As a Woman

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses ovulation and the cycle tracking methods including the calendar method, cervical mucus monitoring, basal body temperature, and ovulation predictor kits. She gives tips as well as data to help understand each fertility awareness method and how to use them when trying to get pregnant. Understanding these methods and what works best for you is important when it comes to...

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains all of the genetic testing options including pre-conception, pre-implantation, and post-conception testing. She answers the question, "Should you do genetic testing?" and goes through success rates for IVF when it comes to genetic testing. She truly believes that having this data can help you make the best decisions when it comes to growing your family. Natalie answer...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses what you should know before your embryo transfer. She explains the differences between fresh and frozen transfers including pros and cons and reasons for a fresh transfer. She then talks about what should be done before your transfer including testing and lifestyle changes. Having conversations with your doctor about what to expect as well as next steps after the tra...

Dr. Crawford answers the voicemails you called in.  Questions answered: Is there an important difference between a septate and sub-septate uterus? What could be the reason for short cycles? I have been diagnosed with PCOS but only have one high androgen level. What does that mean? Can a polyp come back once it is removed? Is it normal for your follicle count and uterine lining to fluctuate between...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the fertility treatment add on called the ERA test or Endometrial Receptivity Analysis test. This test is used to look at the gene profile of the endometrium to see if it fits their definition of "perfect" implantation window timing. In this episode, Dr. Crawford reviews different studies of the ERA test and whether or not this test improves treatment outcomes. Natal...

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains what you need to know about the hysteroscopy procedure including why it is used, how to prepare, and questions you should ask your doctor. A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus. It can be used for things like uterine polyps, fibroids, and uterine anomalies such as a uterine septum. Natalie answers your fertility questions in FFS-For Fe...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses your reproductive hormones including how they are checked, warning signs, what it could mean if numbers are abnormal. It’s important to know that irregular periods could be a sign of one or more of your reproductive hormones being abnormal. She also warns you about certain supplements that could potentially negatively impact your hormones. We have moved Fertility In...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses unexplained infertility including what it is, what you should know, and the treatment options. An unexplained infertility diagnosis is so hard. So empowering yourself with the knowledge to be able to advocate for yourself is important. Natalie answers your fertility questions in FFS-For Fertility's Sake Once you get your big fat positive (BFP) after IVF, how does you...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers the voicemails you called in. 1. My husband is a long time smoker who gave cigarettes up for vaping. His sperm parameters are all normal but should I be worried about anything else regarding his semen when it comes to embryo banking? I also have diminished ovarian reserve. 2. When is it best to take Letrozole while doing timed intercourse? What is the best protocol for...

Dr. Crawford discusses how to prepare for an IUI or intrauterine insemination. IUI can be used for different situations. In this podcast, she discusses different protocols, the process, chance of getting pregnant, and questions to ask your doctor to be prepared for an IUI. A lot of clinics have different processes so it’s very important to understand how your clinic does things.  Discussed in this...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS, management, treatment, what to know if you have or think you might have PCOS. PCOS is chronic illness, but it can be managed to a point where it does not interfere with your goals. PCOS is so different in everyone, and figuring out what works best for you and your needs is key. Discussed in this episode: Weight Loss  Exercise Diet Supplements Ovulation Inductio...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses embryo transfer protocols and when they should be used. She goes over questions you should ask and how you can advocate for yourself on this journey. Your protocol should be personalized to you and your needs. Also, your doctor should be able to explain to you why they chose a specific protocol. Listen to this episode to empower yourself with knowledge while on your...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers the voicemails you called in. Questions answered: I had an ectopic requiring methotrexate. Is it okay to TTC 2 weeks before the recommended 3 month mark? What are the risks? What can be the reason for Ureaplasma? Could it be contributing to infertility? Can a prior chlamydia infection lead to tubal factor infertility? When do you recommend an HSG? What are treatments o...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses a new article that evaluates diet types and the risk of miscarriage. As someone who has experienced miscarriage herself, Dr. Crawford understands the emotional toll it can take on you and the self-blame. She also understands the strong desire to do anything you can to help. You can't go back and change the past, but you can do your best to take charge of what you can...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the different IVF protocols, what you need to know about them, and questions you should be asking your doctor. The protocol is the combination of medications used to allow your body to do what needs to be done for a successful IVF cycle. You deserve to understand what protocol is chosen for you and why it was chosen. We have moved Fertility In The News to the weekly...

Dr. Natalie Crawford talks all about uterine polyps and fibroids including how they are found and how they are treated. When do you need intervention and when do you not? Does a polyp need to be removed if you are TTC? How are uterine fibroids different than polyps? How can they impact fertility? She truly believes in being conservative when it comes to your uterus and being sure good decisions ar...

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains everything you need to know to prepare for your egg retrieval. She goes over what to expect during and after the procedure, questions you should ask your provider, potential complications, and more. Every procedure has potential risks. Although the complications that can happen during or after an egg retrieval are very rare, it’s important to know the warning signs. W...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses endometriosis and the best fertility treatments if you have endo. Endometriosis is relatively common in the infertility population. This episode also includes what endometriosis is, difficulties with diagnosis, and the physiology of the disease. We have moved Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to si...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers the voicemails you called in. Questions Answered: When to remove IUD? How to choose a long term storage facility for frozen eggs? Does having one miscarriage mean you have a higher chance of having another? Conventional IVF vs ICSI for a lesbian couple with no known fertility issues? Clomid or Letrozole for medicated IUI for unexplained infertility? Is it normal to hav...

Dr. Natalie Crawford goes over different myths when it comes to your fertility and hormones. When you are in the process of learning more about fertility, hormones, and trying to conceive, it can be hard to know what is fact or fiction. In this episode, Dr. Crawford covers many topics including birth control, IVF, sperm, and trying to conceive. Fact or Fiction? Birth control can cause infertility....

Dr. Natalie Crawford reviews what you need to know if you are starting or growing your family at an older age. Although getting pregnant may be harder at an older age - it is not impossible. Learn what you need to know to get pregnant naturally at an older age, and when you should seek further evaluation and help. What should you do if you are trying to conceive at an older age: 1. Understand the...

Dr. Natalie Crawford gives you tips on how to prepare and what to expect at your first visit with a fertility doctor. She goes over what you need to share with your doctor, things you need to know about the clinic, the different types of evaluations and more! We have moved Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to natal...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the male fertility including the semen analysis, treatment for male factor infertility, and lifestyle changes to improve sperm quality. Although male fertility is a huge part of the equation, it often goes ignored. Understanding male fertility and ways to improve sperm quality if a semen analysis comes back abnormal is so important. We have moved Fertility In The New...

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses progesterone, a short luteal phase, and miscarriage due to low progesterone. She also explains when it makes sense to test and supplement progesterone and when it does not. Understanding your period is the key to understanding why your progesterone may be low. We have moved Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If...

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers the voicemails you called in. Questions Answered: Is it just as difficult to get pregnant the first time as it is the second time with PCOS? What is the best way to track ovulation if you have PCOS? Based on my cervical mucus, I seem to be ovulating later in my cycle. Is there a good way to track ovulation in this case to avoid being unsure of my fertile window. I got...