IVF add-ons have become a growing part of fertility treatment, but do they actually improve success rates? In this expert-led SART Fertility Experts podcast episode , reproductive specialists explore the evidence behind common IVF add-ons and whether they truly benefit patients.

Procedures like the Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA), routine ICSI, assisted hatching, and time-lapse embryo imaging are often offered with promising theories. However, research shows many of these add-ons may not improve live birth rates and can increase costs, treatment time, and potential risks.

The discussion highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine in a field that rapidly adopts new technology. Patients are encouraged to ask critical questions about effectiveness, risks, alternatives, and clinic-specific outcomes before choosing additional treatments.

Ethical considerations and informed consent are central to making confident fertility decisions. Whether you are starting IVF or reviewing your options, understanding the role of add-ons can help you choose the best path forward.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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Dr. Timothy Hickman hosts this episode of the SART Fertility Experts podcast featuring reproductive law attorney Amani Hanson. They discuss the legal aspects of assisted reproduction, including gestational surrogacy, egg donation agreements, and establishing legal parentage for intended parents. The conversation also explores how surrogacy laws vary by state, the shift away from anonymous donation, and the growing recognition of donor-conceived individuals' rights. This episode offers practical insights for patients navigating IVF and third-party family building.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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Is there anything beyond pills, shots, IUI and IVF? In this episode, we will discuss the role of Complimentary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) and its role in infertility treatment. Listeners can learn about the role of acupuncture, supplements and other treatments that may be offered to optimize reproductive medicine therapies.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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On SART Fertility Experts, Dr. Mark Trolice hosts Dr. Mariana Sousa-Leite and Dr. Angela Lawson to explore IVF's emotional journey, mental health, and lasting meaning.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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Struggling with weight and planning for pregnancy? Dr. Mark Trolice and Dr. Lindsay Maggio reveal how BMI impacts fertility, the truth about obesity as a disease—not a failure of willpower—and how small, realistic changes can lead to big wins. From lifestyle tips to when to pause medications or surgery before conceiving, this episode is packed with insights every hopeful parent needs to hear.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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In this episode of the SART Fertility Experts podcast, host Dr. Kelly Lynch welcomes Teresa Cacchione, MS, a clinical genetic counselor at RMA of New York, to explore the evolving landscape of carrier screening. They discuss the importance of genetic screening for X-linked and recessive conditions, differences between panel sizes, ethical considerations, cost, timing, and how screening supports informed reproductive choices. Learn how carrier screening aligns with ASRM guidelines and empowers patients—especially those pursuing fertility treatment or using donor gametes—to plan confidently and proactively.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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Explore with host and reproductive endocrinologist Kelly Lynch, MD, how major religions view IVF, fertility, and surrogacy, with insights from psychologist Bill Petok, PhD, on balancing faith and family building.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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In this episode of the SART Fertility Experts podcast, Dr. Mark Trolice sits down with PCOS expert Dr. Anuja Dokras, who explains diagnosis, risks, fertility, lifestyle changes, and new treatments to empower women with PCOS in 2025 and beyond.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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Discover the benefits, process, and myths of embryo donation, including matching, costs, success rates, and interaction options for donors and recipients.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

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This episode of the SART Fertility Experts podcast provides an in-depth discussion of the technologies used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and advancements that enhance success rates and accessibility. Dr. Brooke Rossi and Dr. Lowell Ku cover topics such as the critical role of embryology labs, the specialized training of embryologists, the use of artificial intelligence for embryo selection, and the importance of technologies like vitrification and microfluidics in sperm selection. They also discuss the ethical and technical challenges these innovations present, emphasizing the balance between technology and humanity in patient care. Finally, they stress that these tools should complement, not replace, the expertise and compassion of medical professionals, always prioritizing the doctor-patient relationship.

Find the #StartwithSART Fertility Experts series wherever you get your podcasts. Looking for advice on building a family? Ask the experts and #StartwithSART.

For more information about the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, visit our website at https://www.sart.org

Have a topic you'd like to hear? Tell Us!