Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Are you trying to conceive and feeling unsure about where to start? Wondering if you're making mistakes that could be delaying your journey to parenthood? Curious about what really impacts fertility—and what steps you can take today to improve your chances? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine shares the five most common mistakes couples make when trying to get pregnant—and how to...

Are you curious about how surrogates are selected and matched? What about knowing the steps it takes to get started? How long does it take and how much does it cost? Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing path to parenthood — but it's also one that's often misunderstood. In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down the most frequently asked questions and biggest miscon...

Are you curious about what surrogacy really involves—and whether it might be right for you or someone you love? Have you ever wondered if surrogacy is only an option for the wealthy or famous? Do you know the difference between traditional surrogacy and a gestational carrier? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine has an eye-opening conversation with Mollie Huyck to explore the ofte...

Your egg retrieval is scheduled, and you've done what you can to prepare, but what about after? How many eggs is "normal" to retrieve—or what happens if it's less than expected? What's a typical recovery, what are signs of a complication, and when should you call the clinic?  In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential things to know both before and after an egg ret...

Are you curious about what pelvic floor therapy actually involves? Have you ever wondered whether issues like bladder leaks, painful sex, or postpartum discomfort are just "normal" things you have to live with? Do men experience pelvic floor dysfunction? (hint: yes, men also have pelvic floors). In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a licensed...

Are you preparing for an egg retrieval and feeling unsure about what to expect? Curious about what you should—and shouldn't—do on the day of your procedure?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks through everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your egg retrieval. She's covering the logistics, physical and emotional readiness, and what matters most before...

Are you wondering whether freezing eggs or embryos is the better choice for fertility preservation? How has freezing technology changed and advanced? What are the ethical, financial, and emotional factors behind this important decision? In this episode of Brave and Curious , host Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into the complex and personal decision of egg vs. embryo freezing. With a thoughtful...

What role do prenatal vitamins play in fertility and pregnancy? When should you start taking them to support a healthy pregnancy? And how do you choose the best prenatal vitamin with the right nutrients? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Shahine explores the essential role of prenatal vitamins in supporting both fertility and pregnancy. She explains the importance of these supplements, when...

Have you ever wondered what a semen analysis actually measures? What do the numbers mean, and how do you know if the results are normal? If something is off, what are the possible causes, and what can be done about it? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down everything you need to know about semen analysis and its role in fertility evaluations. She explains the key measur...

Have you ever wondered if your menstrual bleeding is heavier than normal? What are the key signs that your flow might be excessive? How can you best prepare for a doctor's visit if you suspect something isn't right? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine covers the topic of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and how to determine whether your bleeding is abnormal. She explains wh...

Welcome to Brave & Curious with Dr. Lora Shahine: new name, same trusted information. The mission behind Baby or Bust is not changing! It is still Dr. Shahine's passion to educate and teach about women's health and fertility. The new show, Brave & Curious, will continue to explore fertility and reproductive health.  AND it is also expanding to include broader wellness topics that impact individual...

Are you in the dreaded two-week wait and wondering what symptoms to look for? How can you tell the difference between early pregnancy signs and normal cycle symptoms? What are the most common mistakes people make when testing for pregnancy too early? In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is easing your uncertainty around the two-week wait, explaining the early signs of pregnancy and how they relate to...

How long does the IVF process take from start to finish? What are the key stages involved in egg freezing versus embryo creation? What factors can influence the overall timeline to pregnancy? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility , Dr. Laura Shahine breaks down the IVF process and its timeline, to help you navigate this complex journey. She explains the four main stages of IVF: the compliance...

Are you wondering how to improve your egg quality for better fertility outcomes? What impact do toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices have on reproductive health? And how can you take proactive steps without feeling overwhelmed or restricted? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down five actionable steps to support and improve egg quality.  She explains the role of l...

Did you know there are ten types of miscarriage?! What are they? When it comes to a loss, does it really matter what kind of miscarriage you've experienced? (Hint: yes it does.) And how can proper diagnosis and evaluation help those facing recurrent miscarriages?  In this episode, Dr. Shahine breaks down the ten different types of miscarriage, including early and late, clinical and biochemical, th...

How does air pollution impact fertility and IVF success rates? What do recent studies reveal about the effects of wildfire smoke on reproductive health? What can you do to improve the air quality in your home to support fertility? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility , Dr. Lora Shahine shares the latest research on air pollution and fertility. She talks about how environmental toxins, especia...

What should you expect on the day of your embryo transfer? How can you best prepare to maximize your chances of success? What are some common misconceptions about the procedure? How soon will you know if you're pregnant? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, Dr. Lora Shahine answers these questions to guide you through this critical step in your fertility journey. Dr. Shahine walk...

If your doctor has recommended an HSG (hysterosalpingogram), you may be feeling uncertain about what to expect. How does an HSG work? Will it be painful? What might the results mean for your fertility journey? How can you best prepare to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast , Dr. Lora Shahine goes into the details of the H...

How do you know if you're ovulating? What are the best ways to track ovulation? How can knowing your ovulation status help you optimize your chances of conception?  In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast , Dr. Lora Shahine is talking all about ovulation––why it's crucial for fertility, and how to when it's happening. You'll hear how to recognize the physical signs of ovulation, how...

You're in the two-week-wait, analyzing every single little cramp, possible symptom, any little difference that could indicate pregnancy. If you've been on a fertility journey and trying to get pregnant for any amount of time, this will probably be familiar. Then comes some spotting or light bleeding–is this your period? Or could it be implantation bleeding? It can be hard to tell. So in this episo...

Are you struggling with the anxiety and uncertainty of the two-week wait? Wondering what you should or shouldn't do during this emotionally charged time? How can you take care of yourself while waiting for answers?  In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility , Dr. Lora Shahine guides listeners through the two-week-wait, the time between potential conception and pregnancy confirmation. She shares bo...

Are you looking for practical strategies to boost your chances of conceiving? Wondering how to fine-tune your lifestyle for reproductive health? Curious about common mistakes to avoid on your fertility journey? In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential strategies to enhance fertility. You'll hear tips on optimizing nutrition, tracking ovulation and menstrual cycles, m...

Can birth control really cause infertility? Is the obsession with hormonal balance grounded in fact or fiction? Does hovering over a public toilet protect you from disease? Don't let "medical" myths affect your health decisions! Dr. Karen Tang, board certified OBGYN, founder of Thrive Gynecology and women's health expert, is back for an eye-opening conversation that will tackle these questions and...

Have you been told your debilitating period pain is normal? Have you ever wondered if you have endometriosis? Maybe you're curious how you can find out for sure? In this conversation Dr. Karen Tang, author of  It's Not Hysteria and founder of Thrive Gynecology, joins Dr. Lora Shahine to delve into the complexities of endometriosis, a common, often-misdiagnosed condition that affects many women. In...

Do you dread holiday gatherings because of those awkward "When are you going to have a baby?" questions? Why do people feel it's appropriate to ask if you're "trying" [wink wink] yet? Nothing sucks the fun out of a party like "you better not wait too long" or "when are you going to make your mom a grandma"? Painful comments and questions come up year round, but holiday parties can be a real minefi...