Ep 199: Age Isn’t Just a Number – Considering Fertility after 45

For those wanting to start a family in their 40s, age matters mightily in the quantity and quality of available eggs. Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they explain why the odds are slim for getting pregnant later in life, and for those who do, the special care they take to monitor risks. The doctors also explain why sometimes the clearest path to parenthood for women 45 and older might include donor eggs or donor embryos, the differences between those two options and the importance of talking openly to your child about their birth story.

Ep 198: The Facts to Ease your Fibroid Fears

Fretting over fibroids? Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they explain how very common fibroids are, how they differ from polyps and why in many cases fibroids do not pose serious fertility problems. For those fibroids needing additional attention, the doctors discuss fibroid diagnostic techniques including ultrasounds and MRIs, why location matters mightily in deciding if fibroids need to be removed and if removal is needed what surgical options they do, and do not, recommend.

Ep 197: The Careful Consideration Behind the Egg Donation Process

This episode explores the egg donation process and its many facets, beginning with who uses donor eggs, and why in some cases it is obvious and in others, it is less clear cut.Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they speak to where donor eggs come from and the important physical and psychological screening as well as legal considerations for both donors and potential parents. The doctors also explore important questions such as securing a known versus anonymous donor, using fresh or frozen eggs and how many eggs intended parents might choose.

Ep 196: Just Keep Swimming – How Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Works

For some patients, IUI is a good starting point in their fertility journey because it is less involved and less expensive than IVF. Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center to better understand who is (and who isn’t) a good candidate for IUI, what information is considered in making those determinations and a step-by-step explanation of what to expect in the IUI process. The doctors also discuss how your “big picture” family goals need to be considered with IUI and additionally, how new advances in sperm testing look beyond the mere numbers of sperm count. Come learn with us!

Ep 195: Asherman’s Syndrome – Understanding How Scarring and Adhesions Impact Your Fertility

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant on your own, you may have Asherman’s Syndrome. This simply means that there is scarring or adhesions within the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus. A healthy endometrium is vital for implantation. Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they provide all the details you need to know about this condition. Learn about the warning signs that cause our fertility docs to suspect Asherman’s, which tests and treatments you may need, and how the treatment procedure works.

Ep 194: Think Tank Time – Answering Your PCOS Questions

This week, we turn things over to our listeners and answer your many questions about
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center for a wide-ranging, educational Q&A session. They help listeners understand the wide-ranging diagnostic criteria of PCOS, talk about the impact of certain medications and supplements for those with PCOS and take a deep dive examining PCOS (and beyond) in addressing fertility challenges. Come learn with us!

Ep 193: Hormonal Housecleaning – Your Period Explained

The choreography of hormones that rise and fall to direct your menstrual cycle can provide valuable fertility information and be a key indicator of your overall health. Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they simplify the science before, during and after your period. They define what constitutes a “normal” period, what a missed period could mean and possible reasons periods are too short, too long, too heavy or too light.

Ep 192: How to Survive (and Thrive) in the Two-Week Wait

So you’ve completed your fertility treatment, and now it’s time to pack your patience for the “two-week wait.” Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they explain why the two-week wait is the appropriate amount of time to let pass before taking a pregnancy test. They also explain why IUI and IVF patients shouldn’t put stock in the presence (or absence) of stereotypical “early pregnancy signs” during this waiting period. And finally, they emphasize the need for self-compassion with suggested methods for how best to “treat yo’ self” to boost your physical and mental health.

Ep 191: The Myths Surrounding Ovarian Cysts

If you are dealing with ovarian cysts, understand you’re not alone, and that often these are merely treatable “speed bumps” not a detour on the road to parenthood. Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center as they break down the menstrual cycle to understand the window of time when cysts typically form, how they differ from follicles and how cysts behave to influence your hormone levels. They also provide detailed information about how to effectively treat ovarian cysts, why timing of treatment matters for your future fertility and reassuring advice that most ovarian cysts are not as ominous as you might think. 

Ep 190: Here Come the Holidays! Talking With Stephanie Levich About How to Handle Uncomfortable Questions During Holiday Gatherings

As we approach the holiday season, you may be dreading all the parties and get-togethers that come with a focus on family and a side dish of unwelcome personal questions. Stephanie Levich, Founder and President of Family Match Consulting, is here to help you navigate the festivities. Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center for a thoughtful discussion about protecting your mental health and well-being. We cover everything from when to share your journey and who to share it with to how to educate others about the beauties of every kind of family building, spreading information and debunking old ideas. Our tips can help you find understanding people who will give you the support you need and deserve.