The Egg Factor

In this episode, Dr. David Barad discusses the key differences between egg quality and egg quantity, specifically for women trying to conceive in their 40s. He breaks down how egg quantity refers to the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries, while egg quality relates to the genetic health of those eggs.  Dr. Barad also discusses how these changes can affect fertility, miscarriage risk, and IVF t...

This is the second part of our interview, which dives deeper into the topic of PGT-A on Trial with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Allison Freeman, the lead attorney behind a wave of groundbreaking class-action lawsuits targeting the PGT-A industry. From the misleading marketing claims to the emotional fallout experienced by hundreds of patients, this candid conversation continues to peel back the layers...

In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher dives into the topic of egg donation specifically providing insight into the key differences between using frozen vs fresh donor eggs. With expert clinical experience and an extensive background in research, Dr. Gleicher explains how each option may impact success rates, treatment timing, and overall pregnancy outcomes.  If you’re considering egg donation or w...

In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher talks about the impact of advanced paternal age on sperm quality and quantity. He provides an overview for anyone interested in learning more about male reproductive health and discusses why paternal age can play a role in fertility. The video highlights that fertility is not only a woman’s issue and that male factors are also an important part of the conversa...

It has been more than 40 years since the first IVF baby was born and today, millions of babies are born using assisted reproductive technology. Throughout the years, new studies and research have been conducted which contributes to the advancement of reproductive medicine. One topic that has become popular is the process of how follicle development is monitored and how to determine the timing of t...

In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and infertility treatment. He goes into depth regarding the benefits of AI as well as the limitations. He highlights the importance of understanding when and how to use AI appropriately and effectively in medicine.  Our founder, Dr. Norbert Gleicher, reported the first successful transvaginal egg retrieval in human histor...

In this video, Dr. Norbert Gleicher explains the key differences between PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGD, which are all types of preimplantation genetic testing that is used by many fertility clinics during IVF. Many patients hear these terms throughout their journey, but are not quite sure what they really mean or when each test is actually helpful. Dr. Gleicher breaks down the science of each of these tes...

As we begin a new year, Dr. Norbert Gleicher shares what truly sets CHR apart and what patients can expect when starting treatment with us. CHR is known for working with patients who often need more individualized care, including women over 40, patients with diminished ovarian reserve, repeat IVF failures, and complex medical histories. In this video, Dr. Gleicher explains why CHR does not believe...

The New Year often comes with the phrase “New Year, New You,” but for those navigating fertility challenges, that message can feel disheartening, like you are constantly starting from scratch. In this special New Year’s Day episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher reframes the conversation: you are not starting over, you are starting forward.  Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Gleicher explains how every...

The holiday season is often described as joyful, but for many navigating infertility or pregnancy loss, it can also be a season of grief. In this episode, Dr. Sonia Gayete explores how joy and loss can exist side by side, and why it is important to create space for both. She shares compassionate insights on honoring grief during the holidays, finding small moments of joy, and giving yourself permi...

Navigating fertility treatment is not just a medical journey—it is an emotional one. In this episode, Dr. David Barad and Dr. Norbert Gleicher talk about the importance of protecting your peace during stressful seasons, including the holidays. They share practical ways to set boundaries, honor your emotions, and redefine joy on your own terms. With their unique blend of medical expertise and compa...

More women are choosing to build families in their 40s, yet pregnancy at this stage brings unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad come together to discuss the realities of pregnancy after 40, from fertility and egg quality to the importance of individualized treatment plans. They share what truly matters for success, why age alone should not...

The holiday season can be especially tough for those facing infertility or loss. In this episode, Dr. Sonia Gayete sits down with a CHR patient to talk about one of the most common and frustrating holiday triggers: the phrase “just relax.” Together, they explore why comments like this miss the mark, how to respond (or not) when family or friends bring them up, and what it means to protect your pea...

Hearing the words “low AMH” or “diminished ovarian reserve” can feel devastating, but they do not mean the end of your fertility journey. In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher explains what ovarian reserve really means, how diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and premature ovarian aging (POA) are diagnosed, and why early intervention and individualized care matter. He also shares how research has sha...

More women than ever are choosing to build families in their 40s, but pregnancy at this stage comes with unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher breaks down what makes pregnancy over 40 different, from fertility and egg quality to emotional resilience and medical care. He explains what matters most for success, how individualized protocols can make a difference,...

What happens after egg retrieval? For many patients, this part of the IVF process feels like a mystery. In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher sits down with Dr. Cari Nicholas, CHR’s Embryology Lab Supervisor, to walk through the crucial days after retrieval. From fertilization to embryo development, they explain each step inside the lab, how embryologists make decisions about monitoring and transf...

Pregnancy and infant loss are often accompanied by silence, yet healing requires space for remembrance. In this episode, Dr. Sonia Gayete explores how rituals, both private and shared, can help families honor their babies and create meaning after loss. From simple acts like lighting a candle to community events and creative expressions, Dr. Gayete shares ways that families can find comfort, connec...

When pregnancy loss happens more than once, it is not "just bad luck." It is a medical condition that deserves answers. In this episode, Dr. Norbert Gleicher explains why recurrent pregnancy loss is often overlooked, what standard care misses, and which diagnostic tests can uncover hidden causes. From immune factors to hormonal imbalances, Dr. Gleicher highlights why a one-size-fits-all...

Pregnancy loss leaves behind not just grief, but difficult questions about when to try again. In this episode, Dr. David Barad explores the emotional and medical realities of pursuing pregnancy after loss. From navigating fear and uncertainty to holding space for hope, Dr. Barad offers compassionate insight and practical guidance for those considering their next steps on the path to parenthood. Br...

Grief after pregnancy or infant loss is often met with silence or words that miss the mark. In this episode, host Dr. Norbert Gleicher speaks with Dr. Simone Tomasi, consulting psychiatrist at CHR, about the power of language in supporting those who have experienced loss. Together, they explore what to say (and what not to say), how compassion can help families feel seen, and why holding space for...

In this episode, CHR’s physicians take a closer look at the long-term health effects of PCOS and what patients need to know beyond their 20s and 30s. At CHR, we believe in looking beyond short-term fertility treatment. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires awareness, individualized care, and ongoing support. Brought to you by the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) on the Upper East Side of N...

Success rates are one of the most common ways fertility clinics are compared—but what do the numbers actually mean? In this episode of The Egg Factor, CHR’s Medical Director Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Associate Medical Director Dr. David Barad break down the latest SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) outcome data. Together, they unpack: How SART collects and reports IVF outcomes acro...

As fertility declines with age, it's not just about egg quantity—it's about the entire hormonal and immune environment surrounding the ovaries. In this episode of The Egg Factor , CHR’s physicians break down the nuanced changes that happen in the late 30s and 40s, including shifts in estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA levels—and how these changes impact ovarian function and embryo quality....

Not all PCOS is created equal. In this solo episode of The Egg Factor , CHR’s Medical Director Dr. Norbert Gleicher dives into one of the most misunderstood—and frequently missed—diagnoses in reproductive medicine: lean PCOS with low androgens, also known as D-phenotype PCOS. Often overlooked because these patients don’t fit the “typical” PCOS profile, women with D-phenotype are usually thin, have...

In this solo episode of The Egg Factor , Dr. Norbert Gleicher, Medical Director of CHR, unpacks the complex relationship between nutrition, inflammation, insulin resistance, and reproductive outcomes in women over 40. Drawing on decades of clinical and research experience, Dr. Gleicher dives into how specific micronutrients and metabolic factors influence egg quality, implantation, and miscarriage...