As a Woman

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your voicemail questions about frozen embryo transfers. From transfer timing and uterine health to post-transfer activities and intimacy during treatment, this episode covers the essential insights every fertility patient needs to know. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and m...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses IVF and answers questions about fertility treatment preparation and potential challenges. She explains why starting early with suppression medications like birth control, progesterone, or Lupron can help align egg growth for a more effective cycle. She breaks down the benefits of using a low-dose gonadotropin protocol to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation sy...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions called into the voicemail. Questions Answered: -What happens if you lose your period after stopping birth control? -Is it normal to have low basal body temperatures during the luteal phase? -Should someone with regular cycles but a potentially short luteal phase consider taking Clomid? -How significant is a drop in AMH and increase in FSH betwe...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses her top tips for trying to conceive, emphasizing the importance of prenatal vitamins and the need for a preconception consult with an OB-GYN. She advises tracking cycles, using methods beyond apps, and considering genetic carrier screening. She also addresses listener questions, suggesting early testing and lifestyle changes to improve fertility outcomes. This episod...

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains how individualized protocols can lead to better outcomes in IVF and egg freezing. She breaks down key fertility concepts, including ovarian reserve, AMH levels, follicle counts, and the roles of FSH and LH in egg development. Dr. Crawford also discusses how age affects egg quality, the potential impact of sperm genetics, and why multiple cycles are sometimes needed to...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses uterine factor infertility, emphasizing the importance of understanding uterine development and potential abnormalities. She explains various uterine anomalies, including unicornuate, bicornuate, and uterine septums, and their impact on fertility. Dr. Crawford highlights the significance of proper diagnostic tools like saline sonograms and MRIs for accurate detection...

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down unexplained infertility in younger couples, addressing common misconceptions and answering your fertility questions. Knowledge is power, and Dr. Crawford's goal is to equip you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your reproductive health—because no one should have to let time or lack of data make the choice for them. Want to receive my we...

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the essential steps to take while waiting to begin your IVF journey and the timing of the process. She guides you through what you can do right now to boost your chances of success as well as understanding your insurance coverage. Dr. Crawford dives deep into the IVF process—unpacking protocols, timing, and embryo development. She also answers listener questions wi...

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains the different types of cysts, including functional and non-functional cysts. She highlights the differences between endometriomas and dermoid cysts, and their respective implications for fertility. Dr. Crawford also covers the potential risks and considerations around surgical removal of cysts. Additionally, she provides guidance on fertility preservation options, suc...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses what you need to know if you are considering or in the midst of fertility treatment. She walks through the key steps in the fertility evaluation process, including testing ovarian reserve, assessing reproductive anatomy, and analyzing semen quality. She explains the treatment options available for those with unexplained infertility, outlining the pros and cons of app...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS treatment options, emphasizing the importance of understanding the normal ovulation process. Letrozole is a common treatment for PCOS, working by reducing estrogen levels to stimulate FSH production. She advises monitoring with ultrasounds and progesterone levels. For those not responding to Letrozole, Clomid may be considered. Dr. Crawford also highlights the r...

Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into the topic of fertility preservation. Recognizing the growing need for women to take proactive measures to safeguard their reproductive futures, she provides a comprehensive overview of the available options, from egg freezing to embryo banking. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances between these methods and how they can empower women to make inf...

Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses various aspects of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and implantation failure. In this episode, she answers voicemail questions about the best next steps after an ectopic pregnancy, the timeline for ovulation after a miscarriage, concerns over uterine lining after IUD removal, the use of specific IVF protocols, and how to approach multiple fai...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), emphasizing their impact on fertility. She explains the menstrual cycle's hormonal processes and how disruptions in these pathways lead to conditions like PCOS and CAH. Dr. Crawford highlights the importance of thorough evaluations to differentiate between these conditions and avoid misdiagnosis. Want to receive my weekl...

Dr. Natalie Crawford covers common fertility myths and misconceptions. She addresses topics like the differences between birth control pills and IUDs, the limitations of AMH testing, the importance of exercise restrictions during fertility treatments, the role of male factor infertility, and the realities of IVF success rates. Natalie answers your fertility questions in FFS-For Fertility's Sake Is...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of fertility testing and the impact of early testing on reproductive decisions. She emphasizes that while guidelines suggest waiting a year before testing, individual circumstances may warrant earlier evaluation. Dr. Crawford outlines key tests for fertility, including menstrual history, ovarian reserve testing (AMH and antral follicle count), anatomic...

Dr. Natalie Crawford takes a deep dive into the science of ovarian reserve testing, exploring key indicators like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and antral follicle count. She walks listeners through the process of egg growth, ovulation, and how these tests offer crucial insights into a woman’s fertility potential. Dr. Crawford breaks down the importance of ovarian reserve testing—especially when it...

Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses a listener's question about primary amenorrhea, discussing the absence of periods despite typical puberty signs and normal hormone levels. She explains the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhea, potential causes like ovarian failure, Mullerian aplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and more. Most importantly, she emphasizes the importance of thorough...

Dr. Natalie Crawford gives her advice for navigating infertility during the holidays. Whether you are going through infertility or treatment or you have a family member or friend who is, this episode is for you. You deserve support. Don't be afraid to set boundaries, and communicate why they exist. Make a plan and be prepared if you are spending the holidays with family and know they are going to...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about male fertility. Questions included: I have been trying to get pregnant for 18 months, had a miscarriage, and am seeing a fertility specialist. My husband's sperm motility is 36% and morphology is 2%. The clinic says the numbers are minimally low and we can still try medicated cycles and IUI. I want feedback on whether we should stop the medica...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about TTC and fertility.  Questions Answered: If you do a frozen embryo transfer and get pregnant, and you continue tracking your basal body temperature, if you have a large decrease in your basal body temperature, does that mean anything? And should you just stop tracking at all after you do have success and get pregnant with your basal body temper...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about various aspects of IVF. Questions Answered: Is priming with birth control necessary for an IVF cycle, and should I try a different protocol for my next cycle? What is the difference between M1 and M2 eggs, and how often can M1 eggs reach maturity after retrieval? How does a mid-luteal IVF protocol work, and is it a good option for me? What are...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail question about ovulation. Questions Answered: How do high prolactin levels interact with progesterone and other hormones during pregnancy? Can stopping prolactin-lowering medication lead to miscarriage or other problems? What does it mean if I frequently get bleeding either the day after or the day of ovulation? Does this mean I can't get pregnant? I have PCO...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of cycle tracking for reproductive health, emphasizing its relevance in the current political climate. She explains the menstrual cycle, including the roles of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Various cycle tracking methods are detailed, such as the calendar method, rhythm method, standard days method, basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus m...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the impact of the recent election on reproductive health, focusing on IVF and contraceptive options. She reassures listeners that current IVF practices remain unchanged and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's reproductive health. She also advises against making immediate changes but highlights the need to be informed and prepared for potential future res...