In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling discuss a compelling new study from the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology exploring spontaneous conception and live birth rates in infertility patients after endometriosis surgery. They break down what the data reveals about excision versus ablation, the role of age, and the surprising lack of correlation between disease stage and fertility outcomes. Along the way, they examine how inflammation impacts egg viability, why BMI may not matter as much as once believed, and how social media is transforming surgical education and patient advocacy.

For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at [email protected] 

Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling

Highlights:

• What a retrospective cohort study reveals about spontaneous conception rates after excision surgery

• Why disease stage may not determine fertility potential in endometriosis patients

• How inflammatory environments—not just structural damage—interfere with egg survival and implantation

• What the data shows about BMI having no significant impact on post-surgical fertility outcomes

• Why surgical video sharing on social media is reshaping education, access, and accountability in the field

Download a transcript of this episode. 

In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling relaunch The Endometriosis Podcast with an in-depth look at one of the most crucial surgical decisions for patients with deep endometriosis: how aggressive should bowel surgery be? You’ll hear their thoughts on recent meta-analysis comparing conservative techniques (like shave and discoid resection) to radical approaches (like segmental bowel resection). Dr. Fogelson and Dr. Mohling break down how disease severity, nerve preservation, and surgical judgment all shape patient outcomes — and why sometimes a more radical surgery is not only necessary, but life-changing. Along the way, they share real-world cases, challenge common assumptions, and invite listener questions.

For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at [email protected] 

Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling

Highlights:

• What the research reveals about constipation risks after conservative vs. radical bowel surgery

• How nerve-sparing strategies protect long-term bowel and pelvic health

• When a conservative approach succeeds — and when deeper excision is needed for lasting relief

• Why flexible decision-making during surgery leads to better outcomes than imaging alone

• How understanding the differences between superficial and deep disease leads to more effective treatment

Download a transcript of this episode.  

Join surgeon Nicholas Fogelson and endometriosis researcher Libby Hopton as they answer listener questions and discuss recently published research. This episode was recorded in July 2017. Stay tuned for future episodes! 

Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis. Studies include a comparison of excision and ablation surgeries for superficial endometriosis, and a literature review on treating the disease with hormonal contraception. Also, a look at how endometriosis may be connected to the state of a patient's microbiome, and more. 

Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis and answer questions from the endometriosis patient community. Topics include removing abdominal wall endo after c-section, Visanne studies, whether to chose a surgery center or a hospital and more. 

This episode was recorded in July 2017. 

Fresh episodes coming soon! 

Dr Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and researcher Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis and answer question from the endometriosis patient community. Topics include endometriosis research production, BPA and endometriosis incidence, outcomes after resection of bladder endometriosis, and others

This episode was originally published in January 2017.