The Egg Factor

We’ve all heard it: after 40, your chances of conceiving with your own eggs plummet. But is the data behind the so-called "fertility cliff" as clear-cut as it seems? In this episode of The Egg Factor , CHR's Dr. Norbert Gleicher unpacks research, clinical experience, and patient outcomes to challenge the mainstream narrative. He explores how fertility statistics have been widely mis...

We often hear about the biological clock—but what does “ovarian aging” really mean? In this episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad explain the science behind ovarian aging, how it differs from chronological age, and what it means for fertility—especially for women in their late 30s, 40s, or those diagnosed with low ovarian reserve. Brought to you by the Center for Hum...

What really happens behind the microscope? In this episode of The Egg Factor, Dr. Norbert Gleicher, Dr. David Barad, and world-renowned embryologist Dr. David Albertini take you inside the fertility lab to demystify some of the most misunderstood parts of the IVF process. They break down: -How embryos are graded—and what those grades actually mean -What exactly about morphology is important -The t...

In this episode of The Egg Factor, Dr. Norbert Gleicher, Dr. David Barad, and Dr. David Albertini unpack one of the most controversial topics in reproductive medicine today: Three-Person IVF—also known as mitochondrial replacement therapy. Together, they break down: - What “three-parent embryos” actually are - The science behind mitochondrial transfer - Why this technique is currently banned by th...

In this listener-driven Q&A episode of The Egg Factor , CHR’s Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad answer two critical questions from our patient community. First up: If you're doing a Day 3 frozen embryo transfer (FET) and had no choice—should you opt for a medicated or modified natural cycle? Then, the doctors tackle a question that weighs heavily on many: What are the most common c...

With headlines swirling about legal threats to IVF and fertility treatment, many patients are left feeling anxious and uncertain. In this episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad break down the recent legislative developments—and what they actually mean for fertility care in the U.S. Brought to you by the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) on the Upper East Side of New...

If you’ve been through multiple IVF cycles without answers—or you’re over 40 and feeling dismissed—this episode is for you. In this candid conversation with Prima Pharmacy, Dr. Norbert Gleicher, Medical Director at the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), breaks down what really matters in later-in-life fertility care. From the role of immune health and egg quality to anti-inflammatory diets and t...

In this empowering episode of The Egg Factor , CHR's Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad discuss why fertility care for women over 40 demands a completely different approach—and how CHR is leading the way. With a mean patient age of 44, CHR has the oldest IVF patient population of any clinic in the U.S., and possibly the world. The doctors share what makes these patients—and their care—s...

In this special Pride Month episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. David Barad and Dr. Norbert Gleicher discuss one of CHR’s proudest milestones: helping HIV+ patients safely and successfully pursue parenthood. Hear the behind-the-scenes story of how CHR helped advocate for a groundbreaking exception to New York State law, allowing HIV-positive individuals to use their sperm in gestational surrogacy. Fro...

In this episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad of the Center for Human Reproduction dig into the social shifts and biological realities contributing to the global rise in infertility. From delayed parenthood and environmental toxins to male fertility decline and autoimmune conditions, they explore the many layers of a complex issue. Brought to you by the Center for Hu...

When it comes to infertility, the focus often falls on women—but nearly 50% of infertility cases involve male factors. In this episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. David Barad and Dr. Norbert Gleicher shine a light on the role of male infertility in reproductive health and why it's time to shift the conversation. Brought to you by the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) on the Upper East Side of N...

In this explosive episode of The Egg Factor , CHR’s Dr. Norbert Gleicher sits down with Allison Freeman, the lead attorney behind a wave of groundbreaking class-action lawsuits targeting the PGT-A industry. Allison, a practicing attorney and IVF patient herself, opens up about what pushed her to take legal action against some of the biggest genetic testing labs in reproductive medicine. From the m...

In this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. David Barad and Dr. Norbert Gleicher explore the emotional toll of fertility treatment—especially for patients undergoing multiple or back-to-back IVF cycles. At the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), where many patients come after years of trying or after being turned away elsewhere, the emotional strain is a familiar...

When it comes to fertility, egg quality is everything—but is there really anything you can do to improve it? In this episode of The Egg Factor , CHR’s Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad break down the science behind egg health and what makes it so central to successful fertility treatment. With decades of experience working with women over 40 and patients with low ovarian reserve, our physic...

In this special episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad share the surprising story behind one of CHR’s most influential contributions to fertility care: the use of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) to support women going through fertility treatment. What started as a conversation with a determined patient turned into years of research, dozens of published studies, and a gl...

At the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), high-risk pregnancy isn’t an exception—it’s the norm. In this episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Norbert Gleicher dives into what “high-risk” really means, how it’s defined in conventional medicine, and why that definition often fails to account for patients with complex fertility histories. With a patient population that includes women over 40, those with...

Infertility isn’t just a medical journey—it’s an emotional one. In this special Infertility Awareness Month episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad share compassionate, practical mental health tips for patients navigating the ups and downs of treatment. With over 40 years of experience and as one of the first fertility clinics in the U.S. , CHR has helped thousands of individuals an...

In this episode of The Egg Factor , CHR’s Medical Director, Dr. Norbert Gleicher, unpacks one of the most commonly debated topics in IVF: Day 3 vs. Day 5 embryo transfers . Should embryos be transferred earlier or later—and what does the latest science actually say about success rates, implantation potential, and long-term outcomes? Dr. Gleicher challenges prevailing assumptions in fertility care,...

Join us on this enlightening episode of The Egg Factor Podcast as Dr. David Barad and Dr. Norbert Gleicher explore the potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments in enhancing fertility. Discover how this innovative approach could improve ovarian function and increase the chances of conception for those struggling with fertility issues. Don't miss their in-depth discussion on the scien...

Join us on this enlightening episode of "The Egg Factor" as Dr. David Barad and Dr. Norbert Gleicher dive deep into the array of family-building options available for the LGBTQ+ community. Our experts from CHR discuss the latest advancements and supportive measures in reproductive technology that are creating more pathways to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Learn about the...

Join us on the latest episode of The Egg Factor! "Weight Loss and Fertility: Ozempic, Inflammation, & More!" In this episode, we delve into the crucial relationship between weight management and fertility, discussing the impact of medications like Ozempic and the role of inflammation in reproductive health. Whether you're exploring fertility options or seeking ways to enhance yo...

In this compelling episode of "The Egg Factor," we delve into the complex world of endometriosis, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Join us as leading experts share the latest research and treatment advancements. Discover the challenges and breakthroughs in managing this often painful disorder, and hear stories from those on the front lines of the fight against endome...