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 more, addressing the widespread misinformation about women’s health. 

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine and Dr. Tang explore how social media influences health narratives, for bad and good. They also emphasize the importance of individualized care, empowering women to make informed choices about their health and well-being. 

After this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of women's health topics, including painful periods, endometriosis, PCOS, and the myths surrounding tampons, fertility, and toilet etiquette. Learn why severe pain should never be dismissed, how to address "butt pain" during menstruation, and why patient advocacy is vital. This episode is packed with actionable advice and empowering insights to help you take charge of your health.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[3:31] Birth control myths

[16:03] Understanding hormonal balance

[22:31] Do you have painful periods?

[27:34] The truth about tampons and endometriosis

[29:32] Public toilet etiquette: to hover or not to hover

[35:46] PCOS & the misconception of weight and symptoms

[38:04] Advocating for your health

Resources mentioned: 

karentangmd.com

It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Heath (But Were Never Told)

Follow @karentangmd on Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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 this episode you’ll hear the symptoms, challenges, myths, and various treatment options available. 

Drs. Tang and Shahine share their experiences caring for women with endometriosis for years - Dr. Tang’s perspective as a minimally invasive gynecology surgeon and Dr. Shahine as a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist. They share how little they learned about endometriosis in early medical training, patient stories of doctor’s dismissing obvious symptoms of the disease, and how much we still need to learn and research to help.

You’ll finish this episode empowered to advocate for your care and find the right doctor to help you with your next steps.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[3:46] Understanding endometriosis

[9:18] Causes and theories for endometriosis

[17:24] Diagnosis & surgical confirmation

[26:57] Treatment options 

[35:32] Advocating for yourself and your health

Resources mentioned: 

karentangmd.com

It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Heath (But Were Never Told)

Follow @karentangmd on Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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 minefield. To help, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, and Breathwork teacher Jennifer Edmonds is joining Baby or Bust to help you navigate inappropriate small talk. 

In this conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine and Jennifer discuss the necessity of setting boundaries around your fertility and parenthood journey, particularly during the holiday season. Learn to shut down awkward questions from others, indulge in some genuine self-care, and get the joy of the holiday season back. 

Here’s an idea: share this episode with a family member or friend before a gathering, and engage them as your ally. Start setting those boundaries so you can relax and enjoy yourself during the next holiday gathering. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:10] Meet Jennifer Edmonds

[3:30] Jennifer’s fertility story

[9:55] Coping mechanisms for family gatherings

[17:55] Prepping for nosy questions

[20:23] Setting boundaries with kindness

[21:44] Handling unwanted advice

[25:22] Take care of yourself

[27:44] Finding joy amidst the struggle

[33:20] Practical tips for daily calm

[37:25] Connecting with Jennifer

Resources Mentioned:

www.elementpilatesyoga.com 

Follow Jen on Tiktok @elementpilatesandyoga 

Follow Jen on YouTube @elementpilatesyoga 

Follow Jen on IG @jen.elementpilatesyoga

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

On July 25, 1978, family building changed forever when the world's first IVF baby was born. Over 12 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization worldwide, and Louise Joy Brown was the first. 

In this very special 100th episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with now-adult Louise Brown. They discuss her experience as a living symbol of the powers of fertility medicine. Louise shares her parents' journey of choosing IVF, questions she got from friends growing up, and how she advocates for IVF now.

You can catch the Netflix movie, Joy starring Bill Nighy, out now, which is the biological drama set in the 1960s and 1970s about the nurse, scientist, and surgeon determined to develop the first “test tube baby.” 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:30] The Birth of IVF: A Historical Milestone

[1:21] Growing Up as the First IVF Baby

[4:16] Family and Media Challenges

[7:05] Personal Reflections and Advocacy

[16:31] Modern IVF and Future Hopes

[27:09] Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Resources mentioned: 

Joy 2024 film

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Do you have a friend or family member struggling to build their family? How about someone in your life who recently experienced a miscarriage or loss? What can we give people that helps them feel better, know that we’re thinking of them, and provides the right kind of support? 

In this special episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine is providing five thoughtful gift ideas for loved ones facing family building challenges. Within each category, Dr. Shahine provides specific examples and ways to personalize these gifts for the person in your life.

It can be hard to know how to support those facing the challenges of infertility, pregnancy loss, or IVF treatments. You’ll walk away from this episode with lots of ideas to provide encouragement and meaningful ways to show you care. 

If you have other ideas of gifts you think should be added to the list, find Dr. Shahine @drlorashahine on Instagram and drop a comment on the episode post!

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:10] Gift ideas overview

[2:35] Gift #1: Inspirational books or affirmational cards

[4:21] Gift #2: Jewelry or charms

[5:44] Gift #3: Self-care kits

[7:50] Gift #4: Pineapple-themed items

[12:31] Gift #5: Self-care beauty items

[14:32] Discount codes!

Resources mentioned: 

Roxhill Candle Company - Pineapple Candle - portion of proceeds donated to fertility nonprofits

Doctor Rogers Restore - safer skincare products. Save 15% with DRSHAHINE code at checkout 

Shop Sorette - collection of products vetted for transparency, accountability, and safety profile. Save 15% with DRSHAHINE15 at checkout

Dr. Shahine Amazon Storefront - collection of ideas (Using link results in Dr. Shahine receiving small commission)

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Are you curious about the latest weight loss drugs? Considering Ozempic or other semaglutides but also planning to try to conceive? With all the buzz around these medications, it can feel like everyone is trying them—but what do we really know about their impact on fertility?

In this episode of Baby or Bust, host Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a board-certified family physician specializing in obesity and lipidology, and co-host of the popular podcast Docs Who Lift. Together, they dive into the intersection of weight loss medications and fertility, answering your most pressing questions.

Topics include:

• The history and science behind semaglutides.
• Key differences between popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
• Short- and long-term side effects of these medications.
• What fertility patients need to know about using semaglutides while trying to conceive.

Dr. Nadolsky shares expert insights and actionable tips, providing clarity on managing the chronic condition of obesity and navigating the latest advancements in weight loss medications. Whether you're on a fertility journey or simply curious about these treatments, this episode is packed with valuable information.

Tune in for expert guidance on how semaglutides and weight loss medications could impact your fertility goals!

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:20] Meet Dr. Spencer Nadolsky

[5:26] Specializing in obesity medicine & lipidology

[8:10] The evolution of weight loss medication

[12:46] Patient access & experience with weight loss medications

[18:25] The reason people lose weight with semaglutides

[29:04] Weight loss medication & fertility

[41:52] The future of weight loss medication

[43:58] Listener questions from IG

Resources mentioned: 

drspencer.com 

Docs Who Lift Podcast 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

How does your daily skincare routine impact fertility, pregnancy, or your overall health? Which products and sunscreen are ok while trying to conceive and pregnant and which are NOT? Can you do botox, filler, red light therapy while trying to conceive?

Dr. Heather Rogers joins Baby or Bust to answer these questions and give valuable advice on finding a safer skincare routine without compromising your safe care. Dr. Rogers is a double-board certified dermatologist and founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care line. She knows building a family isn’t easy for everyone and can take longer than you might like. So her recommendations are in line with putting yourself first and making your skincare routine manageable and safer for the various stages of fertility, pregnancy, and all stages of life.

In the education-packed episode, Dr. Lora Shahine and Dr. Rogers discuss endocrine disruptors and toxins, tips for finding the right products for you, practical recommendations for using retinol, fillers, sunscreen, red light therapy, Botox, and IPL before and during pregnancy, and Dr. Rogers shares her top 5 products for your best skin. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:08] Meet Dr. Heather Rogers, founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care

[4:38] So many choices for skincare: Find Safer Ones

[8:05] The truth about parabens and endocrine disruptors

[13:45] Navigating skincare product safety

[19:08] Dos and Don’ts for trying to conceive products and pregnancy products

[28:34] The five products you need for amazing skin

[35:09] Red light therapy

[37:35] Sunscreen recommendations

[41:35] Where to find more information from Dr. Heather Rogers

Resources mentioned: 

www.doctorrogers.com Enjoy 15% discount with code DRSHAHINE at checkout

www.mdinseattle.com

Follow Dr. Rogers on Instagram & Tiktok  @drheatherrogers 

Follow Doctor Rogers Skin Care @doctor.rogers

Ep 80 Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You

 Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Have you seen the stories about surrogacy scams out this year? Are you considering using a gestational carrier or financing a fertility or IVF treatment and worried about making the right (or wrong) choice for next steps?

Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Brian Levine is Dr. Lora Shahine’s guest for this episode of Baby or Bust. The founder of CCRM Fertility of New York and Nodal Surrogacy, Dr. Levine has a unique perspective, having been on the ground through the evolution of surrogacy in New York since it became legal in 2021.

In this conversation, you’ll learn more about the recent surrogacy scams and how to protect yourself. Dr. Levine shares the importance of transparency, addresses some common misconceptions about surrogacy, and shares some of the positive experiences families have had through this process. 

 In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:50] Meet Dr. Brian Levine

[2:30] The birth of Nodal and Surrogacy in New York

[6:15] Nodal’s approach to surrogacy

[8:53] Seam Escrow Agency Fraud

[15:23] Protecting yourself against fraud

[21:47] Common questions, concerns and misconceptions surrounding surrogacy

[47:54] Sharing stories and supporting others

[51:28] Connecting with Dr. Brian Levine and Nodal

 Resources mentioned: 

Follow Dr. Brian Levine on IG - @drbrianlevine  

www.nodal.com  

Stories mentioned:

SEAM Fraud  

Couple unable to bring baby home from Mexico Story 

Chinese actress accused of abandoning 2 babies in the US  

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Many of us live for that first cup of coffee in the morning. But. How much caffeine is okay when you’re trying to get pregnant? Can cutting out caffeine completely positively impact fertility? What about when you’re pregnant — is caffeine ok then? Where do you find the best information for your situation? 

Dr. Lora Shahine explores caffeine consumption and its effects on fertility from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. You’ll get practical information on caffeine content in various beverages (including that o-so-important coffee), answers to the most common patient questions, and a personalized recommendation for those trying to conceive.

After this episode, you’ll feel more equipped to make the best decision for yourself. Be sure and review your personal situation with your doctor. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:55] A Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility

[7:00] The Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility

[9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups?

[10:30] Dr. Shahine’s personal recommendations

Resources mentioned: 

Caffeine Chart - find how much is in what you’re having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart

1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility

Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility

Men's Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned 

Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Should we try for another child? Can we handle all the treatments, ups and downs, and possible heartbreak that comes with trying again? Will my child be okay without a sibling? Will our family feel complete with “just” one child?

Lauren Sandler, award-winning journalist and author, is joining Baby or Bust to share her thoughts and insights on parenthood and chat about her bestselling book One and Only: The Freedom of Having an Only Child, and the Joy of Being One. This is the book that ignited an international conversation about single-child families.

In this conversation, Lauren Sandler shares with Dr. Lora Shahine her experience as an only child and a mother of an only child. They explore the cultural pressure surrounding family size and society’s heavy expectations put on parents to have more than one. 

You’ll hear Lauren share the importance of personal choice in parenting, debunk myths about only children, and highlight the significance of happiness and fulfillment in parenting. You’ll walk away ready to embrace your unique family dynamics and make empowered choices about your lives and families.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:29] Meet Lauren Sandler, author of One and Only

[5:13] Getting questions about family building

[8:43] 2 by 2––Society’s Expectation

[11:05] What does research say about single children?

[17:20] Pros of being an only child

[23:42] Assumptions about an only child’s life and future

[30:23] Lauren’s life today

Resources mentioned: 

www.laurenosandler.com/about 

One and Only book: www.laurenosandler.com/the-book 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

How do you heal and move forward from miscarriage and stillbirth? Will you ever feel whole again after such heartbreak? Where do you even go from there after such a profound experience?

Dr. Kiley Hanish is joining Dr. Lora Shahine on Baby or Bust for this episode to share her story and the support community for loss she created. Kiley and her husband, Sean, shared their story of stillbirth in the Emmy-nominated film Return to Zero, starring Minnie Driver in 2014. The lack of care she received through her son’s stillbirth led her down the path to create the nonprofit organization Return to Zero: H.O.P.E., so that other families would have a better experience.

Kiley’s personal experience and insights into her own healing are profound. You’ll hear her share how to navigate a new reality, accepting that grief is a lifelong journey, the importance of education for healthcare workers to support grieving families, and the entire journey of founding Return to Zero foundations and creating the film.

If you or someone you know has experienced loss, find support at rtzhope.org

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:17] Kiley’s story of the movie Return to Zero

[10:57] The impact of the film

[16:48] Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.––the organization

[24:00] Additional resources, for family and friends

[27:36] A message on loss, from Kiley

[29:44] Wave of Light Gathering

Resources mentioned: 

rtzhope.org

Return to Zero the film: www.imdb.com/title/tt2538130/?ref_=fn_al_

Wave of Light Gathering:  rtzhope.org/events-page/wave-of-light-gathering

RTZ Family & Friends resources: rtzhope.org/family

Recognition of Life Certificate: rtzhope.org/certificate

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter  on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books