Send us a text Today, we dive into the world of IVF priming and uncover the delicate balance between synchronization and suppression. Learn how different priming methods like combined oral contraceptives, estrogen-only, progesterone-only, and cold starts play a pivotal role in setting the stage for successful outcomes. Whether you’re curious about the science behind follicular development, concerned about over-suppression, or just looking for a deeper understanding of why your protocol was chose...
Dec 11, 2024•17 min•Season 6Ep. 49
Send us a text Infertility is often seen as a female issue, but the truth is men are half the equation. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols shifts the spotlight to male fertility and the critical role of the semen analysis in evaluating reproductive health. A semen analysis isn’t just a basic test—it’s a window into the “medical health” of male fertility, providing insights into parameters like volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology. Dr. Amols explains what the...
Nov 27, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 48
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the world of frozen embryo transfers (FETs). If you’ve been through IVF, chances are you have frozen embryos ready for transfer—but how do you decide the best way to prepare your body for implantation? Dr. Amols breaks down the three main approaches to FET cycles: natural, modified natural, and programmed cycles . You’ll learn: The key differences between these transfer techniques. The pros and cons of...
Nov 20, 2024•18 min•Season 6Ep. 47
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the often-anxious topic of embryo thawing, addressing the common fears patients feel about their embryos surviving the thaw. Dr. Amols takes listeners on a journey through the history of embryo freezing—from early techniques like slow freezing at the pronuclear stage to today’s advanced vitrification process. He explains why ice crystal formation was once a significant challenge, using the relatable ex...
Nov 13, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 46
Send us a text Is it time to worry about your fertility? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down when to hit the panic button if you're trying to conceive without success. From understanding when to consult an OB-GYN or a reproductive specialist to identifying red flags like family history, prior unprotected relationships, and the limits of methods like ‘pulling out,’ this episode gives you the roadmap to know when it’s time for professional guidance. Whether ...
Nov 06, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 45
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols explores the delicate balance of patience versus proactivity following a failed embryo transfer. When should you hold steady, and when is it time to take action with further testing? Dr. Amols breaks down the odds, shares insights on additional evaluations, and guides listeners through making informed, proactive decisions to maximize future transfer success. Tune in to better understand when to wait and when to move f...
Oct 30, 2024•18 min•Season 6Ep. 44
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the critical relationship between ovarian reserve, age, and fertility. While many women believe that a normal ovarian reserve test means they have time, age plays a huge role in fertility that often goes overlooked. Dr. Amols explains why 35 is often the " magic number " for fertility concerns but also why some women should hit the panic button even earlier—especially those with certain ethnic backgrounds,...
Oct 23, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 43
Send us a text In this week's Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols kicks off the " When to Hit the Panic Button " series with a focus on ectopic pregnancies. He explores the risks associated with these high-stakes pregnancies, explains when they occur, and outlines the warning signs that suggest it's time to move on to treatments like IVF. With each ectopic pregnancy, the chance of recurrence rises—so when should you consider more advanced interventions? This episode offers essential gui...
Oct 16, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 42
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols explores the hidden side of embryo development: cellular death. Why do some embryos that seem perfectly viable fail to implant? Dr. Amols breaks down the science behind apoptosis and necrosis, two types of cell death, and explains why some embryos may already be on the path to cellular death even before transfer. Learn about the challenges in detecting these processes and how cellular death can influence IVF outcomes....
Oct 09, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 41
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the world of GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications that are making waves in weight loss and metabolic health. But could they also be a key to improving fertility, especially for those with PCOS and metabolic syndrome? Join us as we break down how GLP-1s work, their impact on insulin resistance, and why they might be the solution for stubborn weight gain. We’ll also explore the potential fertility benefit...
Oct 02, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 40
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we dive into the ' Who can make the most eggs contest ' and debunk the myth that low ovarian reserve equals low chances of getting pregnant. Ovarian reserve might tell us how many eggs we can make, but it doesn’t predict our ability to conceive. Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the difference between ovarian reserve and actual pregnancy chances, explaining why it’s more about quality than quantity and how age plays a bigger role. Whether ...
Sep 25, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 39
Send us a text In A Helping Heart: The Surrogacy Journey Unveiled , we explore the incredible journey of surrogacy, a selfless act that helps many families achieve their dreams of parenthood. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we speak with a surrogate who shares her personal experience, shedding light on the medical, emotional, and legal aspects involved in the process. Whether you're considering surrogacy or want to understand more about it, join us as we unveil the challenges, r...
Sep 18, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 38
Send us a text In this week’s episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we dive deep into the world of donor sperm and how it offers new possibilities for individuals and couples looking to build their families. Whether you’re a single woman, part of a same-sex couple, or dealing with male infertility, donor sperm can be a life-changing option. Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the process of choosing the right sperm donor, the key differences between known and anonymous donors, and the emotional and et...
Sep 11, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 37
Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we explore the journey of using donor eggs to build a family. Dr. Mark Amols takes us through the reasons why donor eggs might be needed, from age-related fertility challenges to medical conditions like chemotherapy, and even in cases for same-sex male couples. We dive into the emotional aspects of choosing donor eggs, what to consider when selecting a donor, and the differences between fresh and frozen eggs. You'll learn ...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min•Season 6Ep. 36
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols dives into the fascinating and complex world of twins. Whether you've dreamed of having twins or are curious about what causes them, this episode covers it all—from the science behind fraternal and identical twins to the cultural perceptions that make them so special. Dr. Amols also discusses the increased risks associated with twin pregnancies, why the medical community is cautious about multiple births, and the e...
Aug 28, 2024•21 min•Season 6Ep. 35
Send us a text "In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , we’re diving into the world of uterine polyps—those little 'hitchhikers' that can set up camp in your uterus. Dr. Mark Amols breaks down everything you need to know about these benign growths, from what causes them and who’s at risk to how they can impact your fertility. Whether you're trying to conceive or just curious about your reproductive health, this episode will give you the knowledge to understand and manage uterine polyps....
Aug 21, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 34
Send us a text In this egg-citing episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols cracks open the secrets of assisted hatching in IVF. Ever wonder why some embryos need a little extra help to hatch and implant? Dr. Amols breaks it all down, explaining what assisted hatching is, how it works, and when it might be just the thing to boost your chances of success. You'll learn about the different hatching techniques—mechanical, chemical, and laser—and why laser hatching often steals the s...
Aug 14, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 33
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols delves into the groundbreaking world of vitrification—a transformative technique that has revolutionized the field of fertility preservation. Vitrification, or flash freezing, is a process that prevents the formation of ice crystals in cells, ensuring their viability and integrity. This episode unpacks the science behind vitrification, explaining how it differs from traditional slow freezing methods and why it repr...
Aug 07, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 32
Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Taco 'Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols addresses a common yet often misunderstood question: What happens to an egg when it doesn't get fertilized? Many people believe that menstruation is the body expelling unused eggs, but the reality is quite different. Join Dr. Amols as he demystifies the menstrual cycle, explains the journey of the egg, and clarifies what actually happens when an egg doesn’t meet sperm. Dr. Amols begins by discussing the d...
Jul 31, 2024•11 min•Season 6Ep. 31
Send us a text In this episode of "Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday," Dr. Mark Amols dives into the often overlooked topic of varicocele, a common male condition affecting fertility. With a blend of personal experience and professional insight, Dr. Amols explains what varicocele is, how it impacts sperm quality, and the various treatment options available. Learn about the different grades of varicocele, when intervention is necessary, and why early detection is crucial. Whether you're a couple trying...
Jul 24, 2024•17 min•Season 6Ep. 30
Send us a text On this episode of ' Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ,' Dr. Mark Amols delves into the often misunderstood relationship between menstruation and ovulation. Just like we assume thunder follows lightning, it's a common belief that a menstrual period always means ovulation has occurred. However, this isn't always the case. Dr. Amols begins by breaking down the menstrual cycle into its two main phases: the follicular and luteal phases. He explains the roles of hormones such as FSH, estrog...
Jul 17, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 29
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the dos and don'ts after an IVF embryo transfer. We tackle the most common fears and misconceptions, addressing whether activities like lifting, exercising, traveling, and even having intercourse can truly impact your chances of a successful pregnancy. Dr. Amols separates fact from fiction, providing evidence-based answers and debunking myths that often cause unnecessary anxiety. Whether it's unders...
Jul 10, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 28
Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday , Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the various aspects of everyday activities during pregnancy, separating myths from facts and providing evidence-based guidance. Whether you're wondering about the safety of exercising, swimming, traveling, or even getting your hair dyed, this episode covers it all. Dr. Amols categorizes the discussion into nine key areas: physical activities, water activities, intimate activities, travel, home and dail...
Jul 03, 2024•17 min•Season 6Ep. 27
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols dives into the often confusing world of over-the-counter medications during pregnancy. From dealing with nausea and managing fever to handling GI upset and allergies, we'll cover a comprehensive list of what's safe to take and what to avoid. Dr. Amols will guide you through the safest choices for common pregnancy symptoms, sharing personal anecdotes and professional advice to help you make informed decisions for yo...
Jun 26, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 26
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols delves into the perplexing world of fertility treatments and why doing the same thing can yield different results. Inspired by the idiom often attributed to Einstein—"the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results"—Dr. Amols explains why this doesn't always apply to the human body. Join Dr. Amols as he unravels the complexities of human biology and fertility, highli...
Jun 19, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 25
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols dives into the complex and often misunderstood topic of getting pregnant at age 45 and beyond. With increasing portrayals of older women achieving pregnancy in the media and anecdotal success stories from friends and celebrities, many women over 45 wonder if they too can conceive naturally or through fertility treatments. Dr. Amols explores the harsh realities and statistical challenges faced by women in this age g...
Jun 12, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 24
Send us a text Welcome to another insightful episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday with Dr. Mark Amols. This week, we're exploring the '3 Strikes and You're Out' strategy in fertility treatments. Why do doctors suggest transitioning to IVF after three IUI cycles? Dr. Amols breaks down the data behind this recommendation and discusses various scenarios where IUI might be beneficial or when it might be best to skip straight to IVF. Dr. Amols explains how mild endometriosis, younger patients with ...
Jun 05, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 23
Send us a text Welcome to another insightful episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ! This week, Dr. Mark Amols tackles the "Bucket of Money Dilemma," a concept he coined to describe the financial balancing act many hopeful parents face when pursuing fertility treatments. In this episode, we dive deep into: The Bucket of Money Dilemma: Understanding the term and how it applies to making tough financial decisions in fertility treatments. Fertility Treatment Costs: A breakdown of expenses, includi...
May 29, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 22
Send us a text Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday" with Dr. Mark Amols. Today, we unravel the age-old phrase "the proof is in the pudding" and its surprising connection to the world of IVF success. This episode delves deep into the critical elements that determine the outcomes of IVF treatments. Dr. Amols takes you on a comprehensive journey, examining the pivotal factors that contribute to successful IVF procedures. From the quality of embryos to the importa...
May 22, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 21
Send us a text In this episode of " Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday ," Dr. Mark Amols delves into the often misunderstood concept of batching in IVF cycles. With clarity and expertise, he explains what batching truly means, why clinics adopt this practice, and how it impacts both the clinic's operations and patient care. Dr. Amols starts by defining batching, dispelling the common myth that it means forcing all patients to follow the same schedule. Instead, he describes how batching involves strateg...
May 15, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 20
