233: In this episode, we take a deep dive into fertility, focusing on egg freezing and IVF. I’m joined by Dr. Sasha Hakman, a board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, to break down the entire process. As someone who froze my eggs at 36, I wanted to understand what comes next and what factors impact fertility, from hormone treatments to lifestyle choices.

We discuss everything from the science behind egg retrieval to the role of environmental toxins and how lifestyle changes can improve reproductive health. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, going through IVF, or just want to learn more, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable information.

Topics Discussed:

Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing
The egg retrieval and IVF process
The impact of pesticides and endocrine disruptors on fertility
Rising infertility rates and potential causes
The connection between PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility
Synthetic hormones and their effects
How age influences fertility outcomes

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:25 - What is a reproductive endocrinologist
00:05:47 - Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing
00:09:22 - Ways to improve egg quality
00:12:16 - Pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and fertility
00:16:21 - How egg retrieval works
00:18:15 - The IVF cycle explained
00:19:51 - Mature vs. immature eggs
00:20:40 - How fertilization happens
00:23:32 - From eggs to embryos
00:24:46 - The importance of sperm testing
00:27:33 - Why infertility is on the rise
00:29:50 - Phthalates and their impact on fertility
00:31:21 - How embryos are created
00:34:02 - Sperm retrieval process
00:35:45 - What happens to extra embryos
00:37:37 - How embryo transfers work
00:44:24 - Synthetic hormones and fertility
00:47:47 - Birth control and its effects
00:49:29 - PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility
00:54:32 - Finding the right workout for fertility health
00:57:05 - Egg count vs. pregnancy likelihood
00:58:11 - How age impacts reproductive success

Show Links:

Realfoodology - 45: Why Fertility is Declining with Dr. Shanna Swan

Check Out Sasha:

Check Out Courtney:

Produced By: Drake Peterson

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