FertiliTEA with Dr. D

In this episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D , we're diving into IVF, surrogacy, and the power of community with special guest Richard Westoby ; co-host of the IVF Daddies podcast and author of Our Journey: One Couple's Guide to U.S. Surrogacy. Richard shares his personal experience navigating international surrogacy and offers insight into the most common challenges intended parents face while buildi...

In Part 2 of this episode, Dr. D continues speaking with Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause.  She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London.  She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).  With over three decades in the field, Joyce ha...

This week, we have the honor of talking to Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause.  She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London.  She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).  With over three decades in the field, Joyce has not only sha...

Dr. D sits down with a two-time surrogate who shares her perspective on what it's really like to be a surrogate. Having completed one surrogacy journey and currently in the middle of her second, Heather opens up about why she chose to become a surrogate, how each experience has been different, and the emotional and physical realities that often go unseen. If you've always wanted to become a surrog...

In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Sarah Paige, a seasoned expert in third-party insurance, to unpack the often confusing world of insurance coverage for IVF. Sarah shares her insights into how third-party insurance works in fertility treatments, common misconceptions, and what intended parents and surrogates need to know when planning their journeys.    More Information about the IAE Alliance...

This week, we're sipping on the science behind mini stim cycles —a low-dose, less invasive alternative to conventional IVF. Dr. D breaks down what mini stim is, who it's best suited for, and how it compares to traditional protocols in terms of cost, success rates, and side effects. Whether you're looking to reduce medication or explore IVF options with a lighter touch, this episode is a must liste...

In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Mukti, a former patient whose resilience and determination redefined what it means to persevere through infertility. Mukti opens up about her extraordinary journey—11 egg retrievals, 7 embryo transfers, 4 biochemical pregnancies, and 2 miscarriages—and how she made it through the end to have 2 children.    Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe...

Your Beta hCG is positive. Now what? In this episode, Dr. D walks you through some of the medical milestones that follow a successful IVF cycle. From the first blood test to early ultrasounds, he chats about what to expect after you leave the fertility clinic.  We encourage you to be cautiously optimistic when listening to this episode in preparation for a positive outcome post embryo transfer!  ...

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. D sits down with Jen Rachman, a cancer survivor who opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. Jen is the Manager of Intended Parent Support for Circle Surrogacy and has used her own personal story to assist many intended parents on their path to parenthood.  Through the help of an egg donor and a surrogate, Jen found her path to parenthood after her c...

This week, Dr. D is sitting down with Dr. Hugh Taylor to spill the tea on all things uterine-factor infertiity.  Dr. Taylor is the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Dr. Taylor specializes in some of the most complex uterine factors of infertility, including en...

We are chatting with a long-time friend and colleague of Dr. D's, Ron Poole-Dayan.  He is the executive director and founder of the Men Having Babies organization, which helps LGBTQ+ families all over the world access education and resources while going through the egg donation and surrogacy process.  Ron and his husband, Greg, were among the first same-sex couples worldwide to father children thr...

This week, Dr. D tackels the fascinating world of embryo grading with Jack Becker, a Senior Embryologist at San Diego Fertility Center. Jack takes us through the complex process of embryo grading, explaining how embryologists assess the quality and viability of embryos during IVF.  Jack breaks down what mosaic embryos are —embryos with a mix of normal and abnormal cells—and the implications this h...

This week, Dr. D sits down with Emily Jillette to talk about her IVF journey—one that started over 20 years ago.  Emily is a philanthropist, a producer, and a mom of two.  Her and her husband, Penn Jillette (you may recognize from Penn and Teller), have been part of Dr. D's world since their doctor-patient journey began, and their friendship has only grown stronger over the years.   Emily and Dr....

What role does nutrition play in your fertility? A big one! This week, Registered Dietitian Judy Simon shares her expertise about foods that can boost fertility, key vitamins & nutrients for conception, and what to avoid for optimal reproductive health.  More from Judy Simon HERE Link to get Judy's Book "Getting to Baby" HERE CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions about eating disorder...

On this episode, Dr. D shares powerful and uplifting stories from the world of fertility and IVF. From couples who have faced adversity to those who have experienced their dreams of parenthood coming true, Dr. D highlights the resilience, courage, and hope that drive individuals and families on their fertility journeys. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration or a gentle reminder that while th...

This week, Dr. D spills the tea with Dean Hutchison.  Dean is a reproductive attorney and the Vice Presidnt of Legal Services for Circle Surrogacy.  Dr. D walks us through the critical legal considerations for intended parents both in the United States and all over the world.  He also explains the intricacies of parental rights and legal protections. Dean and Dr. D explore the stark differences in...

This week, Dr. D dives deep into the growing concern of environmental toxins and their alarming impact on fertility with his guest, Dr. Bryn Willson. Dr. Willson is a board-certified OBGYN & REI physician, with a primary focus in her research on wildfire exposure on birth outcomes.  From pesticides to air pollution and chemicals found in everyday household items, they explore how these harmful sub...

Can IVF affect your sex life? Let's talk about it!  Today on the podcast, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Sandy Chuan—double board-certified fertility specialist, expert in complex IVF cases, and advocate for compassionate, individualized care.  Dr. D and Dr. Chuan spill the tea on: ✔️ How fertility treatments can impact your sex life ✔️ Tips for maintaining intimacy beyond ovulation calendars ✔...

Struggling to find support on your fertility journey? You're not alone!  In today's episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we're diving into the importance of community during IVF with the incredible Elizabeth King —founder of the Fertility Coach Academy and host of Friends with Fertility podcast.  What you'll learn: ✔️ Why community is essential for emotional resilience. ✔️ Practical ways to find supp...

Have you ever wondered how genetic counseling fits into your fertility journey? This week on FertiliTEA with Dr. D is a discussion on Genetic Counseling with Julia Wilkinson from Quest Diagnostics.  They discuss: 👉 The evolution of genetic counseling in IVF. 👉 Common questions patients ask about genetic carrier screening. 👉 The benefits and limitations of genetic testing like PGT-A. 👉 Resource...

Ever wondered why the cost of IVF feels so overwhelming? In our latest episode of #FertiliTEAwithDrD we're breaking it all down: ✅ What contributes to the high price of IVF—from specialized medications to advanced lab technology. ✅ The hidden factors driving costs (and what you need to know). ✅ How innovation and advocacy might reshape the future of fertility care to make it more accessible. Ho...

Tune in this week as Dr. D sits down with Dylan Morgan, Chief Operations Officer of Cascade Cryobank.  They discuss everything you need to know about sperm donation, what the process is like for sperm donors, and their early Disclosure Program that provides more access for donor-conceived children.   Click here for information regarding Cascade Cryobank   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produc...

In this episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D , Dr. D walks you through everything you need to know about the embryo transfer process. From embryo grading to preparing the uterus for a successful transfer, Dr. D demystifies what actually happens on the big day. He looks at some of the common misconceptions about the processs, including the timeline for implantation and why exactly you need to have a fu...

This week, we sit down with Shaun Reed, an embryologist at the Utah Fertility Center, to step into the world of sperm. From DNA fragmentation in sperm to how you can improve your overall sperm health, Dr. D and Shaun unpack the critical role sperm play in fertility. We're trying to be less "egg-centric" this week!   More from Shaun Reed HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe...

In this episode of  FertiliTEA with Dr. D , Dr. D sits down with the "Egg Whisperer," Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh.  Her and Dr. D talk about how supplementation plays a key role in optimizing egg health and quality.   They dive into the topic of why sometimes in the IVF journey, "perfect" isn't always enough.  Whether you're navigating IVF or exploring ways to boost fertility naturally, listen in as they...