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Are all IVF cycles created equal? Not even close. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the science of IVF priming—covering everything from birth control pills, estrogen, progesterone, and Lupron to the emerging role of androgen priming with DHEA and testosterone. Learn how synchronization, FSH receptor upregulation, and strategic suppression can make or break your cycle success. Whether you're a poor responder, have PCOS, elevated FSH, or premature ovarian failure, this episode will help you understand which IVF priming protocol may be right for your body. It’s time to move beyond cookie-cutter fertility care and personalize your path to pregnancy.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

Can embryos labeled as “abnormal” still lead to healthy babies? Are fertility clinics discarding embryos that could result in a pregnancy?

In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the controversy surrounding Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A). You’ve seen the headlines — abnormal embryos resulting in live births — but was the test actually wrong, or was it the interpretation?

Learn the truth behind PGT-A and mosaicism, the evolution of embryo testing methods (FISH, aCGH, SNP, and NGS), and what the latest data says about success rates when transferring embryos diagnosed as aneuploid.

Whether you're trying to understand your PGT-A results, deciding whether to transfer a mosaic embryo, or just looking for clarity in a confusing area of IVF science, this episode is your guide.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between aneuploid and mosaic embryos
• Why older tests misclassified embryos
• How NGS changed the game in embryo testing
• What prospective studies show about live birth outcomes
• Whether you should worry about throwing away viable embryos

Tune in to get the facts, ease your fears, and feel empowered in your fertility journey.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

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In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of fertility treatment: what PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) really does—and what it doesn't. Contrary to popular belief, PGT doesn't improve embryo quality. It simply helps prioritize which embryos to transfer first, potentially reducing the number of failed attempts and emotional setbacks.

Using relatable analogies (yes, even a chocolate box), Dr. Amols explains how PGT can be a powerful tool in certain scenarios—especially for women over 38, those banking embryos, and patients facing recurrent implantation failure. He also highlights the emotional toll of repeated IVF failures and why faster answers matter, even when the financial cost is covered.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• Why PGT doesn't improve embryo quality
• How PGT helps sort embryos to get to the best one faster
• The cumulative pregnancy rate with and without PGT
• Diagnostic clarity when transfers fail
• Embryo banking and future planning
• Emotional exhaustion and IVF drop-out rates in Europe
• When PGT is and isn’t truly necessary

📌 Takeaway:
PGT is not a magic wand—it doesn’t change your embryos, it just helps us pick the best ones first. For some, that’s a game-changer. For others, it may not make a big difference. The key is understanding its role so you can make the best decision for you.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols honors the life and legacy of Hailey Marie Okula—beloved nurse, influencer, and new mother—who tragically passed away from amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) shortly after giving birth.

Hailey’s story, while devastating, has left many women afraid to pursue pregnancy. In this episode, we separate fear from facts by explaining what AFE is, how rare it truly is, and why pregnancy is still overwhelmingly safe for most women.

Dr. Amols walks through the medical reality of AFE, shares real risk statistics, and provides compassionate guidance on how to approach pregnancy with confidence, not fear.

💛 Learn how we can honor Hailey—not just by grieving her loss, but by staying informed, supporting one another, and continuing the journey she shared so openly with the world.

🍼 If you'd like to support Hailey’s family, visit the GoFundMe: Support Firefighter Matt Okula & Baby Crew After Tragic Loss.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

You've done the ultrasounds, the shots, the bloodwork — and then retrieval day comes, and... nothing. Zero eggs. What just happened?

In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives into one of the most confusing and emotionally crushing outcomes in IVF: Empty Follicle Syndrome (EFS). But before you panic, know this — most cases aren’t what they seem.

We’ll break down:

• The difference between true vs. false EFS
• Why true EFS is rarer than a unicorn eating tacos
• How trigger shot timing and hormone levels can lead to confusion
• What doctors actually mean when they say “empty follicle”
• Real strategies for preventing and managing this situation

Whether you've heard the term before or are just trying to understand your IVF journey better, this episode will give you clarity, peace of mind, and as always — a side of science and salsa.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives into the world of online fertility advice—from Facebook groups to TikTok trends—and explores why some well-meaning suggestions can actually do more harm than good. You’ll hear real stories of patients misled by online advice, the dangers of taking recommendations out of context, and how to become your own best advocate without falling into the misinformation trap.

Discover which sources you can actually trust (hint: it’s not IVFQueen2020) and how to balance curiosity with clarity in your fertility journey. Whether you’ve gone down the Google rabbit hole or just want to avoid being scared by strangers on the internet, this episode is for you.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

When it comes to fertility, timing is everything. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the "window of opportunity"—the crucial period where certain fertility treatments are most effective.

Using football analogies, Dr. Amols explains why some treatments, like IUI, can be done at almost any age, while others, like IVF, require a stronger ovarian reserve and should be pursued earlier. He also dives into family-building strategy, showing why those who want multiple children may need to think ahead and bank embryos early rather than waiting until options become limited.

This episode covers:
 🏈 Why age matters in fertility treatments
🏈 How IUI and IVF differ in success rates
🏈 The importance of embryo banking for long-term family planning
🏈 Common fertility misconceptions that may cost you time
🏈 How to maximize your window of opportunity for conception

If you’re trying to conceive and wondering whether to wait, try IUI, or move forward with IVF, this episode will help you make the right play at the right time!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

Have you ever heard of giving an embryo a second chance at genetic testing? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the fascinating world of embryo rebiopsy—what it is, why it’s performed, and whether it’s the right choice for your IVF journey.

When genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A) yields unclear results, such as inconclusive findings or mosaic diagnoses, the decision to rebiopsy can be difficult. Is rebiopsying embryos safe, or does it pose unnecessary risks?

Join us as we discuss:

• What embryo rebiopsy entails and how it differs from the initial biopsy.
• When you should consider rebiopsy, including cases of inconclusive or mosaic embryo results.
• The latest research findings on embryo survival, pregnancy success rates, and potential risks associated with rebiopsy.
• Practical considerations, such as whether rebiopsy actually hurts the embryo or reduces your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
• Insights on how often rebiopsy results differ from the original test, providing clarity when making tough decisions.
• Real-world scenarios and patient-friendly insights to help you weigh the pros and cons confidently.

If you’ve ever faced uncertainty due to ambiguous embryo test results or are curious about your options, this episode provides the clarity you need. Embryo rebiopsy could give you a crucial second chance—but is it worth the risk?

Keywords: embryo rebiopsy, IVF embryo testing, mosaic embryos, inconclusive PGT results, fertility podcast, embryo biopsy risks, genetic testing IVF, second embryo biopsy, Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols

Join Dr. Amols in this insightful episode and empower yourself with the information you need to make informed decisions on your path to parenthood.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

Could free IVF really become a reality? President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), and it’s stirring up big conversations in the fertility world. But what does this order actually do—and just as importantly, what does it not do?

In this episode, we break it all down:
✅ What the executive order includes—and whether it could lead to insurance mandates or federal funding for IVF.
✅ How Congress once blocked federal funds for IVF and later reversed the policy for veterans.
✅ What this means for military families, veterans, and federal employees—and whether TRICARE or VA benefits will expand.
✅ The impact on private insurance—could this order eventually push insurance companies to cover IVF for more people?
✅ What happens next? The executive order gives a 90-day deadline for recommendations—so what changes could be coming?

If you’re struggling with infertility, thinking about IVF, or just curious about how politics and fertility treatment intersect, this episode will give you a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what this order means for your fertility journey.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Send us a text

The two-week wait after fertility treatment can feel endless, but what if a single blood test could give you insight into your pregnancy’s future? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, we break down the science behind hCG levels at 16 days post-ovulation and how they predict pregnancy outcomes. We’ll discuss the role of hCG beyond just a pregnancy test, how it rescues the corpus luteum to sustain early pregnancy, and why progesterone supplementation changes how miscarriages present in fertility treatments. Plus, we analyze a key study from Fertility & Sterility (2000) to understand how different hCG levels correlate with pregnancy success or loss. Whether you're in the midst of an IVF cycle or just love diving into the science of fertility, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to learn what your hCG levels really mean and how to interpret them with your doctor!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.