Send us a text You’ve heard of estrogen, maybe even LH—but the real superhero in fertility? It’s progesterone. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols reveals how progesterone silently supports pregnancy, stabilizes the uterine lining, and prevents early contractions—all without the recognition it deserves. We break down the science: how progesterone is made from cholesterol, how it converts into testosterone and estrogen, and how granulosa and theca cells work together t...
Jul 09, 2025•15 min•Season 7Ep. 27
Send us a text You've been told your sperm shape is the problem—but is it really? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what sperm morphology actually means, how it's measured, and whether a low morphology score truly impacts your chances of getting pregnant. We’ll explore: What “teratozoospermia” is—and why it sounds scarier than it is Why a 1% morphology score might still be totally fine The truth about IUI and IVF outcomes when morphology is low When ICSI...
Jul 02, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 26
Send us a text This week’s episode is deeply personal. Dr. Mark Amols shares the journey that led him to become a fertility doctor—from his early days as a nurse, to witnessing a friend’s struggle with infertility, to navigating his own fertility challenges with his wife. You’ll learn how these experiences shaped his mission to make fertility care more compassionate, more accessible, and more affordable. It’s not just a career—it’s a calling. If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the mic each Tue...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 25
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most commonly overlooked causes of infertility: elevated prolactin levels , also known as hyperprolactinemia . If you’ve ever been asked about nipple discharge at a fertility consult and thought, “What does that have to do with getting pregnant?”—this episode is for you. Dr. Amols dives into: What prolactin is and why your body produces it How elevated prolactin shuts down ovulation by disruptin...
Jun 18, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 24
Send us a text Can you still get pregnant if one fallopian tube is blocked? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what it really means when one of your fallopian tubes isn’t working. From proximal vs. distal blockages to the surprising truth about which ovary ovulates—and how often—it all matters more than you think. You’ll learn: Whether natural pregnancy is still realistic The real odds of ovulating on the same side every month When IUI works—and when it d...
Jun 11, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 23
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols pulls back the curtain on the often-unspoken truth: fertility treatments don’t always go as planned. From failed ovulation and sperm no-shows during IUI, to egg retrieval curveballs, fertilization failures, and embryo transfer nightmares in IVF—this episode covers the chaos that can catch patients off guard. But don’t worry, this isn’t about fear—it’s about power through preparation. Dr. Amols shares real-world scenari...
Jun 04, 2025•18 min•Season 7Ep. 22
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols explores one of the most common emotional pitfalls in IVF: the heartbreak of a failed transfer using your top-graded embryo. Using a relatable medical school analogy, he explains why even “average” embryos can still lead to pregnancy—and why the term “best” isn’t a guarantee of success. Learn how embryo grading works, what research says about implantation rates with AA vs. BB embryos, and how uterine factors, thaw sur...
May 28, 2025•12 min•Season 7Ep. 21
Send us a text How many eggs should you expect during IVF? Is 8 enough? Is 20 too many? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols cracks open the real data behind egg retrieval numbers and answers the question everyone’s asking: “Am I making enough eggs?” We break down what’s normal by age, what counts as mature, and why having more eggs isn’t always better. Learn how AMH, antral follicle count, and stimulation protocols impact your results—and why quality beats quantity ev...
May 21, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 20
Send us a text They say life begins at 40—but what about fertility? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the real numbers, treatment options, and emotional journey of trying to conceive after 40. We take a deep dive into the groundbreaking FORT-T trial and how it flipped the script on fertility treatment for women over 40—proving that for many, IVF isn’t the last resort, it’s the smart first step. You’ll also learn: ✔ The truth about natural pregnancy chanc...
May 14, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 19
Send us a text What if your uterus looked normal on the outside—but inside, it was glued shut? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the rarely discussed but deeply impactful condition known as Asherman's Syndrome. From why some women are more likely to develop intrauterine adhesions (think “keloid-level healing”) to how it affects menstruation and fertility, you’ll learn everything you need to know. We cover: What causes Asherman's Syndrome and who's at ris...
May 07, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 18
Send us a text 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...
Apr 30, 2025•18 min•Season 7Ep. 17
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 evo...
Apr 23, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 16
Send us a text 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 explain...
Apr 16, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 15
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 mo...
Apr 09, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 14
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...
Apr 02, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 13
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 (h...
Mar 26, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 12
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 w...
Mar 19, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 11
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 po...
Mar 12, 2025•20 min•Season 7Ep. 10
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 federa...
Mar 05, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 9
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 miscarri...
Feb 26, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Send us a text The moment you see a positive pregnancy test, excitement kicks in—but so does fear. Every cramp, every symptom (or lack of symptoms) can send you spiraling into anxiety. And for those who’ve battled infertility, that fear is even more intense. But when does the risk of miscarriage truly drop? When can you finally breathe easier and enjoy your pregnancy? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we break down the numbers, the milestones, and the science behind when pregnancy...
Feb 19, 2025•13 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Send us a text A positive pregnancy test, rising HCG levels, and all the symptoms of early pregnancy—yet no embryo ever forms. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we unravel the mystery of blighted ovums. Why does a pregnancy start but not develop? Is it a genetic issue or a developmental failure? Why do some women not realize there's an issue until their 12-week ultrasound, while fertility treatments catch it much earlier? We break down the science, the common misdiagnoses, and wha...
Feb 12, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Send us a text Many patients panic when their PGT results show numerous abnormal embryos, fearing that this means they have a high chance of having a baby with a chromosomal disorder. But is that really true? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the math behind aneuploid embryos, explaining why most won’t lead to a live birth and how natural pregnancy risks remain low. Learn how implantation rates, miscarriage risks, and real-world statistics shape the actu...
Feb 05, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Send us a text Fibroids are common, but when do they actually impact fertility? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols dives into everything you need to know about fibroids—their types, how they’re diagnosed, their effect on fertility, and the latest treatment options. Whether you're trying to conceive or just curious about how fibroids can affect your health, this episode has you covered. Plus, don’t miss the shoutout to Dr. Piere Johnson , the ‘ Fibroid Slayer ,’ who w...
Jan 29, 2025•20 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explores why transferring one embryo at a time often leads to better outcomes than transferring two simultaneously. Building on previous discussions about statistics and probabilities, this episode dives into the math, biology, and risks associated with multiple embryo transfers. Dr. Amols also addresses misconceptions, explains the factors influencing cumulative success rates, and highlights situations where single or...
Jan 22, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Send us a text Ever wonder why trying the same fertility treatment more than once doesn’t just double your chances of success? Or how putting back two embryos could actually lower your overall chances of a live birth? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the math behind fertility treatments, exploring how probabilities, risks, and statistics truly impact your journey to parenthood. From understanding why more isn’t always better with embryo transfers to dem...
Jan 15, 2025•20 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols shares his personal fertility journey, reflecting on the fears, challenges, and triumphs of building a family. Through heartfelt stories and compelling statistics, he highlights the significance of perseverance in fertility treatments. Whether it’s overcoming financial obstacles, navigating setbacks, or exploring new advancements in reproductive medicine, this episode serves as a beacon of hope for anyone on...
Jan 08, 2025•19 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Send us a text Ever wondered if testing early after an IVF embryo transfer is worth the stress—or the potential answers it might bring? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols tackles the big question many IVF patients face: to test or not to test before the official day 10 pregnancy test. We explore why clinics often discourage early testing, from the risks of false negatives and positives to the emotional toll of seeing uncertain results. But that’s not all—we also disc...
Jan 01, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 52
Send us a text In this special Christmas Eve episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Amols shares warm holiday wishes and a few surprising fertility-themed fun facts that tie into the festive season. Discover why Christmas is a popular time for conception, the ancient fertility symbolism of mistletoe and evergreen trees, and how the peaceful holiday vibe can positively impact fertility. Join us for a short and sweet episode filled with hope, love, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Merry Chri...
Dec 26, 2024•3 min•Season 6Ep. 51
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols revisits the critical topic of ovulation timing with a fresh, in-depth perspective. Understanding when ovulation occurs is essential for maximizing your chances of conception, and this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical tools to help you track it accurately. Dr. Amols dives into the nuances of ovulation, explaining how the egg’s 24-hour viability and sperm’s 5-day survival make timing everyth...
Dec 18, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 50
