Building your family

No “Normal” Embryos? You May Still Have Choices


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“No normal embryos” doesn’t always mean the end.

Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for tough cases, especially older patients. They discuss PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, immunology, inflammation, and why individualized, evidence‑based treatment can open options many patients don’t realize they have.

Have you been told you have “no normal embryos” and feel like you’re out of options?

In this episode of the Building Your Family Podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for some of the toughest cases: older patients, “no normal embryos,” and cycles where many people are told there’s nothing else to try.

They discuss why careful diagnosis and truly individualized treatment matter so much, especially for older patients; how they think about embryos other clinics might not consider; and what current evidence actually shows about PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, and implantation. They also explore the role of immunology, inflammation, toxins like microplastics, supplements, and AI in embryo selection.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

    What “no normal embryos” really means (and what it doesn’t)

    Why one‑size‑fits‑all IVF protocols often fail older patients
    The controversy around PGTA and how it affects real‑world outcomes
    When aneuploid and mosaic embryos may still be part of a thoughtful plan
    How immunology, inflammation, and sensitivities can impact implantation
    Personalized ovulation induction for older patients
    Why evidence‑based, individualized care matters more than trends or hype

If you’ve been told there are no options left, this episode can help you ask better questions and understand what might still be possible for your family.

Subscribe to the Building Your Family Podcast for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy.

Episode resources

Website: https://centerforhumanreprod.com/

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Building your familyBy Lisa Schuman

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