassionate guest!  

What if your pregnancy care was centered on your values, offering personalized support every step of the way? In this episode of Fertility Forward, licensed midwife Casey Selzer shares her two decades of experience advocating for holistic, patient-focused maternity care and demystifies the role of midwives in today’s healthcare landscape. We explore how midwifery offers a holistic approach to pregnancy and birth that complements nursing and doula care. Casey explains different care models and encourages early reflection on birth values to help patients choose the best provider and setting. You’ll also learn how innovative practices like Oula Health (where Casey is Senior Director of Patient Programs) integrate midwives, OBGYNs, doulas, and specialists in a team-based model that prioritizes education and continuity of care, ultimately transforming maternity care to be more accessible, supportive, and aligned with patient needs. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating pregnancy care options, dispelling misconceptions, and advocating for your unique journey toward parenthood! 

Surrogacy is often considered a ‘last resort’ for people dealing with infertility, but it can be an incredibly beautiful (and challenging) way to start a family. In this episode of Fertility Forward, Carly Joseph joins us to share her surrogacy journey and to talk about her surrogacy concierge service that gives families going through surrogacy the support they need. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Carly’s infertility and IVF experience, what inspired her to start her surrogacy business, how she helps her clients, and so much more! We delve into the first steps to take when considering surrogacy before discussing how you can make the decision to go that route. Carly even tells us the one thing she wishes she had done differently in her surrogacy experience. Finally, our guest does not hesitate to share gratitude for her wonderful nanny. Thanks for listening in!  

Insurance coverage, healthcare benefits, and navigating the fertility journey from a cost perspective are incredibly important topics of discussion. Today on Fertility Forward, we welcome Dr. Taraneh Nazem and Carissa Simek back to the show to share their perspectives on this issue, as well as the co-founder of Sheer Health, Ben Howard. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what Sheer Health is, how they alleviate financial and logistical pressure from both the patient and the doctor, and the importance of taking advantage of healthcare benefits. We delve into how Carissa tracked the financial side of her own fertility journey before hearing all about exactly how Sheer Health works for both patient and doctor. Finally, Ben tells us about his personal journey with fertility, how to access Sheer Health, and we share what we’re grateful for today. Thanks for listening!  

Perimenopause is a topic that is not discussed often enough and having the conversation helps empower women to know that they don’t need to suffer through it! Today, on Fertility Forward, we are discussing all things perimenopause with the CEO of Balanced Medical, Dr. Adrienne Mandelberger. She is a minimally invasive gynecologist and menopause specialist with a passion for preparing women for perimenopause. Tuning in, you’ll hear our guest debunk some perimenopause and fertility myths, symptoms of perimenopause, why diagnosis is difficult through testing, and the importance of tracking symptoms. We delve into perimenopause symptom types and treatment options before talking about the incredible benefits of hormone therapy to mitigate perimenopause symptoms. We even discuss why perimenopause does not mean infertility! Finally, we share what we are grateful for today. To hear all this and more, be sure to listen now. 

The embryology lab is often a mystery to patients, but it plays a critical role in every IVF journey. In this episode, we’re joined by Rick Slifkin, Embryology Associate Laboratory Director at RMA of New York, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at what happens after egg retrieval. With nearly two decades of experience, Rick walks us through each step of the process, from fertilization and embryo development to genetic testing and cryopreservation. He explains what makes a lab truly high-performing, how strict protocols minimize stress on eggs and embryos, and why innovations in freezing and thawing are making a meaningful difference. Rick also shares the latest research on abnormal fertilization and embryo viability, offering a window into how science and data are improving outcomes. Whether you're navigating treatment or simply curious about the process, this episode offers clarity and reassurance from someone who has seen it all. Join us for a deep dive into the lab work that makes modern fertility care possible! 

The male factor is one-third of fertility overall and therefore, sperm health is imperative to fertility! Welcome to part two of our conversation with Deb Valentin about sperm health! In this part of the conversation, we discuss how diet affects sperm health, how different nutrients and food groups improve (and harm) sperm, the best supplements to support sperm health, and more! We delve into the dangers of alcohol and smoking when it comes to sperm health and the importance of exercise before discussing how to manage testicular temperature regulation. Be reminded to drink water, learn about how often a man needs to ejaculate, and the power of acupuncture for sperm health. We even talk about how important optimism and positive thinking are during any fertility journey. Finally, Deb shares the importance of finding the joy in getting healthy through your fertility journey. Thanks for listening!  

What if the key to unlocking fertility lies in addressing both partners equally? Today on Fertility Forward, we’re joined by Deb Valentin, a renowned integrative acupuncturist, herbalist, fertility specialist, and founder of Sage Wellness in Manhattan, to shed light on the often-overlooked role of male fertility in family planning. With over 20 years of experience, Deb combines Eastern wisdom with modern techniques for a holistic approach to fertility that addresses both male and female factors. We explore how lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, diet, and habits like smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly impact sperm quality and overall fertility. Deb shares small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference in fertility outcomes and emphasizes the importance of early intervention for both men and women, stressing that fertility should be a shared responsibility in family planning. To learn why progress, not perfection, is key to improving fertility and why addressing male fertility is essential for anyone on the journey to parenthood, tune in today!